Me: Good morning. I'll be home at lunchtime. Want you to meet someone special.

Dad: Does someone special like barbecue?

Me: Yeah. She eats everything. Tell Mom not to freak out.

Dad: Might be pointless.

Me: Just want Ava to be comfortable. See you soon.

A movement beside me made me leave my phone on the nightstand. Ava rubbed her nose against my pec and pressed a small kiss to my skin.

"Good morning." I buried my hand in her hair and kissed the top of her head. "Did I wake you?"

She snuggled up to me. "No."

I grinned, wrapping Ava in my arms, trying not to think about what we did last night. We wouldn't make it to my hometown in time for lunch if I recreated any of what went down in this bed or on the couch.

"What's funny?" Ava asked, trailing her fingertips across my abs.

Her voice sounded sleepy. What time did we go to bed? Three in the morning? Four?

My hand shifted from her nape to her flushed cheek. "Not funny, cute. You. Coffee?"

"Please. Make it strong."

She rolled out of bed, rewarding me with the view of her naked body as she went to the en-suite. Damn, I was lucky. Got lucky, too. Repeatedly.

While waiting for Ava at the breakfast bar, I went through my emails, ignoring those from Wyatt. It was Sunday, for fuck's sake. The dude needed to get a life. I hoped to see something from the Davis guy, but his name didn't pop up in my inbox. I did have something that'd make Ava happy, though - a book wrapped in gift paper lay next to the mug with Ava's drink.

"Do you think we'll have time to stop by my house?" Ava rushed into the room, wearing a tee and shorts she kept in the closet.

I glanced at my watch. "We'd have to hurry."

"I wish you'd told me," she huffed. "Meeting your family is a big deal, and I don't even know what to wear."

Grumpy Ava was adorable. "Wear what you're wearing now," I said, pulling her into a hug. "We'll eat in the garden; it's just a family lunch, nothing fancy."

"Guys." She rolled her eyes.

I bit back a smile and slid her mug across the counter. "Your coffee. And this," I added, handing her the book. "And there's a bag with something on our bed."

Our bed. Smooth, Jim. Ava could've freaked out if she weren't sniffing the rectangular package.

"Oh my God, it's a book," she whispered, her eyes wide.

I failed to contain a chuckle this time. Of course, she'd be more interested in a novel than anything else. Not that I minded. Like I said, adorable.

Ava unwrapped the gift and pressed a palm to her mouth, staring at the dedication on the first page. "Oh my God."

"'Oh, Jim,' works for me, too. Or 'yes, Jimmy.'" I winked.

Harder and faster also fell into the category of things that worked. I should definitely stop thinking about last night.

Ava launched herself at me, circling my neck with her arms as she pressed small kisses to my cheeks and lips. "Thank you, thank you, thank you. I don't even know how you got it but...wow."

'Wow, Jim' also worked. Never failed, that one.

I breathed in Ava's scent, cradling her to my chest. "I'm glad you liked it. I didn't murder anyone to get the dude's novel. Just went to his book signing."

"It means a lot." She beamed. "You have no idea."

I bit my lip. What would she say when I finally had her manuscript with Allister's notes?

"Gift bag. The bed," I said, peppering Ava's jaw with kisses. "And I'd wait for you for as long as necessary, but you haven't seen my dad when he's hungry, and we really need to hurry."

"Right. Bag." Ava dashed to the bedroom. I followed her and loitered in the doorway, watching her as she pulled out the clothes I bought in Paris.

I scratched the back of my head. Would she think it was too much? I wanted to give her something. Kennedy bought stuff for his girl, and I tagged along. I also got things for my parents.

"You're crazy," Ava whispered, holding a light blue dress to her chest. "I know the brand. It's-"

"Nothing. It's nothing. You can wear it to meet my parents, although shorts are perfectly fine."

Ava groaned. "Jimmy."

"I love it when you say my name, especially in my ear, when we're naked in bed."

Ava finally blushed. I dropped a kiss on her forehead and stared at her while she got ready.

☆☆☆

I had to stop the car midway through the journey to pull Ava onto my lap and tell her it was gonna be okay. I didn't think she'd get so nervous. My parents were easy-going and fun, and I knew they'd love her. How could they not? She was beautiful, intelligent, talented, all good things in one cute as hell package. Mom would be thrilled I finally met someone, especially someone like Ava.

"Mom loves books," I told Ava when we drove past the Welcome sign. "She's in a book club with her friends, so expect her to gush about it. My Dad's a friendly guy, crazy about bikes. Don't worry, okay?"

I gently rubbed her knee and squeezed her hand she kept in her lap.

"I've never met a guy's parents before," Ava gripped my fingers. "And well, maybe I'm not who they think you'd bring home."

"You're definitely someone they hoped I'd bring home one day. Ditch those insecurities, 'kay? You're my girl. You're perfect for me, and I'm in love with you."

The corners of Ava's mouth lifted. Good. I wanted to see her happy.

Driving through the streets of my hometown was relaxing. Comforting. Doing it with Ava was plain wonderful.

When I parked in our driveway and helped Ava out of the car, she took my hand in hers, casting shy glances at our surroundings.

"Dad's repair shop's there." I pointed in the direction of the garage as we strolled toward my childhood home. "And this is where I grew up."

The front door swung open as soon as we started to climb the steps of the porch.

"Finally!" Mom gave me a broad grin and hugged me briefly. The long hug was reserved for Ava, who shot me a panicked glance.

"Mom. Give my girl back to me, will you?" I pried Ava out of Mom's arms and hugged her shoulders from behind. "She's beautiful, isn't she?"

"Very. I'm Aria." Mom said to Ava, looking at her with warmth.

"Ava," my girl said.

I pecked her cheek. "Let's meet Dad."

"He's setting up the grill in the backyard." Mom descended the steps, silently asking us to follow her. "The day's beautiful. Let's hope it doesn't get too hot."

Holding Ava's hand, I led the way to where Dad was. Just like Mom, he gave her a hug and smirked at me. Thank fuck he didn't give me a thumbs up. That would make Cute Little Thing hide in my car for the rest of the visit.

"Help me," Dad said. "Aria and Ava can relax and chat meanwhile."

Mom immediately turned her attention to my girlfriend. As they walked toward the set table in the shade of the trees, I caught snippets of their chat. Ava looked more at ease, much to my relief.

"Took you long enough to fess up." Humor danced in Dad's eyes. "She's the same girl you told me about in January, isn't she?"

"Yeah. And I screwed up, but-"

"She forgave you. Don't do it again."

"Believe me; I won't."

"I'm happy for you," Dad said. "She seems to be a good girl."

I glanced over at Ava, who was laughing at something Mom was telling her. What embarrassing childhood secret of mine was it? My pet snake? The first time I got drunk?

I snapped out of it fast and handed the plate with steaks to my dad. "Yeah, she's a keeper."

We grilled the meat and took it to the table. Sitting beside Ava, I rubbed her knee. "You okay?"

"Yeah."

"We were talking about books," Mom said, serving the food. "I thought I was an avid reader, but your girl wins, Jimmy. It must run in the family. Does your mom read, too?"

Ava stiffened under my touch. I wanted to hug her but wasn't sure if it would make her more uncomfortable.

"I don't have a mom," she said, poking her steak with a fork. "But my dad reads a lot. I used to wait for him at the hospital when I was little. He always gave me a book, so I wouldn't get bored. I guess that's where my love of reading comes from."

Mom changed the topic, but the shift in Ava's mood was hard to miss. I rubbed small circles on her skin as we ate, although she hardly paid attention to what I was doing.

Fuck. I needed to talk to her. The last thing I wanted was to see her upset.

"So, you two are spending the night, right?" Dad asked as we were having coffee with some pastries Ava and I brought. "You need to watch the sunset by the lake. It's beautiful."

We were going to drive back, but I liked Dad's idea better. I mentally went through my schedule. An interview on Channel One was in the afternoon, right before a meeting with Wyatt the prick.

"When do you start working tomorrow, baby?" I asked Ava.

Crimson tint spread over her cheeks. I kissed one of them to make it worse.

"At twelve. I have to start earlier because a workmate asked me to. If I'd known-"

"It's okay." I drew an arm around her waist and pressed her to my side. "We can drive back after breakfast if that's okay and you want to stay here."

"Sure. I'm gonna use the bathroom."

Ava jumped to her feet and rushed to the house, sending a small smile my way.

I got up to go after her, but Mom grabbed my wrist. "She knows where it is. I showed her before. I messed up, didn't I? You should've told me it's only her dad. Poor thing."

I toyed with my coffee cup. "It's okay. How would you know? It's not something we talk about a lot, either. Ava once said her mom died in childbirth, and that was the only time she mentioned anything at all."

"Growing up without a mom must be hard." Mom sighed. "Okay. Enough of that. Your room's ready for the two of you. Show Ava around, have some fun."

"I brought you and Dad something from Paris. Kennedy said hello."

By the time I gave my parents their gifts and told them about my trip, Ava was by my side.

"Want to see my room?" I asked.

"Sure."

I led the way into the house. Even though Ava perked up a bit, she wasn't her usual cheerful self. When my bedroom door closed behind us, I locked it and trapped Ava between my dresser and me.

"Baby."

"Jimmy."

"What's wrong? Nothing isn't an acceptable answer."

Ava flattened her palms over my chest. "I'm just a bit sad, but it's not because of what your mom asked. That was a normal question, and she's really nice. Your dad's great, too."

I caressed her bare arms with my fingertips. "I'm sorry, okay? Do you wanna talk about it?"

"And the sunset?"

"It's up to us. If you want to stay here, it's okay. We belong to ourselves. My parents will want to have dinner with us, but until then, we can do whatever we want."

Ava's beautiful eyes met mine. She put her hands on the back of my neck and tilted her head up. Warm and soft, her lips molded against mine. I cupped her face between my palms, sliding my tongue into her mouth. My heart rate spiked. Who needed sunsets?

"Jimmy." Ava rested her forehead against my shoulder, breaking the kiss. "If we keep it up-"

"Understood. The lake."

☆☆☆

I spread a blanket on the grass by the water. Ava lay her head on my lap, and I threaded my fingers through her strands, studying her expression.

"What's on your mind?"

"This place reminds me of the one where you said you loved me. Yay, Ava, now I sound lovesick."

I looked skyward. "I wrote a song about you. Songs, plural. That's loversicker than lovesick."

"And wower than wow."

"I'm a lost cause, Beautiful. Can't wait to tell the media all about it."

"Just don't mention Alfie's house," Ava said, sitting up. "I like the idea of hiding there with you."

I smoothed my thumb over Ava's brow. "Speaking of Alfie's place. I want you to have this."
Reaching into my pocket, I took a spare key and put it on Ava's palm. "I'm practical. If we drive there separately one day, I'd rather you could enter the house."

Ava wrapped her fingers around the key. "Thank you. These two days have been one big wow. I don't want to lie to you. I'm a bit overwhelmed - in a good way, of course."

"Did your reaction to my mom's question have anything to do with your birthday approaching?"

Ava climbed onto my lap and let me hug her. "Yeah," she spoke into my neck. "It's stupid. Dad made sure each birthday party of mine was memorable. I had the best birthdays, my girls can tell you that, but I can't help feeling this weird emptiness. Maybe that's why I love Harper so much. She's like my big sister, maybe even a mother figure. Someone I look up to."

My heart squeezed. I was glad she was talking to me, but feeling that way must've been heartbreaking. "Nothing you feel is stupid. And I have some serious competition now. Because I owe you a party that's-"

"Wower than wow." Ava grinned, caressing my scalp. "With you by my side, it'll be the best birthday ever."

I sure as hell was going to make it unforgettable.