She paused and then sighed. ‘It’s fine. I understand. I still can’t believe I won’t get to see him here, too. Did he have any family?’
‘An ex-wife, Alison, and two kids. Stayed together for fifteen years. Tom’s fourteen and the image of his father. It’s like seeing myself as a teenager, probably how I was when you last saw me.’
A memory flashed through Ava’s mind of her and Jack, up against a tree as his lips found hers for the first time. Heat rose to her cheeks.
If Jack noticed, he didn’t say. Which she was grateful for.
‘And then there’s Millie who’s twelve. Luckily, Alison keeps in touch, so they stay with me often on a weekend, especially for the lakeside events. I love having them around.’
‘And you?’ She stared at him pointedly, although wondering what the lakeside events would consist of. ‘What about your family?’
‘I have an ex-wife who’s hideous.’
It was said so sharp that Ava could almost feel the animosity from the divorce.
‘But we made a gorgeous fifteen-year-old, Brooke,’ he said quickly. ‘How about you?’
‘Divorced, too,’ she said, with almost the same hostility. ‘My daughter, Georgia, is eighteen. She’s still at home, at uni. I barely see her as she’s always out and about.’
Jack said nothing. He seemed to be finding the right words, but in the end he stayed quiet. For some reason it didn’t make her feel uncomfortable.
‘Perhaps we’d better talk about work?’ she offered, eventually.
He nodded. ‘How about we start over, back to being friends?’
‘I think that would be wise.’
He held out his hand to seal the deal.
The bolt of electricity that shot through Ava at his touch had her glancing away, momentarily embarrassed.
Since her split with Giles, she’d dated a few men, but none of them had warranted more than a handful of meetups at the mostbefore she’d had enough. Either she hadn’t seen a future with them, or she had seen through them and realised she didn’t want to be with them long term.
She wondered if it was because she was so hurt by Giles, as at thirty-eight, she might be ready to settle down again. The circle of people she mixed with was small. She didn’t want to try any dating apps so she was stuck, unless she was invited to social events through work where she might meet someone.
Like this one.
But she had a job to do, and she had to remain professional at all times. If she blew this, she might not get a second chance to do anything so good.
CHAPTER TWELVE
After a pleasant lunch, talking over details of the job and catching up on old times, Ava glanced at her watch. It was getting on for half past two. Jack must have sensed she feared she had overstayed her welcome.
‘Do you fancy a quick walk so I can show you something?’ he asked.
‘Sure.’
‘Great. I’ll grab my coat and meet you in reception once you have yours.’
Ava took her bag from the back of her chair and rushed to her room, freshening up while she was there. She was still in the reception area before Jack, so chatted with Sara while she waited for him. There was no Graham to be seen, so he must have left him at home.
‘Ready, Ms Ants-in-her-pants?’ Jack asked, coming in behind them.
A boost of nostalgia shot through Ava as he called her by her childhood nickname.
‘I sure am, Mr Hardy,’ replied with a grin.
Sara looked blank for a moment until Jack explained.
