Embracing the Unexpected Read Online Free

you’re coming makes me feel better.” He
smiled.
    Me too. Jace knew he could be setting himself up for
a major disappointment, but he’d decided it was time to take a chance. He’d
been alone, burying himself in his work for far too long.

Chapter 3
     
    After several phone conversations with Parker over the past
week, Jace was standing in his living room waiting for Ava to come downstairs.
During the last few days, he’d learned much about Parker—his likes and
dislikes, his childhood, his parents and siblings, and most importantly, all of
his past failed relationships with women. It amazed him that Parker couldn’t
figure out why none of these relationships worked.
    He didn’t like girls.
    “You have a beautiful home.” Jace handed Parker the bottle
of wine he’d brought.
    “Thank you.” He smiled. “Can I offer you a drink?”
    “Not yet. I’d like to meet Ava first.”
    “She’ll be down in a minute. Apparently, she won’t be
joining us for dinner after all.” Parker shook his head.
    “Really?” Ava was the whole reason he was here. If she
wasn’t staying for dinner did that mean he had no reason to stay?
    “I told her you were coming and she got suspiciously weird.”
    “She’s on to you?” Jace laughed
    “I think so, but she did agree to meet you. I'm hoping
you'll still stay for dinner.” He ran his fingers through his hair as he paced
the room. Jace couldn’t help but notice how nervous Parker was. He hoped he
wasn’t the reason Parker was so fidgety.
    “Parker.” He walked over and took Parker’s hand in his,
remembering how it had helped him when they were in his office the other day.
Parker looked down at their connection but didn’t say anything. “You need to
relax.”
    “You have a way of doing that for me.”
    “That’s kind of my job.”
    Jace heard footsteps on the stairs and Parker quickly let go
of his hand, moving to the other side of the room. Jace was disappointed, but
had to be realistic. Parker wasn’t going to acknowledge the chemistry between
them.
    “Ava, come meet Dr. Cross.”
    Ava walked into the room with a huge grin on her face. She
stared at Jace for a moment and then smiled back at Parker.
    “Hello, Dr. Cross.” She extended her hand for him. “I’m Ava
Nichols, Parker’s best friend.”
    She was a stunning woman. Not at all what Jace had pictured
by the way Parker had been so worried about her. Jace kept thinking she’d be
this lost, scared girl who couldn’t function or get out of bed. Ava may have
been going through a tough time, but she seemed very aware of what was going on
with her friend.
    “I know. He’s told me much about you.”
    “I’ll bet.” She glared at Parker.
    “I hear you’re not joining us for dinner this evening?”
    As charming as he thought this fragile, petite brunette was,
he was glad he’d be spending some time alone with Parker. He wanted to get to
know Parker better and knew he’d be too guarded with Ava there.
    “I apologize,” she said. “But Parker’s sister Lisa invited
me over. We’re having a girl’s night.”
    “You’re sleeping over?” Parker seemed surprised.
    “Yep,” she said.
    “Are you sure you’re up for that?”
    “Yes, I’m a big girl.”
    “I know, but—”
    Ava cut him off. “I thought maybe you’d like the house to
yourself.” She smiled at Jace, and he couldn’t help but smirk back because Ava
obviously knew what Parker wasn’t ready to face. Parker, on the other hand, was
mortified.
    “I-I have to make a call,” he stuttered. “Will you entertain
Dr. Cross for a few minutes?”
    “Sure, but don’t be too long. It’s rude to leave your guest
waiting while you’re on the phone.”
    He rolled his eyes and then looked at Jace. “Will you excuse
me?”
    Jace nodded, knowing what he was supposed to do. Parker left
the room, and Ava asked Jace to have a seat.
    He took a seat on the couch, while she sat in the chair
across from him. She fidgeted and chewed on her