Chapter 3

Ava forced a polite tone. " It's alright, Hunter. I was just heading out for some grocery shopping "

" Perfect timing! Listen, I know you've been busy lately, but I was wondering if maybe you'd like to grab dinner tonight? There's this new Italian place I've been wanting to try, and I think you'd really enjoy it " Hunter proposed eagerly.

" I appreciate the offer, Hunter, but I'm not sure tonight works for me. I've got some things to take care of " she replied, hoping he'd take the hint.

" Come on, Ava! It'll be fun, I promise " Hunter persisted, undeterred by her polite refusal.

" Maybe another time " Ava tried to let him down gently. " I've really got to get going now, though. Take care, Hunter "

" Alright, I'll catch you later then. Have a great day, Ava " Hunter said with a hint of disappointment before hanging up.

The journey to the grocery store was a short walk from her apartment. She strolled along the sidewalk, relishing the freedom of the day. The streets were alive with the chatter of passersby and the occasional bark of a dog. The gentle rustle of leaves overhead provided a soothing soundtrack to her thoughts.

Upon arriving at the store, Ava grabbed a shopping cart and navigated the aisles with purpose. She paused in the produce section, inspecting the vibrant array of fruits and vegetables. Carefully selecting firm tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and a bunch of fresh spinach, she added them to her cart. Moving along, she picked up essentials like bread, eggs, and cheese, making mental notes of recipes she could conjure with her newfound ingredients.

As she rounded a corner, her eyes caught sight of the bakery section. The aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries beckoned her. Ava succumbed to the temptation, selecting a loaf of artisanal bread and a small box of decadent pastries, imagining the delight they would bring to her taste buds later.

Her cart filled, Ava made her way to the checkout counter, exchanging pleasantries with the cashier. The guy took a second glance at her and blushed. Cute, Ava thought. She should be the one blushing but she was used to the stares and lustful looks she got from men. She smiled at the guy warmly. He looked to be around 19, barely an adult and was cute.

With a nod, she bagged her groceries in her trusty tote and made her way out of the store.

Ava stepped out , her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the evening ahead, only to collide with what felt like a solid wall.

" Ouch " she hissed softly in pain, confusion clouding her senses. A wall? That couldn't be right. She looked up and was met with a breathtaking sight—a man, strikingly handsome, who appeared to be in his late thirties or early forties. He was huge, she thought excitedly and her body reacted in a sexual way. He towered well over her. He was nothing short of a Greek god. He had jet black hair, smoothly combed back which made him look like a model.

" Holy cow " she breathed out involuntarily, momentarily captivated by the sheer presence of the man towering over her.

" Wanna take a picture? Would last longerb" he quipped with a smirk, his tone dripping with a hint of arrogance. Ava rolled her eyes, immediately recognizing the type—a handsome yet conceited man.

" I'll pass, I've seen better ones " she retorted, trying to shake off her initial surprise and regain her composure.

" Liar " He said softly and he shoved his hands inside his pockets while he studied her. She was petite and blonde, obviously not his type. He liked his women big and tall. And he had a thing for chestnut hair but the woman before him was blonde. He was intrigued by her. It was probably because she was beautiful but his gut told him there was something more to it. He had met lots of beautiful women but they hadn't made him feel like this.

She coughed slightly " Sorry about that. I didn't see you there "

" No worries. You're not the first person to run into me " he replied, a playful glint in his eyes. " I'm Bryan, by the way "

" Ava " she introduced herself, offering a polite smile despite her reservations about the encounter.

" Well, Ava, it's not every day I get mistaken for a wall " he teased, a hint of amusement softening his features.

Ava chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease despite the unexpected collision. " I can't say I've ever bumped into someone quite as solid as you before "

Bryan flashed a charming grin. " Solid, huh? I'll take that as a compliment "

As they exchanged a few more lighthearted remarks, Ava found herself drawn to Bryan's charisma and undeniable magnetism. His confident demeanor was both intriguing and disarming.

" So, Ava, any chance I could persuade you to grab a coffee with me? My treat as an apology for being a human obstacle back there " Bryan suggested, his smile widening.

Ava thought about it for a minute and decided it was better not to get close to this man. He looked too handsome to be real, too charming to be real among others. His smile melted her heart and for the first time in a long time, she hoped she'd finally fall in...

She suddenly remembered Jayden's words ‘ You can never get a man, Ava ’

She gritted her teeth, suddenly annoyed.

Bryan noticed the change in her demeanor and frowned. Had he said something wrong? No, he was sure that's not the case. So , what was wrong with...

Ava broke into his thoughts " I'm afraid I'll have to decline, Mr.... "

" Bryan " He finished as disappointment washed through him. He really wanted to spend more time with her.

She nodded " Now, if you'll excuse me " with that said, she left immediately.

Bryan watched her until she was out of sight.