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Chapter 8
Ava spentmost of her weekend with Tim. The firm had given everyone off not only for the fourth but the fifth of July, too, making for a four-day weekend. She helped Tim get his apartment in order. He lived in Greenwich Village in a small one bedroom apartment that needed some artwork. While her cousin, Dani, had great pieces, it wasn’t cheap. Ava gifted a few to him without him knowing the price. She didn’t want him to think she was showing off her wealth if he didn’t think that already by seeing her large condo after the evening at the barbecue.
His new place had a small courtyard outside. It was cute, and some of the residents had planted some vegetables and flowers. There were a few bistro sized tables and chairs. Several trees threw shade over them, which made it comfortable to sit there during the afternoon.
Tim was careful not to overstep his bounds again when it came to physical contact. He chastely kissed and lightly hugged her, but he kept his hands to himself most of the time. She was glad he was respecting her wishes.
The next week was busy for Ava. She had taken on more hours after the holiday because the following week, she would only be working three days. She was leaving with Rachel on Saturday morning for Montreal. She was excited because she had never been to Canada. Fortunately, she had gotten a passport several years ago and kept it valid.
On Friday, she arrived home at her usual time of 1:30 PM and started to pack. Rachel had said that they would be doing some shopping and maybe go out to dinner. She packed one outfit for a fancy dinner, and the rest of her clothing was casual. She checked the weather in Montreal for the next few days, and it indicated that it would be cool in the evening. She made sure to pack a jacket or she would have to buy one. Next, she called Gage and asked if he could feed Riley and Boomer for the next few days. Her phone rang just as she hung up with him. Tim was calling.
“Hello, Tim.”
“What are you doing tonight?”
“I’m just going to take it easy. Why, did you have something in mind?”
“Since you’re going to be away for the next few days I would like to have dinner with you.”
Ava checked her watch. “I guess that would be okay. We are leaving early tomorrow, and I would like to get to bed before ten tonight.”
“How about we get some takeout? Is sushi alright?”
“Sure, I could go for some of that. Do you want to come over here?”
“Why don’t you come here? We can have dinner in the garden.”
Ava liked that idea, so she agreed to come to his apartment at 6:30. When she got there, he had just gotten back with dinner. They made their way out to the courtyard to sit under a tree at one of the tables.
“So what do you have planned in Montreal?”
“Rachel wants to do some shopping, and we will probably go out to dinner on Sunday. She isn’t meeting her client until Monday. I’ll probably tag along. I always wonder how she handles her elite clients. Now I will get to see firsthand.”
“Does she need you to go? I prefer that you stay here with me.”
“I haven’t spent a lot of time with Rachel recently. I want to go. You said you were fine with it.”
“I know what I said, but I would rather you stay here,” he threw back at her sarcastically.
Ava did not like how the conversation was going. It seemed that he wanted to dominate her time. “I’m sorry, but plans are already made and I don’t want to cancel at the last minute,” she stressed.
“That’s too bad because we could have spent the entire weekend together.”
Ava felt uncomfortable. Why was he trying to keep her here? “Tim, is there something you want to tell me?”
He scowled at her.
“No, why would you think that? I just want you to stay here with me. You spend a lot of time with your family. In another six weeks, I’ll be working the fall semester, and we won’t be able to spend a lot of time together. Don’t read into it, Ava.”
“I’m sorry. I should get home, though. I need to do a few things before I go to bed.” She rose from her chair expecting him to do the same. Instead, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back down into the chair. She almost fell, and he loosened his grip without letting go.
“Hey, why did you do that?”
“It’s only eight o’clock. You don’t have to go to bed. Better yet, why don’t you stay with me tonight? You can leave early tomorrow morning,” he nearly groaned as he gave her a seductive stare.
“I think I better go. I’m not ready for what you are suggesting.”
“I’m not suggesting anything. I just want to be with you tonight.”
