Free Fearless Attraction (Cassie Series) by Ashley Beale

brings you here?"
                  "Actually no." I almost forgot my real reasoning when I saw his ex. "I was here so we can plan how to get her to her baby shower."
                  His eyes narrow playfully. "Great, another surprise! She is going to either love us or hate us."
                  "Speak for yourself," I say with laughter.
                  We make the plans and say bye as I leave. I'm thankful when Morgan leaves the same time as me. I'm happy about what they're planning and the fact it seems totally innocent between the two of them, but I still don't like them being alone together. We're in college, she may just be experiencing with girls but not be a full on lesbian. Don't most girls try the whole girlfriend thing in college at least once? I'm not one of those girls, but she could be, and she could change her mind and decide that she likes guys after all. I don't need her questioning her sexuality around Mason.
                  Instead of worrying about her, I decide to be thankful for what they're planning. I'm so happy for Aubrey and the fact Mason wants to marry her.
                  Avery meets me at my apartment after his PT session and he walks in grinning. I kiss his mouth as I start preparing a light dinner for the two of us. "What has you all happy?"
                  "Besides you," he says. He pinches my butt and I swat at his hand. Chuckling softly, he walks over and sits on the bar stool watching me. "Got some good news from Franklin today." Franklin is his personal physical therapist.
                  When the water starts to boil, I place the spaghetti in the pot, then turn to face him. "Oh yeah? What’s the good news?"
                  He continues grinning, unable to stop. I can't help but smile as well, knowing it's obviously not just good news, its great news. I haven't seen him smile like this in a long time, if ever. "I can start fighting again."
                  Did someone just punch me in the stomach? That is what it feels like. "Um." I'm at a loss for words. I just stare at him and wonder if I should pretend to be happy or if I should let him know I don't think it's a good idea.
                  Well, it doesn't matter if I want to pretend or not, obviously my face shows my disappointment.
                  Avery walks over and wraps me in his arms, placing a kiss on my forehead. "Hey, don't be upset. It's just underground again, it's not semi-professional. I won't be leaving you and I won't be getting hurt. It'll be good to get some extra cash again, and it's something I love. I thought you'd be happy for me."
                  "I am Avery, I'm really happy for you. I'm just scared. I don't want you to get hurt again." And I don't want you to leave me again. I don't say that part out loud and I know I don't have to. He said it himself, he knows I'm worried about it.
                  We sway together, wrapped in each other’s arms. "I won't fight if you don't want me to." It comes out as a whisper. I know I can't tell him not to fight, I couldn't hurt him like that. I've hurt him enough. Fighting is his passion and if he wants to risk things, I won't stand in his way.
                  "You should fight." I pull away from him and stir the spaghetti, then I reach for the sauce, putting it into a large bowl that I microwave. Avery just stands and watches me as I prepare our dinner. Avoiding him as much as possible so he doesn't see the disappointment on my face, I reach into the freezer and pull out some frozen garlic bread. I place it in the preheated oven. Now that everything is in the process of heating up or cooking, I have no choice but to stand in the kitchen, waiting.
                  Avery sits back down but stares at me, reading my expression. "You don't want me to."
                  I sigh deeply.