CHAPTER 1

AVA

I stepped off the plane and the warm coastal air hit me like a hug I didn't know I needed. My legs felt like jelly after that long flight, and my heart was doing this weird mix of excited flips and tired sighs. College had kicked my ass this semester. Finals, drama, the whole mess with Jake that I was still trying to forget. But now I was home. Finally.

I dragged my suitcase through the bustling airport, my green eyes scanning everywhere for a familiar face. The place was packed with people rushing around, kids crying, announcements blaring overhead. Home felt so close but also kinda far away after being gone for years. I just wanted to crash in my own bed and eat real food.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw a text from some unknown number. "Missed you more than you know. Can't wait to catch up."

What the hell? I frowned at the screen. Creepy much? Probably spam or a wrong number. Or maybe someone from Jake's dumb friends trying to mess with me. I rolled my eyes and deleted it right away. No way was I letting that ruin my vibe. I was done with toxic crap.

I spotted a little shop in the airport and ducked in quick. They had gum, thank god. I grabbed a pack of mint because my breath probably smelled like airplane coffee. While I was there, I pulled out my perfume from my carry-on and sprayed a little on my wrists and neck. Just a refresh. You know, in case.

Dad had texted earlier that he was stuck on his work trip overseas. "Sorry baby girl, but Ryan's picking you up. He'll take good care of you." Ryan Hale. Dad's best friend since forever. The guy who'd been like an uncle to me growing up. But we hadn't seen each other in person for almost six years. Just calls and texts here and there. He'd check in on me during college, send funny memes, and ask about my projects. His voice on the phone was always so deep and calm. It made me feel safe.

I was lowkey excited to see him though. Like, really excited. He was always so solid, you know? The kind of guy who fixed everything without making a big deal. I started scanning the crowd again, chewing my gum to calm my nerves.

Then I saw it. A cardboard sign with "AVA CARTER" written in bold letters. My heart skipped. I waved my hand high. "Ryan! Over here!"

He looked up and our eyes locked. He lowered the sign slowly, a small smile tugging at his lips. Holy. Shit.

At 42, he looked even better than I remembered. Way better. That salt-and-pepper stubble framing his strong jaw. Those piercing gray eyes that seemed to see right through you. And his body... oh my god. Muscles straining against his fitted black shirt, broad shoulders, arms that looked like they could lift anything. He was tall, towering really, with that rugged vibe from all his construction work.

My mouth went dry. Like, completely dry. I forgot how to swallow for a second. What the actual fuck, Ava? This is Ryan. Dad's best friend. The guy who taught you how to ride a bike. But damn... when did he get this hot? My stomach flipped and heat rushed through me. Straight down. I shifted my legs a little because yeah... I was getting wet. Just from looking at him. This was bad. So bad.

He walked over, that easy stride, and pulled me into a hug. His arms wrapped around me strong but gentle. He smelled like fresh soap and something woody, masculine. I pressed against his chest without thinking and my whole body lit up.

"Ava," he said, his deep voice rumbling right by my ear. "Look at you. All grown up."

I pulled back a little, trying to play it cool, but my cheeks were burning. "Hey Ryan. Thanks for coming to get me. Dad said you'd be here."

He chuckled, low and warm. Grabbed my suitcase like it weighed nothing. "Of course. Mark would kill me if I left his little girl stranded. How was the flight?"

"Long," I said, following him toward the exit. My eyes kept drifting to his back, those shoulders. Stop it, Ava. "But good. No turbulence or anything."

"Good," he replied, glancing over his shoulder at me. His gray eyes lingered a second too long. Or maybe I imagined it. "You hungry? We can grab something on the way home."

"I'm starving actually," I admitted, chewing my gum harder. My heart was pounding. Why was I so nervous? This was Ryan. But seeing him in person after all this time... it was hitting different. Really different.

We got to his truck in the parking lot. Black, big, just like him. He tossed my suitcase in the back and opened the passenger door for me. "Hop in."

"Thanks," I mumbled, climbing up. My sundress rode up a little on my thighs and I tugged it down quick. Did he notice? God, I hoped not. Or maybe I did. No, stop.

He got in the driver's side and started the engine. I crossed my legs tight because that heat between them wasn't going away.

"So tell me about college," he said, pulling out onto the highway. The ocean sparkled in the distance. Home.

"It was okay," I said, turning to look at him. His profile was perfect. Strong nose, that stubble I suddenly wanted to touch. Bad Ava. "Graphic design is my thing now, for a side job. I don't want to be stuck doing business. I got a job lined up in the city actually as a designer. It's starting soon."

His eyes flicked to me, a proud smile. "That's my girl. Mark's been bragging about you nonstop."

I laughed. "Dad brags too much."

"Nah," Ryan said. "You're talented. I saw those designs you sent me last year. Killer stuff."

"You remember that?" I asked, surprised. My cheeks heated again.

"Of course I do." He glanced at me, voice softer. "I pay attention."

Oh god. The way he said that. My thighs pressed together harder. Wetness pooled and I bit my lip. This was insane. He was twice my age practically. Dad's best friend. But my body didn't care. It was screaming for him.

We chatted the whole drive. About his firm, how business was booming. About Dad's trip. About old memories, like that time we all went fishing and I caught nothing.

"You still suck at fishing?" he teased, grinning.

"Hey!" I swatted his arm playfully. His bicep was rock hard under my fingers. Sparks shot up my arm. "Maybe. You gonna take me again sometime?"

His eyes darkened a little. "Anytime you want, Ava."

Fuck. The way he said my name. Deep, rough. I was soaked now. Completely. My panties were ruined and we weren't even home yet.

We pulled into the driveway finally. The house looked the same, welcoming. But everything felt different now.

Ryan parked and turned to me. "Home sweet home."

"Yeah," I said breathlessly. "Thanks for the ride. And everything."

He nodded, getting out to grab my bags. I watched him move, that powerful body. My core throbbed. Holy shit, what was happening to me?

As he carried my suitcase to the door, I followed, trying to act normal. But inside? I was on fire. Ryan Hale wasn't just Dad's best friend anymore. He was danger. Hot, forbidden danger.

And I was already addicted.