Chasing Ava: A Bachelor of Shell Cove Novel (The Bachelors of Shell Cove) (6 page)

“It’s October,” Ava said crossing her arms over her chest.
 

“A birthday gift then.”

“My birthday was in July.” At Lina’s continued bargaining Ava added a vigorous no head shake to the crossed arms.
 

“How about a pre-Columbus day sales event.” Ava furrowed a brow, at Lina’s hopeful expression. She couldn’t allow Lina’s enthusiasm to overshadow her displeasure at the turn of events. Spending additional time with Logan qualified as a big-ticket item purchase. She couldn’t afford the cost that any personal association with Logan would surely bring.
 

“Sale items are marked up before they are marked down twenty percent, but I’ll give you two points for originality,” Ava responded matter of fact.
 

“Dang Ava, I’m trying to help. It’s one ride home. This night could be a little treasure made just for you.”
That’s what she was afraid of. This night had a short half-life.
“You never have to ride with him again after tonight.” Ava released a low groan at her best friend’s ill-disguised innuendo. She felt her internal resolve crumbling. Maybe if she told Lina about the raw sensations running rampant through her body at this very moment she would be more helpful.
 

“Lina,” Ava leaned in close to ensure he didn’t hear her next statement. “He makes me feel weird things.”

 
“What does that mean?” The other woman looked at her with open confusion.
 

“You know, all topsy-turvy, small boat, big ocean kind of stuff.”
 

“That description confirms my suspicions. You’ve been working with children too long and why is your skin all dewy and flushed?” Ava rolled her eyes heavenward. “I need you focused.”

“I am focused, Ava Elaine. Small boat my foot, you’re all ‘flame on’ for Logan Masters.”
 

“I think I should...” Ava stopped mid-sentence because Lina was staring at her like she was from another planet.
 

“You’re attracted to a man. You like Logan,” the other woman squealed. “The last time this happened it was illegal for me to drink.” She looked ready to scream the good news from the rooftops.
 

“Lina, stop talking and help me.” At Ava’s stern retort Lina’s expression sobered.

“Not to worry. Stand back and watch your best friend handle this.” A wave of sadness washed over Ava. This was what she wanted. To be alone and safeguarded, so why did she feel like she’d just lost something valuable? Lina stood in front of her, observing the internal struggle reflected on her face. Ava offered a hint of a smile.
 

“Thank you, thank you. When you give him my excuse, talk loud enough so I can hear. I want to keep the story consistent.” Lina was more subdued than the minutes before. The last thing Ava wanted was to ruin Lina’s night. The sooner Ava returned home the better.
 

“No problem, I help you.” Lina replied, before she turned away taking the ten steps to reach Logan. Ava pasted on what she thought an,
I had a wonderful time, but I can’t let you drive me home
expression, and waited for Lina to deliver the supporting dialogue.
 

“Thank you for volunteering to take Ava home. I hope this does not interfere with your plans for the evening.”
 

“Not at all, Ava has my undivided attention.” Ava’s mouth dropped open. Lina was supposed to get her away from Logan, not put them in a car together. Her best friend would get a prescription grade laxative added to her food the next time she came over for dinner.

“You have nothing to worry about, I’ll take care of Ava.” His words seemed to be steeped in double meaning, but she could’ve misinterpreted them with all the ringing in her ears. Stupefied, Ava watched as Logan approached, a wide smile on his face. She could almost see the smoke rising from Lina’s metallic gold heels as she sashayed in the opposite direction. Never looking back as she walked into Jace’s waiting embrace. Logan touched the limp arm at her side and her skin tingled under his fingers.

“Let’s finish our dance, sweetheart.” This was going to cost her, big time.

The soft scents of honey and vanilla that were unique to Ava intensified as they swayed to the sensual melody filling the ballroom. With Lina’s hasty departure the tension returned to Ava’s limbs. Thinking it best to reassure her that she was safe with him, Logan commandeered a well-lit table at the edge of the dance floor.
 

 
He pulled out a chair for her allowing his hand to linger at the small of her back as she lowered all those graceful curves into the white covered seat chair. The subdued lighting and candlelit table accentuated the glitter in her eyes. Without saying a word he relocated two of the four chairs to the adjacent table, took his seat beside her, then pulled her high back chair flushed with his. He didn’t want to examine why he needed her close.
 

His thigh brushed against hers. His intent was to move away until he heard the hint of a sigh escape her berry-glossed lips. Her body spoke to him on a primal level whether she realized it or not. Every part of him, mind, body and soul was calibrated to this woman’s frequency. There was no way he could ignore the sensual vibe she emitted.
 

She was too quiet for his taste. Faint crescent shaped tension lines framed her mouth. Was it being in his presence that caused this reaction? After years of talking with patients prior to surgery he recognized anxiety. Maybe they both could benefit from a drink or two.
 

“What is your drink of choice? Wine or a cocktail?”

“I’ll have a ginger ale with lime, thanks.” He raised a brow in question.

“Are you wanting to keep your wits about you?” He studied her with a piercing gaze. Was she concerned he would take advantage of her?
 

“I never acquired the taste for alcohol Dr. Masters. If I did drink, I would not be partaking tonight.” Back to the formal title. Her defense system would rival the naval base in a neighboring state.

“That’s good to know and stop using my title as a monkey wrench.” Her lips formed an “oh” but she didn’t speak. “Don’t try to deny it. I’m your ride home and you are trying to run me off.”

“I haven’t forgotten.”
 

The little minx hadn’t corrected him on trying to get rid of him. She was not as mild mannered as she seemed. She could match wits with him. He relished the idea of driving her home. Time he would use to win her over.
 

“Good.” He was not an inexperienced teenager to be waved off. “You should know I have the aim of a heat seeking missile when it comes to getting what I want.” He knew his smile was pure wickedness and seeing the color deepen in her cheeks was a good sign to him.

“Well you are definitely packing enough heat for the both of us.”
She’s teasing me. Don’t poke the bear, sweetheart.
He smiled. The tension had left her features. He had succeeded on one front.
 

“One more question. Is it safe to assume nothing that has been said or done was under the influence of alcohol, cough syrups, or decongestants?”

“You are correct. I am in full control of my faculties.”
 

“I am pleased to hear you say that.” He didn’t want to scare her, but he wasn’t a man that danced around his intent. “I like you Ava,” he said, widening his devilish smile. “I’m glad I came tonight.” The last thing he saw before he turned in the direction of the bar was a wide stretched eye from the woman that would be his. Understanding obvious in her intelligent eyes. She wasn’t getting away from him.

He seemed to go out of his way to touch her. His touch was doing funny things to her insides. Her body was broadcasting its own signals and she couldn’t control them. Her stomach kept plummeting to her feet, a thin sheen of perspiration gathered between her breasts, and her nipples refused to return to a neutral position. They were pressed so hard against her dress there were permanent indentations in the thin fabric.
 

Ava couldn’t sit still. Her senses were on high alert. The pure energy flowing through her body was unnerving. She was in a fight or flight state, she needed to separate herself from Logan. And fast. He wanted her to call him Logan. She couldn’t do that. Every time she said his name her body warmed another degree. The man was pure sensuality wrapped in flesh.

“Are you hot or cold?” She startled at the sound of his voice and a wave of her essence soaked her panties. His head dipped close to her ear, warm breath wafted across her neck down the cleavage of her dress. “I see evidence of both.” He placed her drink on the table, his arm extending over her shoulder.
 

These panties were lousy. Was she supposed to feel all this moisture? Her own sexual heat was fueling her arousal and clouding her brain. “I’m sorry, could you repeat your question?”

“Are you hot or cold?” Sexual overtones hung on every syllable. He had to know what he was doing to her.
 

“I’m fine,” her voice shook. Goose bumps erupted across her arms and it had everything to do with the man feasting on her with his eyes. Her single intimate encounter was sorely lacking in comparison to the steady increase in circulating sex hormones. She wanted to do the
naughty nurse
with the man pressing his muscled thigh against her leg.

He removed his jacket, laying the weighted material over both her shoulders. “You can take it off whenever you want.” Take it off? Not in the next twenty-four hours. The jacket had to be laced with nurse catnip. His scent had her enthralled. It was driving her insane with need. She almost groaned in satisfaction as fine threads of sensual energy tingled all over her body. This must be how women wake up naked with a sexy stranger in their bed after a night on the town. She felt drunk with sensation. Was she panting? Possibly, but her brain was shrouded in a sexual fog. Images of her tearing off that expensive suit gazing on his naked glory flooded her mind.
 

It had to be the combination of his presence, the jacket, and his scent. His personal brand of aphrodisiac had her body spiraling out of control, pulling her deeper into unfamiliar territory. Ava pushed away from the table and stood, almost toppling her chair with the swift rise.
 

Logan stepped back giving her additional room to move. And breathe. Fresh air, minus the Logan factor would be good.

“Is everything all right?”

“Yes, of course. If you will excuse me.” She sounded breathless to her own ears.

He moved in front of her before she could take another step. “Where are you going?”

“To the ladies room.” She moved to shrug out of his jacket.

“Keep it. I wouldn’t want you to get chilled again.” A fierce blush crossed her cheeks. She wouldn’t look down, knowing she was still high beaming.
 

He stepped aside without another word.
 

A stream of well-dressed ladies, standing in an orderly fashion greeted her as she entered the corridor to the ladies room. Why was the line to enter the ladies’ room always three times longer than the men’s? Ava retraced her steps before detouring to the guest elevators. The lower floors had to be less crowded. After two failed attempts on the floor immediately below the ballroom, she took the elevator to the lobby knowing a restroom had to be available for use without a security key.
 

Reapplying her berry gloss, she barely recognized her reflection in the mirror. Her color was high, a fine sheen of perspiration glistened on every inch of visible skin despite the cool night. She was in a heightened state of sexual arousal fueled by mutual desire. And Logan would add more gasoline to the fire the instant she returned to his side.