She slowly shook her head. “Oh, I wouldn’t know, Ava. I’m a virgin.”
Oh. My. God. That explained this whole crazy conversation. Jennifer had to be at least twenty. I was super impressed she had kept her virginity, especially since she was knock-me-over gorgeous. “Oh. Well, at any rate, I had to be at my father’s house that day for this huge meeting he was having with two gentlemen from Austin. My father and Layton were talking about going organic.”
Jennifer jumped up. “No freaking way! Ryder and Nate?”
With a giggle, I nodded. “Yes! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Ryder standing before me. Of course, then I got mad because I thought we had slept together and how could he sleep with a girl so drunk out of her mind.”
“Right. Of course, that would be a douche move for sure!”
I glanced through the front window and saw Destiny was still talking to Ryder. Turning back to Jennifer, I gave her a sweet smile. “But your brother is far from being a douche. He simply took care of me while I suffered from taking way too many shots.”
Jennifer sighed. “And you have been dating since. How sweet.”
I shook my head. “Oh no. We haven’t been dating.”
With a frown, Jennifer turned her head and looked at me with a stunned expression on her face. “But, the way you look at each other. You were just kissing on the front porch.” She let out a confused chuckle. “I’m confused, Ava.”
“Don’t be. It’s not that complicated. We just needed a little push I guess. I think it’s safe to say I’m very much interested in your brother.”
Placing her hands over her heart, Jennifer sighed loudly. “Oh. My. Gawd. That was the most beautiful love story I’ve ever heard.”
My smile faded. “Well, I think our story is just beginning, at least I hope it is.”
“Oh my gawd! That’s such a beautiful thing to say, Ava! I’m so happy Ryder has found you. It’s like destiny met fate! Oh it’s all so perfect.”
Now I’m so confused. What is happening?
“It’s like watching one of my romance books coming to life before my eyes.”
Ahh. It all made sense now. “Jennifer, have you had a chance to talk to my mother yet?”
Shaking her head, Jennifer said, “No. Why?”
I laced my arm in hers as we made our way back into the living and over to my mother.
“Jennifer, this is my mother, Courtney. She’s an editor. She loves romance books.”
I thought Jennifer was going to leap into my mother’s arms. “Oh. My. Gawd!” Jennifer said as she quickly began spitting out book names. One look from my mother and I knew I’d be catching hell later on from her. She loved talking books, but talking to Jennifer would wear her out and she would quickly find my father and say she was ready for bed.
My evil plan of getting my parents up to their room early was working. Even though I just came up with it two minutes ago.
I WANTED TO punch myself in the face as I listened to Destiny tell me how much she deserved a second chance.
I held up my hands to get her to stop talking. “Destiny, stop. Please just stop talking. There was never anything real between us. It was something our fathers wanted. I’m not even living here; I live in Texas!”
With a smile, she placed her finger in her mouth and bit down on it. “But, you’re moving home.”
I needed to nip this in the bud and quickly. “Destiny, I’m with Ava.”
Her eyes widened. “With Ava? As in, you’re dating her?”
Were we dating? I mean, hell, we made plans to have sex later. I’d consider that dating.
“Ryder? Are you going to answer me?”
“Yes, Destiny. Ava and I together.”
“Exclusive?”
My mouth dropped open as I stared at her.
“Yes, exclusive. Jesus Christ, Destiny,” I said as I raked my hand through my hair.
“Destiny, I’m about ready to head on out.”
I glanced over to the door and saw my sister, Jennifer. With a smile, I walked past Destiny and kissed my youngest sister on the cheek. “We didn't get a chance to really talk.”
Jennifer smiled a smile so wide I couldn't help but chuckle. “It’s okay, I got to talk to Ava, who I love by the way! I might love her mother a bit more though and possibly might have scared her some with my book talk.”
My sister Jennifer was an English literature major and loved to read. “I’ll be sure to let her know you’re not crazy.”
Hitting me lightly on the chest, Jennifer winked. “Treat her right, Ryder. I can tell she’s special.”
“Oh gag me,” Destiny said as she pushed past my sister and I. “I’m ready to go.”
Jennifer rolled her eyes before giving me a hug goodbye. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. Be careful driving, Jennifer.”
“Will do! Bye, Ryder.”
My sister took off like a bolt of lightning and made her way through the house, saying goodbye to everyone. Destiny kissed my parents goodbye and followed Jennifer out the door. One quick look around the room and my eyes caught that smile. Ava stood across the room chatting with my sister Dani and her husband, Rich.