We Never Kissed

Chapter 3

Alex

I sat at the hotel bar, pre-drinking before The Steadmans’ anniversary party. Yes, I could have done it in the privacy of my hotel room, but that just seemed pathetic. Plus, I might as well take advantage of the fact that, like many of the family members, I was staying in the hotel, so I wouldn’t have to drive all the way back drunk and tired. I’d actually checked in a day early to meet with some business contacts I had in San Diego, so it worked out all around.

I took a sip from my glass of Angel’s Envy—I did enjoy a nice bourbon. Not that drinking alone was common practice for me. But I’d fucked up. Missed my chance with Ava once again. And the thought of spending the evening in her presence… Well, disabling a half dozen brain cells was all I could think of. I just had to be careful not to ruin the family’s night. Because they were my family too. The only real family I had. Sue and Denny were there for me when my own parents weren’t—couldn’t be. The Steadmans had gotten me through some of the hardest times in my life.

I still couldn’t believe Ava was getting married. When I chickened out and didn’t leave her a voicemail, I’d called Sammy right after to see it was Ava I’d seen at the airport. And when he dropped that bomb on me, I’d had to make an excuse about an important call coming in because I couldn’t fucking breathe. Felt like I got sucker-punched in the gut. As close as Sammy and I were, I’d never once let my feelings for Ava show. Because I knew I could never act on them.

I glanced over my shoulder to the ballroom, where the doors were propped open and a sign sat near the entrance that read: Congratulations, Sue and Denny, on 40 Years ! What made it more amazing, is that they’d married right out of high school.

As if I’d willed them to appear, the happy couple rounded the corner and were heading right toward me. I slid off my bar seat to greet them. Sue was wearing a Champagne-colored skirt and matching jacket, and Denny was in an all-black suit like me .

I hugged them both, and Sue kissed me on the cheek.

“You look stunning, Sue.”

She tapped my lapel. “And you’re not only handsome but full of shit.”

“No, honey, he’s spot on this time.” Denny squeezed his wife’s hand, a loving expression on his face as he gazed at his wife.

Those two were the epitome of relationships. Maybe because they gave themselves a solid ten years together before they had kids. I couldn’t imagine ever having what they had.

They both faced me then, their smiles radiating not just happiness but a love I could feel deep down. Part of me felt guilty for dwelling on losing Ava when it was their night, but I was also grateful to be a part of this amazing family.

“Listen,” Sue began, taking my hand. “You can say no if you want, but the kids are each doing a toast, so we’d love if you said a little something too.”

“Oh…” I placed my free hand over my heart, totally caught off guard.

“We know how you love to take over a mic,” Denny said with a crooked grin.

“Hey, that was one time. And I was still learning to control my liquor.” I gave a single head nod. “I’d be honored to. Thank you. ”

“We love you,” Sue said, and Denny nodded.

“See you in there, Son.”

I watched them walk away before returning to my seat, a lump making its presence known in my throat. I was damn lucky to have them. Maybe Ava getting married was for the best. If she and I ever got together, I’d screw it up for sure. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing her or anyone in the Steadman family. An image of Ava in her wedding dress, dancing with Mark popped into my head, and I took another healthy sip to wash it away.

I ordered one more and took my time finishing it as I waited for the guests to fill the room; maybe I could disappear among the crowds. Still, all eyes would be on me when I gave my toast. But there was only one pair of eyes that could destroy me tonight, and as I glanced over my shoulder, the woman who owned them was gliding toward the ballroom.

Fuck me .

Ava was naturally beautiful and typically wore little makeup, but tonight she could have just stepped out of the pages of a magazine. The gown she wore was a dark and elegant shade of red, almost burgundy. It hugged her curves to perfection and had one sleeve draping her arm in sheer red material. The floor-length dress had a slit that I had to tear my gaze from before I broke out into a sweat. I actually eyed the path that led back to the elevators, but now was not the time to turn tail and run.

I stalked after her, planning to…I wasn’t sure, but as she entered the room, I saw dozens of eyes turning her way—men and women. A sense of urgency shot through me; if I had the guts—and was the selfish bastard I wanted to be—I would drag her out of that place and take her back to my hotel room, where we’d stay until I properly worshiped her the way I’d only dreamed of.

I said her name, and she stopped short, hesitating a beat before she turned to face me.

Closing the distance between us, I said, “You’re breathtaking, Ava.” I’d never used that word in my life, but it felt appropriate and inappropriate all at once.

She grinned, but it only lasted a moment, and I knew something was coming. “Can we talk?”

“Dance with me,” I said without thinking. I took her hand and led her to the dancefloor but before we stepped foot on it, fear shot through me as my mind flew back to another time I’d held Ava in my arms.