Page 34 of Finding Redemption

“Going for a couple’s workout?” I ask snidely. He doesn’t deserve her.

“No, just me. Alden doesn’t need to work out.” Her voice is no more than a whisper and before I stop myself, I whip my head around.

“Does he fucking tell you that?” I stop pumping, stepping closer to her, pinning her between the pump and myself. I drag my eyes down her body, taking in every curve as if it were my hands. When my eyes snap to hers, I say the first thing that comes to mind. “You’re perfect. Fuck anyone who says otherwise.”

Her eyes search mine before a smile creeps across her face. My heart pounds in my ears. I think she might understand now.

Suddenly, she giggles. “Do you realize you’re half shaven?” She laughs louder. I’m sure it’s the way my cheeks are turning bright red in front of her.

I stare at her, speechless. I decide honesty is the best policy. “Ava. She used Nair on half my face.”

“Do they even make that anymore?” She snickers, making her green eyes sparkle. Damn, my stomach is in knots.

“Apparently,” I chuckle. “I’m happy someone finds this funny.”

“Oh, I do. Matter of fact, let’s take a selfie.” She bellows with laughter.

“Smartass.” I shake my head. “I’m on way to shave before getting in some work.”

“Good because this isn’t a good look for you. I like the scruff.”

“I’ll remember that.” I kick my pump off.

Reese slowly backs away. “I gotta go. I’m late.”

“Oh, yeah. Boyfriend,” I mutter.

“I’ll see you Tuesday?” she stops to ask.

“Tuesday.” I offer a tight smile, the thoughts of her working out with him making my blood boil.

“Be sure to shave or we might cause a scene.” She smiles at me with a wink, and my knees go weak.

“I think you cause one wherever you go.”

Whatever it is I say, she doesn’t like. Her eyes leave mine, staring at the pavement. Her smile nothing more than a frown. “I’m sure I do. See ya, Walker.” She slides into her Jeep before I can correct whatever I said.

I remove the hose, fix my cap, and get back on the road. I’m not even sure which way she went, but I know one thing for sure. She does things to me. I pull into the lower end of my office, parking close to the doors.

Brannon and his crew have been working on my apartment. I want to check it out, but I need to shave first. I stop by the bathroom, taking out my razor as I begin to apply the cream. I can’t help but laugh. “Fucking Ava.”

“I used to say that all the time.”

I jump out of my skin. “The fuck!” Brannon stands by the door with a shit-eating grin. “You people are going to be the death of me.”

“Sorry. I thought you heard me come through the door.” He shrugs. “Ava, huh?” he says as he examines my beard.

“Yeah, she better be thankful I didn’t have a full beard.” I continue to shave. “This is bad enough.”

“At least you haven’t run into anyone,” he adds. I turn back to him, staring blankly. “Shit.”

“Tell me about it.” I grimace. “Another attorney. A fucking gorgeous attorney.”

He shakes his head with a laugh. “Finish here. I’ll meet you in the back.”

I shave quickly. Well, it was only half. I find Brannon in my gutted offices. “How’s it going in here?”

“Good. As you can see, we’re ready for drywall.” He looks around at their handiwork.