The spark between Ava and Alex, her brother’s best friend, was always undeniable. So, Ava spent her life wondering why Alex had never claimed her lips.

Torn between loyalty and desire, Alex always kept Ava at a distance, leaving her to stand on the sidelines, watching him go through women faster than a beating heart.

No longer able to ignore the pull toward Alex, Ava drops everything in her life—including her boyfriend—to finally try to make things work between them. But surrendering to their deepest desires could ruin everything, including the fragile fabric of a shared family history.

“Ava, this is my family, too, and I’m not leaving until I know they are both all right.”

My eyes glossed over then, not only from the promise that left me speechless but at thinking about the prospect of losing either one of them.

“Oh, God, Ava. I didn’t mean… They’re both going to be fine. I know they will.” His arm slid around my shoulders as we left the building and walked onto the dimly lit pathway that wound around the hospital.

Alex kept me distracted by asking me questions about the show I was in, how long I would keep dancing, and about my new boyfriend, Mark. Surprisingly, he didn’t give me his usual third degree about a guy I was dating, but instead of being relieved, I felt disappointment wash over me.

We checked our phones constantly as we walked, and eventually, found a bench to sit on. I didn’t hesitate to lean against his strong shoulder and accept the comfort he offered. At some point, I must have dozed off because both of our phones pinging startled me. Glancing at the time, I saw I’d been out for almost two hours while Alex held me.

We both read the group message from Sammy, alerting us Cass was not only awake but out of the woods. Little Dax’s vitals were strong, and there was a picture attached. A sob of release shot from me. “Thank you, God,” I whispered as Alex pulled me into a hug. For some reason, I was crying harder than when I got there.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Alex whispered against my hair, one hand behind my head, the other pressed into my lower back.

So many emotions combined with the fact that being this close to Alex was both overwhelming and comforting. I allowed myself a few more minutes before I reined myself in. When we pulled apart enough that I could look him in the eye, I said, “I’m sorry. I’m such an idiot. This is wonderful news.”

“Stop it. You’ve had a long night, Ava. You’re entitled.”

I gave him a heartfelt, “Thank you” and then before I could stop myself, “I don’t know what I would have done without you—”

“Don’t… Please, don’t make me out to be something I’m not.” Guilt laced his tone.

“How can you say that? I don’t know why you do that to yourself, Alex. You’re an amazing man…”

He pinned me with his dark gaze, drawing me in. We stayed that way, our breathing heavy, for several long beats. His thumb brushed the wetness from my cheek before both hands took hold of my face. “God, Ava, why…”

His words barely registered. I couldn’t make sense of them with how intensely he stared at me. My heart felt like it was going to explode. “What…?”

He still had ahold of my face, and he pulled me closer, leaned down until his lips were a breath away. “I’ve tried so hard, Ava. Dammit, I’ve tried…”

When his lips brushed against mine, I gasped and pulled back, my gaze narrowing on him. “Are you fucking serious right now?” All the times I dreamed of kissing this man, and he does this now…when I’d just entered a serious relationship, and I was still reeling from Cass’s accident. I rose from the bench, steeling myself so I wouldn’t start crying again. “I have to go…”

Alex didn’t try to stop me, didn’t say a word. Thankfully, mine and Cass’s family members filled the waiting room, and even when we visited Cass, Sammy, at least, was in the room. I stayed until the sun rose, and with a heavy heart at not being able to hold my new nephew yet, I arranged for my flight back.

I was in line at the security check when I heard my name being called. I turned to find Alex speed-walking toward me. “Is everyone okay?” I said in a rush before he even reached me.

“Fine. Everyone is fine.” He paused a moment to catch his breath, as if he’d run all the way from the parking lot. Then he surveyed our surroundings. I was in line between a teenage girl and a couple speaking what sounded like Dutch. I wasn’t about to get out of line so whatever he came to say would have an audience.

“I fucked up?” he said, one hand in his pocket, the other roughing through his messy head of thick hair. “I know you’re pissed at me, and you have every right to—”

“Don’t tell me about my feelings, Alex. You can’t even manage your own.”

The woman must have known some English because I caught a smirk before she turned away.

“I know.” He shook his head, his face wrecked in desperation. “It can’t be shitty between us, Ava. Please, just say you forgive me so things can go back to the way they were.”

Yeah, because things were so freaking great before. What choice did I have? Alex was part of our family. He was Sammy’s best friend. We all had history you don’t just forget about and move on. I pulled my lips under my teeth and stared at him. Dammit, I couldn’t lose this man no matter what was or wasn’t between us. So, I said the only thing I could. “Okay.”

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About Lia Fairchild

Bestselling author Lia Fairchild writes romance and women's fiction. Fans of her books praise her endearing, real characters who become their own heroes.

Fairchild is addicted to the warmth of Southern California and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a multiple-subject teaching credential. She is a wife and mother of two.

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