Chapter 7- Stirring Embers

        Scott's POV 

"I don't know Scott, I still have so many doubts." She said. "I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to work through those doubts with you. Let's take things slow, one step at a time. Can we start with a date, just you and me?"

"Scott," Ava slowly rested her head on my chest. She was warm. Wrapping her hands over my body, she spoke gently, "When I heard you left, I was devastated. You know how much I loved you. I didn't think you'd leave me like that, without looking back, or even trying to reach out to me again." She hit me hard as she spoke and I flinched in pain.

"Do not leave me again, do not Scott… do not lea…" I interrupted, "I am here Ava," She held onto me tightly. My phone suddenly rang, it was the receptionist. However, she wouldn't let me pick the call, she tightened her grip on me.

"I have another appointment now." I declared and she nodded. "Dinner at my place tonight." I quickly added. "I'll sleep on it." She replied, suddenly acting uninterested. "I know it's a yes," I grinned.

"Get going." She nudged me and I held her hands. "Not without you." I spoke in sarcasm and we laughed.

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Just as I had expected, the doorbell rang a few minutes past nine and my chef ran to get it, since we had both been anticipating Ava's arrival.

Ava came in, looking as gorgeous as I had expected. The meal had already been set on the table.

"Thought you wouldn't come." I remarked. "I thought so too. With the traffic, I didn't think I'd make it here." She drawled. "So you do have a car," 

"Of course but it got bad. Fixed it this evening though, so I won't bother coming over in the morning anymore." I nodded in understanding and adjusted the chair opposite mine for her to sit. "Thank you," She gasped. "Here, have a glass of water."

"Thank you Scott" She looked into my eyes as she took the glass from me. I cleared my throat and rubbed my palm together.

"So… let's pray." We prayed over the food and the chef opened the dishes. She gaped as soon as she saw the delicacy before her. It was her favourite; bangers and mash.

"Aww Scott you still remember," She sounded so excited. "Every detail," I gushed. She didn't wait a minute more before she began to gobble the food before her. I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

After the scrumptious meal, the chef stacked the plates and took them in. The atmosphere was peaceful, it was just myself and Ava.

She began to chatter about how her day went and I just sat back, staring at her in amazement. As we sat together in the candlelit room, I noticed the way the light danced across her face, highlighting her strong jawline and piercing eyes.

"Scott." She called, bringing me out of my reverie. "You remember when we first met?"She asked.

"No comments," I uttered.

"You walked up to me and said 'hey I love you and I want to have sex with you'. I never saw such confidence in my entire life." She laughed heartily.

"Yeah I know it was silly, my friend made me do it." I added, "you ended up falling for me anyways."

"Oh don't even start. You begged me for five days before I forgave you and then you wooed me for two weeks before I finally accepted you,"

"You suck at telling lies." I remarked. "So now I'm telling lies." Her laughter filled the room.

I was enjoying the banter. I felt hot, despite the cold weather. All I wanted at that point was to hold her, I moved across the table and stood behind her, I knew my presence brought a feeling of comfort to her. 

Gently, I rubbed her shoulders.