Ten

Ugh, my throat is scratchy. That's my first thought when the heat of the morning sun beaming through the curtains wakes me out of a deep and restful sleep.

My chest feels strange. It's vibrating like it's a battery-operated toy… It feels sort of heavy too.

Fuck, I hope I"m not getting sick.

I open my eyes, dreading the aches I fear will be coursing through my body.

"What the fuck," I curse at the sight of the black fur ball curled up on my chest. I"m practically inhaling its fur.

It appears that said fur ball has no desire to leave its current resting place, seemingly unbothered by my loud voice. I slowly glide my hand under the cover to shift the thing off me, but the subtle movement has him moving into attack mode. He slinks down into a stealthy position, ready to pounce on my hand, so I pause, thinking he will lose interest.

I've never owned a cat, nor have I ever cohabitated with one either, so when he pounces on me with ninja-like quickness, I practically jump out of bed in both surprise and maybe a little fear. Not that I'd admit the latter.

"Really, dude," I groan as the fucking fur ball claims a spot in the middle of my bed. I point at his curled-up body as he eyes me with intent. "This is not your room."

The thing just ignores me and rolls onto his side like he doesn't have a care in the world.

I march into the kitchen to where Ava is fighting with my espresso maker. As if she can already feel my presence in the room, she spins to face me.

"How in the world do you use this thing? I've been trying for fifteen minutes."

I quirk an eyebrow as I peruse Ava in her pajamas. "That's quite the adorable set you have on. I would have never taken you as a bunny pattern type of girl, considering the unhinged black demon you have as a pet."

She chuckles. "Is that where he was? I've been looking for him. The pajamas were all I had in my suitcase from North Carolina. And besides, they are very comfortable."

"I can see that," I tease, as my eyes rake over her body once more. Fuck, she's gorgeous, even in the morning.

Ava's arms shoot out to cover her braless chest. I grin at the motion. "Come on, Legs, it's not like I haven't had them in my mouth before. No need to hide from me."

Her eyes flare and she shoots me an incredulous look. But I notice the way her chest heaves. My cock twitches at the thought of seeing what's under beneath those flimsy pajamas.

She scoffs, and then drops her arms to her sides as I walk around her to get the caffeine flowing. Effectively breaking the moment.

"Espresso or cappuccino?" I ask over my shoulder.

"Mmm, a cappuccino, please. What can I do to help?"

"Grab the milk from the fridge, then I"ll teach you how to use the machine," I say as I grind the beans.

"It's so quiet here.If it wasn't for the view, I would've forgotten we were still in Manhattan," Ava says as she takes a sip of her second cappuccino.

"I forget sometimes too, until I walk outside."

"You mean, until you almost get run over by a taxi, or a bike messenger. Oh, or yelled at by someone just passing by."

"Yeah, something like that." I chuckle.

"Ah, I frickin' love it here. The chaos and the beauty all wrapped into one crazy island," she says with a loving sigh.

"Do you ever get sick of it…the constant noise and people?" I ask, knowing she was born and raised here.

"Absolutely. That's when I escape out east to my grandparent's house. Or take a trip to visit friends. I used to visit Sloan in California before she moved back to the city. Where's your escape…beside here?" she asks as her hand motions to my apartment in emphasis.

"Upstate, Hudson Valley area," I answer honestly.

"I love it up there. Especially in the fall… The colors of the trees are so pretty that time of year," she says with a sincere smile. It's so beautiful, it makes my chest ache.

She's a lot easier to talk to than I had first presumed, based on the fact she grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth. But that's my own vendetta, and it's slowly dissipating when it comes to Ava the more I give myself a chance to get to know her. I find myself sharing stories and personal moments… Something I haven't felt comfortable enough to do with anyone in a very long time. It's a hard lesson to learn growing up, who you can trust, who will have your back and unfortunately for me, that lesson was learned the hard way.

"It really is…" I say, more to myself than her.

A peaceful silence falls between us as we finish our drinks and look out at my view.

With the little time left that we have before we need to leave for the office, Ava takes it upon herself to browse the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that line the entire wall in my living room.

Her delicate fingers roam over the spines, inspecting each and every one. I swear my cock twitches with every twist of her hand.

"I would have never thought you were this much of a reader," she says, continuing her perusal.

"There's a lot you don't know about me."

"Hmm, that is true," she ponders, then switches her focus to the endless shelves. Her head tilts to read the worn spines of some of my favorite series. I swear I think I've read those at least a dozen times.

Ava turns her head in my direction and eyes me with interest. "This is quite the variety you have here."

"I'm a mood reader," I reply bluntly.

"Figures." She sighs, then steps back, and her eyes return to the shelves. Probably observing the fact that they lack pictures.

This back-and-forth between us feels too much like the closeness I dread when it comes to relationships. And that's exactly what she's looking for, although she'll try to deny it. But I remember that elated expression on her face when she caught the bouquet at Sloan and Wes's wedding last fall. All the women fawning over her, telling her she'll be the next one down the aisle. She looked absolutely stunning standing amongst the other bridesmaids beside Sloan. I found it hard to focus on anything else. The vision of standing at an altar flashes in my mind, but I quickly shake away those thoughts…

Needing some space, I place my cup in the sink, and then walk down the hall to my room without a word.

I shut the door behind me, taking a calming breath, hating that I love the fact that she's been here for less than twenty-four hours, and her smell is already infiltrating my space. But that doesn't stop me from inhaling deeply again.

Ignoring the black fur ball who has now claimed my bed as his own, I step into my ensuite and pull myself together for the long day ahead.

Ava is slingingher work bag onto her shoulder when I exit my bedroom. I clear my throat and her head whips in my direction.

"Do you want to walk together to the office?" I ask.

She stands there in silence as she contemplates my offer.

"Okay," she finally relents.

A gust of warm air hits us as soon as we step out of my building. "It's less than a ten-minute walk," I say, trying to break the awkwardness that has surrounded us since the elevator ride down.

"Great," she says with that fake, practiced smile. Knowing the difference between the two, I hate the fact she's using this one with me.

After a block or so, she speaks up. "I have several Airbnbs I"ve been looking into. I should hear back from them by the end of the day. So, I will be out of your hair soon."

My steps falter. Wait, what?

I know I"m a grumpy fuck, but have I made her feel unwelcomed?

We fuck two times…one of which was a year and a half ago and you are already asking me for more. My words from that night send a chill up my spine. Sometimes I don't even recognize the man I've turned into.

She needs my help right now. It"s the least I can do to make up for my behavior. "Av, there is no rush to find something. I have plenty of room."

She side-eyes me as we continue our walk. "Are you sure? I don't want you to feel like I"m invading your place."

"I"m sure… That little black demon you call a cat is welcome too," I tease, hoping to bring back the lightness between us.

"I think he has daddy issues… Maybe that's why he was all up on you this morning."

We both break into laughter at that.

"Thank you, Parker. Honestly, it means a lot to me."

"I"m glad I can help," I say with a genuine smile. Even though the thought of sharing my personal space scares the shit out of me, it also fills me with a strange thrill. I've come to realize I need to stop letting the past control my life. There's just something about her being around that makes me want to push forward…be better. I relish the fact that I get to actually be there for her in the ways I want to be.

We're about a block away from the office, and I can tell by the gnawing on her lip that she's deep in thought. But before I can ask her, she speaks.

"What's your favorite type of take out?"

I chuckle at the random question. "Hmm, If I'd have to choose, I'd say sushi or Thai."

"Mmm, I love Thai food," she practically moans.

Fuck, that sound is addicting.

"Can I ask why the random question?"

She turns to me as we wait for the light at the crosswalk. "Because I'm treating you to dinner tonight. As a thank you," she beams.

"You don't have to do that. I"m usually home quite late," I try to argue.

"I know, I know…you're a workaholic. Good thing Thai is easy to reheat." She winks, then begins crossing when the light turns green.

"I'll try to make it home at a decent time." No sooner are the words out of my mouth am I questioning their meaning.

"No worries, I have to hit up Target at some point today, then I have dance class. So I'd say I'll be home around seven-thirty."

"Sounds like a plan," I agree as we approach the main doors.

Something about all this has my stomach tightening. Her staying the night, seeing her in her natural state, making her coffee, observing her move about my space, walking to work with her, arranging to be home to have dinner together… I'm…enjoying it, and that makes me feel like I'm about to freefall into something I can't handle.

Ava turns to me with a sly smile on her face. "I"m going to head in first… You know, wouldn't want us walking in together to raise questions."

"I don't give a fuck what people think," I retort.

"Oh, I know you don't, bossman. But you know with that no fraternization policy, I wouldn't want any trouble." She quirks an eyebrow.

Trying my best to school my face, I gesture for her to go ahead. She nods and strolls past me. I don't miss the extra sway of her hips as she strides through the doors.

Well played, little brat… Well played.