“Ava Moore, and I’m sorry for the stunned expression, it was rude.”
With a bigger smile, she simply said, “No worries.”
Vanessa glanced over to Ryder and Nate and shook her head. “You’d think they would be too old to do this.”
Putting her fingers up to her mouth, she whistled so loud I was sure I would hear ringing in my ears for the next two weeks.
“Holy shit balls!” I said.
Ryder and Nate immediately stopped and turned to see who whistled. When they both saw Vanessa they began pushing each other to stand up first.
Once they stood up, they both shouted, “Vanessa!”
“I see the two of you haven’t changed much.”
I’d never seen Nate move as fast as he did. “Hey how have you been?” he asked, engulfing Vanessa in a hug.
When Ryder followed suit, I wasn’t sure how to take the way it made me feel. I’d never been a jealous type of person, but for some reason I didn’t like something about this whole Vanessa thing.
“Vanessa, you look amazing! Are you still working for Judge Walter?” Nate asked.
“Yes I am and loving every minute of it. How long are you boys in town for? I’m sure my mom and dad would love to have you over for dinner.”
Nate spoke up first. “Just tonight.”
“Well then how about I see if they are free.”
Ryder shook his head, “Oh no, Vanessa don’t do that. No need to bother your parents.”
I stood there like an idiot … not to mention I was freezing my ass off.
“Sorry to break up your little reunion here … but this Texas girl is cold.”
All three of them looked my way. It only took Ryder a second to realize I had been standing there waiting before he quickly rushed over to help me navigate up to the house.”
“Shit! Ava, I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”
“Sweetheart?” Vanessa asked as I stole a peek.
“Sorry, Vanessa. Ava, this is Vanessa, an old friend of the family. Vanessa, this is Ava Moore.”
I wasn’t sure why it hurt that he hadn’t elaborated on me being his girlfriend since he felt the need to say Vanessa was an old friend.
“I’ve got it, Ryder,” I snapped when I made it up to the front door.
His expression was one of confusion, but I didn’t care.
“Um … let me get the door unlocked. Nate had the caretaker come over and turn everything on so the house will be warm.”
It was childish for me to be having an attitude, but right now I didn’t care.
The door opened and my eyes widened in surprise. The sight before me had my skin tingling with just the idea of staying in this house.
“Oh wow.”
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Vanessa said walking into the foyer and making herself right at home. “Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery had it fully restored to how it would have been when it was first built. Right down to the original colors and wallpaper. The furniture is all original to the house as well.”
What in the hell? Did I ask for a guided tour?
Vanessa made her way into the living room and spun around. “Isn’t it amazing? I’d do anything to live in this house.”
“I bet,” I mumbled under my breath.
Vanessa tilted her head and looked at me as Ryder asked, “What was that, Ava?”
“Nothing. Nothing at all. I’m enjoying our little guided tour.”
My eyes wandered the room in delight. The wainscot on the living room walls was beautiful and continued up the elegant wood stairs. At the first landing was an amazing stain glass window that I was dying to know if it was original, but I’d rather gash my eyes out than ask Vanessa.
“If we make our way into the dining room, you’ll really see some beautiful architecture.”
Nate followed Vanessa like he was a lost puppy and she was the key to finding his way home. Ryder went to follow but remembered me and stopped to help me. When he put his arm out I snapped at him. “I’m fine. Go one with them … it’s clear I’m holding you back.”
Ryder pulled his head back in surprise and was about to say something when the tour guide called out for him. “Ryder! Come on, and bring Ava with you.”
Thank goodness the house wasn’t full of furniture so I was able to make my way around fine.
“I love the coffered ceilings in here,” Vanessa gushed as Ryder and Nate both looked up like they had never seen them before.
Ugh.
“Over here is the sitting room. Parker got the fire going for you in this room only.”
“Parker?” I asked.
“Caretaker,” Ryder said with a slight smile.
I couldn’t help but notice how Vanessa was looking at Ryder as Nate did everything in his power to get her attention.
“Let’s head into the kitchen, shall we?” Vanessa said as both men followed after her.
“I’m sorry … whose house is this?” I asked as all three of them stopped and looked at me. Vanessa’s smile faded as Nate let out a chuckle and Ryder cleared his throat.