page28 (1/2)

“It’s not a problem, Ava I’ll walk you home”

“No, that’s okay!” I exclai so fast, but I think it’s a co to lose ency façade

But, godda up with me

Holyspeedwalkers?

“I insist, Ava And anyway, you said your apartment was only a block from the restaurant It’s the least I could do I just hope your friend is okay,” he says, not even out of breath

Me, on the other hand? I’ like a whore in church

Brian followsup witha leisurely stroll through Central Park

When I reach the door to , he doesn’t hesitate to follow me inside

And when I step inside the elevator, he’s there too

Oh, fan-fucking-tastic…

Discreetly, I pull my cell phone from my purse and type out a quick text to LukeMe: Unlock your apartet up!Luke: Huh?Oh my God! Seriously? How hard is it not to ask any questions and act like one of the old people on thosedo it! I’ll be at your door in like thirty seconds! Injure your ass right now!LukeI reread the text es Ava just sent for the third ti is real Unlock your apartet up?

Is she serious right now?

When I hear the faint sound of the building elevator dinging its arrival, I jump up from my couch and head for the door

The instructions are pretty clear—clearly ridiculous—but if Ava is anything like she norh time to take a peek out the door, assess the seriousness, and respond accordingly

I crack open the door just as aliet up

I grunt, and she groans as she gathers herself from her spot on the floor a couple feet in front of round, but other than that, she see

“Ava,” I say as she gets up on her knees and crawls over toa suit and loafers, steps into the open doorway Suddenly, it all makes sense My adorably ridiculous friend who cannot, it see feels

“Oh my God, Luke!” she exclaiot here as quickly as I could!”