Page 36 of Break my Heart
With matching frowns, they turn and stare at Ava.
I take their distraction as my opportunity to leave.
The last thing I want to happen is for Ava to change her mind. I might not know her well, but I can see the indecision written across her expression.
It only takes a few long-legged strides for me to eat up the distance between us. “You’re late, Tink.” I make a show of glancing at my phone. “By at least ten minutes.”
Her gaze flicks from mine to the girls, who have their heads bent together and are whispering furiously while staring at us.
“Looks like you had company while you waited. Am I interrupting a fan club moment?”
Not bothering to glance in their direction, I shake my head. “Not at all.”
Unable to keep my hands to myself for another second, my fingers wrap around her elbow as my other hand settles at the small of her back, propelling her toward a couch in the back, away from the girls.
Once she’s settled, I nod toward the counter. “I’ll grab us a couple of coffees. Anything specific you’d like?”
With a tilt of her head, the corners of her lips quirk. “Surprise me.”
I arch a brow. “Hmmm. Why does this feel like a test?”
“Not sure.”
When mischief sparks in her eyes, I narrow mine for a second or two before swinging toward the counter. Once there, I ponder the array of drink options written in colorful chalk until one catches my eye, and I order two of them.
The entire time I wait, my attention strays to Ava. I’m half afraid she’ll disappear. Most girls are thrilled if I give them a little bit of attention.
This one couldn’t be more different.
“That was a hell of a game the other night. I couldn’t be there in person, but I watched the highlights on ESPN.”
I glance at the barista. “Thanks.”
He rests his elbows on the counter, as if settling in for a long chat. “Yeah, I used to skate back in the day.”
“You don’t say.”
With a nod, he puffs out his chest. “I wasn’t half bad.”
My gaze slides to Ava.
Well, hell.
The brunette sorority sisters have descended, flanking her like vultures.
My attention stays pinned to them as I clear my throat. “Are the drinks ready?”
He straightens to his full height. “Cara? Put a rush on the Van Doren order!”
Less than thirty seconds later, a girl bustles around the corner with two cups. Her cheeks are pink and her hands tremble as she sets them on the counter. “Here you go! Sorry about the wait!”
“No worries. Thanks.”
As I step away from the register, she raises her voice. “Bye, Hayes Van Doren!”
Without turning, I lift one of the drinks. “Have a good one.”
As I make my way to Ava, I notice the girls have settled on either side of her, sandwiching her in. By the look on her face, she’s not thrilled about the situation.