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Avery started laughing again.
We somehow managed to dry off and headed back into the room to gather up our clothes.
“What about your wet hair? You have lunch with your mother and family today.”
Avery sat on the bed and pulled her jeans on. “I’ll blow it dry before we leave.” Her eyes met mine as I sat in the desk chair. She sighed and said, “I’m sorry about that.”
Slipping a boot on, I said, “Sorry about what? I had an amazing morning.”
She smiled. “It could have been better if we hadn’t had that little mishap.”
“Next time we’ll know to stay out of the shower.”
Avery chewed on her lip. “When will the next time be? You’re staying with Grams and Granddad, and I’m living with my parents still.”
“Did you forget I have this hotel room for another week and a half?”
She pulled her sweater over her head and made her way over to me. She straddled my lap and rested her arms on my shoulders, her fingers curling in my hair.
“And what excuse do we give to everyone? ‘Excuse me and Beck while we go to the hotel he rented so we can have sex without interruptions.’”
“We’ll think of something,” I said, kissing her on the lips. “It does sound like Stella is planning a few things for when I’m here, though. A dinner is one of them.”
Her fingers moved through my hair, her nails lightly scratching my scalp, and I swore it was making me sleepy. “I know it’s important for you to spend time with your family, but I can’t help feeling a bit jealous.”
Grinning, I pulled her arm down and took her hand in mine. Kissing the inside of her wrist, I looked up at her, watching how her eyes darkened as my tongue moved over her skin.
“We’ll find the time. I promise.”
Avery opened her mouth to say something, but my cell phone rang. “I should get that.”
She nodded and climbed off me, heading to the end of the bed to finish getting dressed. When I got to my phone, I saw it was Stella.
“Hi, Stella.”
Avery’s head whipped around to gape at me before she started to giggle.
“I hate to interrupt your time with Avery.”
I frowned. How in the hell did she know I was with Avery?
“We’re just driving around Hamilton while she shows me things.”
Avery bit her lower lip.
“Well, I forgot to mention that Merit and Lincoln are throwing a surprise welcome home dinner for Avery this evening at your uncle Brock’s house.”
I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat. It was still so strange to hear that word. Uncle.
“Oh, okay.”
“Since Avery doesn’t know about it, the girls are taking her to lunch today to make her think it’s for her last birthday that we missed, since she was in France.”
I rubbed at the back of my neck. “Yes, I knew about that.”
“Well, the reason I’m calling you is that we need you to ask Avery out tonight.”
Every thought in my head stopped like they’d hit a brick wall, I asked, “What?”
She laughed. “Son, don’t play coy with me. I know your interest in Avery is far more than friendly, and don’t you deny it. A mother knows these things. Now, you’re going to ask Avery out, and tell her you’re taking her to the Bitterroot Steakhouse for dinner. That way, she’ll get dressed up. Since the two of you are…doing whatever it is you’re doing, she won’t be surprised that you’re asking her out.”
Glancing over to Avery, I saw she was watching me curiously.
“Sounds like you’ve got this all planned out.”
“I do. Now hold on. Merit, when do we want him to bring her by Brock and Lincoln’s house?”
My mouth fell open. Merit was standing there while Stella said all that?
“Merit said to bring Avery to the house by seven.”
“What about…”
“Dinner? I’ll take care of that. Just act like you’re taking her on a date, and we’ll handle the rest. You’ll need to pick her up at her house around…”
“I’d say six!” Merit called out.
My face heated. “Okay.”
“Wonderful! Now, enjoy your morning, and be sure you use some kind of protection.”
“Oh my God,” I said, dropping back into the chair. “Did you really just say that?”
“I’m not ready to be a grandmother yet!” Merit called out. I jerked my head up to see Avery sitting patiently on the bed, a sweet, clueless smile on her face.
“I’m going to hang up now.”
“See you soon!” Stella called out.
She hung up before I could even say anything else.
“What’s wrong?” Avery asked with a laugh. “Your face is white as a ghost.”
I slowly shook my head. “Either Stella and your mother have some kind of psychic power, or they’re having us followed.”
Her smile faded. “What do you mean?”
I ran my hand down my face. “Stella told me to use protection…with your mother standing right there.”
