Free Chasing Ava: A Bachelor of Shell Cove Novel (The Bachelors of Shell Cove) by Siera London Page B

his eyes. Without a word he took her elbow leading her to a more remote service corridor away from prying eyes.
      “Why did you refuse to go out to dinner with me?”  
    In Ava fashion she sidestepped his question, posing one of her own. “Dr. Masters, I’ll do my best to support you in caring for Monique. She is a special young lady. Do you have a question regarding the patient?” She’d emphasized the word patient.
    He took a page from her playbook with a reverse distraction of his own. “It’s because I’m white. Are you refusing my invitations because of my color?”
    “No. Are you wearing crazy pants?”
    “Crazy pants?” He repeated in an uncertain tone. “What in hell are crazy pants?”
    “Don’t swear. It means it’s a ridiculous question. I’m not a racist. You should be ashamed for suggesting such a thing.” Ava responded in a loud whisper. A flash of annoyance covered her face.
    Finally, a straight answer. No way was he letting up on the pressure. This woman was meant to be his.  
    “You’ve been deliberately avoiding me. It’s not my age or race. What’s holding you back?” He took both her hands in his. “Don’t give me another excuse.”
    “I can’t date you. Furthermore, we shouldn’t be talking about this at work.”
    He smiled at her choice of words. “You’ve been thinking about dating me, yet you refuse my invitation. Fine, we can talk about us over dinner tonight.”
    “I’m not having dinner with you.”
    “Why not? There is nothing wrong with me.”
    “Other than being arrogant, bossy, and having a potty mouth,” she responded matter-of-factly.  
    “Like I said, there’s nothing wrong with me. I know you are attracted to me. Do you have something against a man with a job?”
    “I prefer men with jobs, however, it would be poor judgment on my part to date a doctor I work with every day. I love my job Dr. Masters; we have a good working relationship. I can’t handle any complications in my life.”  
    “I am not a complication to be managed with the other sick patients. There’s more between us than a working relationship. You have to be the only woman I know for whom my being a doctor is a liability.” He took a deep steadying breath before he spoke. “I want to get to know you better. Let me feed you since we both know you’re not too keen on car rides.” They both laughed and he moved in close, taking her hands, determined to wear down her resistance.
    He squeezed them lightly, willing her to accept him.  
    “You have to eat. All I’m asking is for you to share the table with me.” He glimpsed the smile she fought to contain. Mischief danced in her eyes. The smile along with the glint in her eyes spoke to the cogwheel turning out an idea to slip out on him again.
    “Ava,” he chastised. “This dinner is for two. No sidekick, chaperone, or feeding the needy soup kitchen dates allowed.”  
    On a gasp, her smile faltered. That was it. She was trying to get out of dinner.
    “Say yes to dinner, you and me.” He closed the space between them. “Bury any ideas of double dates, community events, visiting animal shelters or any other crazy venue you could dream up to avoid being alone with me.” He flashed his best all American smile going for the touchdown. “Please sweetheart, give the doctor you work with a chance?”  
    “Logan, you don’t want to do this with me. I am an emotional tornado trying to avoid dry land.”
    “I am your resident storm chaser reporting for duty,” he said, with a fixed look. She thought herself an emotional tornado. Forewarned, is forearmed. He’d take the risk.  
    “I’ll share one meal with you.”
    “Pick the date. I’ll pick the time.” He’d play for keeps the next time he had her alone.  

    “I’ll go to lunch with you. Outdoors.” That was good. Ava was proud of herself. Nothing with dim lighting and quiet intimacy, besides she loved being outdoors.  
    “Lunch?” She would fight the