Free Ava's Pleasure (Welcome to Paradise) by Heidi Lynn Anderson

grinned. "He went to pick up some things for tonight."
    "Tonight?"
    Julie's lips spread into a knowing smile. "I think Logan has plans for you."
    Anticipation built in Ava's belly and won the war against the fear. "We're not going to the club tonight?"
    "I don't think so."
    Mortified, her cheeks flushed. "Do you think he has feelings for me?"
    Julie gave Ava an exasperated look. "Are you seriously asking me that question?"
    What did Julie expect? Logan was so hard to read. "What? He's never told me he has feelings."
    "You have a lot to learn about men." Julie sighed. "In the time you've spent with Logan, has he ever done anything to suggest he didn't care?"
    Ava stood to pace. "No, but he hasn't said he cared."
    "Men don't say they love you. They show you." Julie grabbed Ava's hand on her way back by the couch and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "So, enjoy what Logan has to show you."
    The apartment door opened, and Logan walked in, his arms overflowing with bags. "Good, you're awake."
    It felt like butterflies swarmed in her stomach. "Do you need any help?"
    "Nope, I got this."
    Julie rose. "I have to get going, you two have fun." She hugged Ava and whispered, "Relax. If you need me, I'll be downstairs."
    "Thanks."
    "Any time, have fun."
    "I'll try."
    Julie picked up her bag. "Try harder." She kissed Ava's cheek, then walked over to Logan and kissed his cheek as well. "Be good," she told him.
    "Always," Logan said. "Now go away."
    She grinned. "I'm out of here."

    * * * *

    Ava set down the magazine Logan had handed her an hour earlier. "Are you sure I can't help you?"
    He rushed into the kitchen. "No, just sit and relax." Logan opened the freezer door and placed a cheerful yellow box inside.
    "Logan, I feel stupid just sitting here." She stood and started toward him. "Please, let me do something."
    He moved to her and held out his hand. "Come with me."
    "Finally." Every molecule in her body went on full alert.
    Logan's lips twitched and he tugged her to his chest. Ava buried her face into his neck and inhaled his masculine scent.
    Her heart picked up pace. All she wanted was for Logan to carry her to bed. She needed to feel his powerful body in hers again.
    He lifted and cradled her against his chest. "Do you trust me?"
    She leaned away and looked into his earnest features. "Yes."
    Logan carried her down the hall. "I will require your complete trust."
    She nuzzled her face into his neck. "You have it."
    He stopped at the bathroom door. "If you don't like something I'm doing, I want you to say candlestick."
    Ava's senses came to full alert. "What? Are you serious?"
    "Yes, that's your safe word."
    "You're making me a little nervous."
    Logan set Ava on her feet and opened the door. "Remember the safe word and you'll be fine."
    Ava could hear the sound of running water coming from behind the door. "Okay." She scanned his face for some hint of what was to come, but to no avail.
    "I'm going to demand things from you. Things you've never done before. Do you understand?" he asked.
    She nodded, not sure what to say or do.
    "I need to hear your words, Ava." Logan ran his hands over her back, easing her tense muscles.
    She leaned into him. "I understand."
    He released her and turned. "Good, I'm going to run you a bath."
    Water poured into the tub. "Thank you, I won't be long."
    Logan's handsome smile finally made an appearance. "No, honey, I'm going to give you a bath."
    "Oh, no." She started to back out of the room.
    Logan grabbed her. "You said you trusted me."
    "I do, but—"
    "No buts. I promise you'll like it." He lifted her T-shirt over her head.
    Embarrassment burned into her. She told herself to relax and let Logan take care of her. Her body trembled when he tugged down her shorts.
    "You are fucking hot." Logan's breath brushed across her midsection.
    "What do you want me to do?" Ava couldn't stop the quiver in her voice.
    "Get into the tub."
    She took the few steps to the claw foot tub and climbed in. Hot water lapped at her