Ben (Unexpected Book 8) by Cora Rose

Author:Cora Rose [Rose, Cora]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cora Rose Romance
Published: 2023-11-16T16:00:00+00:00

“You want something to drink?” my dad asks me, and Avery eyes him. He’s wearing a bright purple dress and his hair is pulled into an intricate French braid. He’s a pop of color in this house, and I can see why my dad looks at him the way he does.

I think he has a little crush. Not that I blame him.

Avery is something else.

“Yeah, sure. I’ll have some water.”

“Not a beer or anything?” my dad asks, and Avery holds out the spoon he’s using to stir something in the pot on the stove. A noodle plops to the floor, but it goes ignored as my dad almost seems to lean into him.

“He told you what he wants, Dean. Get your son a water. The last time Ben had something to drink he had to be carried home. He’s a lightweight.”

“You did a heavy pour,” I say, and Avery winks at me.

“I did. And boy, was it worth it.”

My dad clears his throat and then moves to the fridge, brushing against Avery in the process, his hand dragging across his lower back, and I see Avery arch into his touch.

Quickly, I look away and focus on a new piece of art hanging up on the wall adjacent to me. It’s a bright abstract floral arrangement, and I get lost in the colors.

“You like that?” my dad asks, setting a bottle of water before me. “Avery painted it.”

I study it and then uncap my water, taking a small sip.

“It’s really good.”

“It is. He’s really talented.”

“Dean, god, stop,” Avery says, his cheeks flushed pink.

“What? It’s really damn good.”

Avery’s eyes flick to my dad and then back to the stove. “Thank you, and as much as I love to talk about how talented I am, we should get the meat on the grill. The mac and cheese is almost done.”

My dad nods and grabs some trays from the fridge, meandering into the backyard and starting the Blackstone.

“That a new grill?” I ask Avery, who turns to face me.

“Yeah, I convinced him to get it. He made a fuss about the cost, but he loves it.”

“I can tell. He’s been talking about getting one for years, but he always said he didn’t have anyone to cook for.”

Avery’s cheeks flush and he peeks up at me. A small smile forms on my lips, and I utter the words before I can stop myself. “I’m glad it’s you.”

His mouth opens and then closes, shaking his head. “It’s nothing… we’re just friends.”

“I can see the way he looks at you. He hasn’t looked at anyone like that in a long time.”

Avery’s cheeks darken and then we both turn to look at my dad, who is throwing the meat on the grill.

“He’s really happy you’re here. He’s been wanting to reconnect. Says that since you started college he’s seen you less.”

“Yeah, I’ve just gotten a bit overwhelmed with my life.”

“Totally makes sense. He’s just glad you’re here for a last-minute invite. On a Saturday. I told him you’d probably have plans…”

I shake my head, lying through my teeth.

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