“Av, don’t be mad at him over this. Declan and I have depended on him for far too long to watch over you, something we should have been doing ourselves. He’s loved you since we were all kids, and in a way, what happened to you hit him hardest of all. I think he always felt like he let you down by not being there to prevent it.”
“That’s crazy.” Ava sighed. “There is no way he could have known. He told me, though, how hard it was for him afterward. I never thought about what it must have done to him, to find me that way.” Looking at her brother intently, she said, “So much has happened between Mac and me through the years, do you think we can ever have a normal relationship? I know he loves me, and I love him, but in the end, is it enough to overcome the baggage between us?”
Brant shifted in his chair, clearly uncomfortable. Ava hid a smile, knowing that her unflappable brother wasn’t one to normally discuss romantic relationships. Just when she thought he would try to change the subject, he ran a hand through his hair, causing it to stick up in all directions. “Av . . . we both know that I suck at this sort of thing, but I will tell you this. I almost lost that woman in the other room, who probably has her ear against the wall listening to us, by trying to deny what I felt for her. The Stones seem to have problems expressing themselves and God forbid you throw in some crazy and unpredictable emotion like love. I let myself believe that I was confused over my feelings for Alexia because it gave me a reason to distance myself from Emma. I almost lost her before I finally accepted what was right in front of me. I know Declan was all over the place as well when he was falling in love with Ella. Maybe you and Mac have things that you need to settle between you, but don’t lose sight of how you feel about him. That’s the most important thing.”
Just as Ava was opening her mouth to reply, Emma came running into the room, waving her arms. Brant jumped to his feet, reaching her in a single long stride. “What’s wrong, baby?”
“I talked to Ella. Mac is freaking out because both his truck and Ava are missing. I guess you left your purse on the kitchen counter with your cell phone inside it. He called Declan and then went by your apartment. They were all beginning to panic when Brant wasn’t answering his phone. I told Ella that you were here, Ava, and that Brant’s phone was on the bedroom charger and we didn’t hear it.” Taking a breath, Emma added, “But I already knew he was looking for you, because he called right before her. He should be here any minute. Um . . . he sounded a little pissed.”
Brant turned to Ava with a grimace. “I don’t suppose you thought to leave him a note?”
Ava rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t really thinking of anyone’s feelings other than my own when I left his house. I’m sure he’ll be fine now that he knows that I’m okay.”
Brant gave her a skeptical look but didn’t comment.
Suddenly, Mac was striding into the living room, having obviously skipped knocking at the door. Shit, apparently no one had bothered to lock it earlier. She watched him walk straight to her, drawing her into his arms and just holding her for a few moments without saying anything. When he finally pulled back, holding her at arm’s length, she could see the worry and anger clouding his face. “Ava, do you have any idea how scared I’ve been that something happened to you?”
Trying to lighten his mood, she joked, “Ah, come on. It’s not like anyone would have abducted me in your truck, right?” She knew immediately that her flippant reply was the equivalent of throwing gas on a flame.
“Are you fucking kidding me right now!” he roared as he jerked away from her. “I come home to find you gone with your purse still lying on the kitchen counter and lights on all over the house? Do you know how long it was before I realized that my truck was even gone? Even when I did, it didn’t make me feel any better. After making a fool of myself ripping this town apart looking for you, you’re making a joke? I thought someone took you, damn it!”
“Mac.” Brant tried to intercede, stepping between them.
The anger that Ava had felt toward Mac earlier for not telling her about Kevin’s letter was back in full force, fueled in part by the guilt she felt for upsetting him so much. Stalking around her brother, she picked up the letter that she had brought with her and stuck it in Mac’s face. “This is why I’m here. I found it at your house tonight.” He looked confused for a moment before freezing. Ava could see the exact moment that he recognized what she held in front of him. “So, excuse me if I didn’t leave you a note or drop you a text before I came to see my brother. I had a little something on my mind.”
“Avie . . . I,” Mac began before stopping, clearly at a loss as to what to say next.
Shaking her head, Ava said, “Yeah, that seems to be everyone’s reaction tonight.”
Mac released a deep breath, seeming to have forgotten his earlier anger. “Let’s go home, baby. We can discuss this there. It’s late, and I’m sure Brant and Emma are tired.”