Page 4 of Defend Her Heart

And she’spissed.

I’m about to break the awkward silence when my gaze lands on the shadows beneath her eyes. Soft, violet crescents are painted just under them, the kind that come from sleepless nights and fatigue. Avery blinks at me, and it’s then that I notice the heaviness in her stare, like her eyelids are carrying more weight than they should.

But when I look at her fully—I mean, really finally look at her—I see that her eyes still hold a brightness. She’s still stubbornly alive and beautiful. The tiredness hasn’t dulled them, they still burn bright with light. Although exhausted, her strength is still evident in her stare, and that somehow makes her more breathtaking than ever.

What is haunting this beautiful woman? Why does she look so tired?

I hadn’t noticed, but my head is tilted as I’m trying to figure out what’s plaguing the only woman I’ve ever loved. Moving my gaze down her body, I notice her arms and waist are slimmer than they were the last time I saw her. Worry consumes me as I contemplate how to ask if she’s okay.

“Is there something you need, Connor?”

My eyes snap up to hers.

Those are the same words she said to me the first day I met her. Does she remember that day? Does she dream about it as much as I do?

“What are you doing here, Avery?”

There’s no bite to my words, but I can’t hide my confusion.

As if my body just registered who’s standing in front of me, I find myself closing the distance between us slowly. All the time in the world couldn’t erase the effect she has on me. I’ve always craved to be near her, and my body recognizes hers as it pulls me toward her orbit.

I stop when I’m mere inches from her. Too close for comfort, but I can’t find it in me to back away.

Avery’s chest heaves up and down. And now that I’m this close, I see how pale her skin is. Minus a slight flush to her cheeks, it looks like Avery hasn’t been outside in weeks. Am I the reason she’s flushed, or is it the June heat here in Wisconsin?

I’m silently praying to myself thatI’mthe cause. Becausemaybe, if I still have that effect on her, she doesn’t hate me as much as I think she does.

Avery goes to speak but something cuts her off. She squeezes her eyes shut and holds a finger up to me. Without warning, she stumbles backward, and on instinct, I reach out to steady her.

Just like that first day at the rink, my hand grips her upper arm. But this time, I’m holding on a little tighter, concern coursing through my body.

“Avery, are you okay? Let’s sit.”

I don’t wait for an answer and move her to one of the picnic tables on the patio.

Gently, I help her sit on the bench, but I keep my arm nestled on her lower back, just in case she needs my support again.

“I’m fine. Just a little dizzy is all.”

As if her words conjured her up, our team’s health and wellness coach, Sadie, steps up to the table.

“I don’t mean to interrupt, but I saw Avery lose her balance over there and thought she might need some water.”

I grab the bottle, mutter a quick “thanks” and nod at her.

“If you need to cool off in the house, feel free to go inside. It’s freaking hot out here. The study is empty and quiet if you need it.”

Sometimes I forget that Sadie and Niko are officially together now. She went from live-in nanny to live-in girlfriend recently, and I have to admit, I’ve never seen Niko so happy. After a terrible divorce, he closed himself off to almost everyone. That is, until Sadie came along. They’re good together.

The realization that my best friend has finally found his person brings me back to the present wheremyperson is actually here, in Green Bay. And I’m afraid there’s something physically wrong with her, but I have no business asking her about it. I had that right once, but I don’t anymore.

Avery finally looks up at Sadie. I can’t see her face and Ican barely make out her words, so I lean forward trying to hear.

“Thank you, but I’m okay. Just need to sit for a minute. Thanks for the water but I need to grab my drink. I think I need some electrolytes.”

Concern tugs at Sadie’s brow as Avery goes to stand from the table.

I press my hand firmly into her lower back. “You stay here. I can get it. Just tell me where it’s at.”