Page 49 of Finding Redemption

“Hey, brother,” Riley says, slapping me on the back.

“Hey, where’s my girl?”

“The fuck, seriously?” He gapes at me, but he knows Ava’s like my sister. I just enjoy busting his balls. “She’s talking to Torrie and Brannon.”

“Only so much of the ex you can handle.”

“Brannon’s a good guy, but yeah. Guess it’s residual jealousy from childhood,” he grunts.

“Ava studying psychology?” I take a swig from my glass.

“Nope,” he quips. “Jameson.” He jerks his head at the bartender, giving his order.

Ava walks toward us, looking as gorgeous as she always does. Leaning in, she places a sweet kiss on my cheek before Riley can pull her into him.

“Hello, gorgeous. Why don’t you drop the zero and get with a hero?” I jerk my thumb to myself.

She laughs loudly and drapes her arm around Riley’s shoulder. “Y’all are a mess.”

Something to the right catches my eye. I glance that way before completely gawking at the damn fine redhead walking straight at me. I’m rendered speechless when she stops before us. “Ava, it’s good to see you.” Reese air-kisses Ava.

She’s breathtaking. And hot as fuck, or so my cock says. “It’s good to see you. Alden.” Ava reaches for his hand as I continue to be mute.

“Ravishing.” He kisses her hand, making my back go rigid.

“Thank you. Reese, you look amazing. I love your dress,” Ava tells her.

Speechless, I stare at her.

“I love your dress. You can wear anything mermaid and the black lace bodice is gorgeous on you,” Reese says.

“Yeah, well, while they walk the runway, let’s have a drink.” Alden waves for help.

“Walker.” Reese finally acknowledges me. I try to play it cool by leaning nonchalantly against the bar.

“Reese, beautiful as always.” I look over her instead of at her.

“Thank you. If you have some time next week, I have a few amendments to go over with you.” She tilts her head into my line of sight.

“I’ll find time. We need to put this to bed.”

“Agreed.” I glance at her when I feel her staring. “So… I’ll be in touch.” When her eyes flitter to Alden, rage begins to boil deep inside me. Why does that make me angry?

“Fine,” I growl. “If you’ll excuse me.” I step past her, pushing myself to walk away but not before her perfume invades my senses.

“Walker,” Riley calls. “Wait up.”

I slow my stride, waiting for him to catch up. Once he’s beside me, I continue to put some distance between me and my kryptonite. I walk to the opposite side of the room, doing my best not to stare at her but it’s useless. She calls to me.

“Why do I lose my grip when I’m around her?”

Riley’s mouth twists to the side. “I think you know.”

“Yeah, I do.” I down my drink. “It ain’t happening.”

“Whatever you say, big brother.” He pushes off the wall where we stand. “But you know, life has its own way of doin’ things.”

Ava struts toward us, and a big ass grin plasters Riley’s face.