True. I can work with it. “So you’re beautiful and intelligent.”
A slow flush creeps over her cheeks, and she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don’t know about that.”
“Take the compliment, Ava.” I reach across the table and settle my hand over hers. “I admire smart women, especially ones who use their gifts to help others.”
“Well, thank you, but it’s really not a big deal.”
The hell it’s not. “I lost my parents at a young age. Counseling saved my life. Don’t ever minimize what you do or the impact you make on the people whose lives you touch.”
Her expression softens, but thankfully, she doesn’t offer meaningless platitudes. “I’m glad you were able to get the help you needed.”
“Me too.” If it weren’t for Coach’s encouragement, I might not have gone through with it. “I just wish there wasn’t such a stigma around mental health conditions so more people are comfortable getting the help they need.”
I grab a chip from the basket, dip it in salsa, and pop it into my mouth. Ava follows suit, albeit more carefully.
“What about you?” she asks, grabbing another chip. “You haven’t told me what you do.”
That’s because I’ve been avoiding the topic. When Sam mentioned the game earlier, I realized I wasn’t ready to tell Ava I’m a hockey player. Not because I think it would change her view of me, but because I’m enjoying getting to know her as Knox the next-door neighbor and not Knox the NHL star. Is that so wrong?
Before I can speak, she throws up a hand. “Wait. I think I can guess.”
I stiffen, racking my brain. Did I leave my gear in the truck? It’s possible, but I don’t think so.
A self-satisfied smile curves her pretty lips. “You fixed my front door in the blink of an eye, and you have a truck full of tools,” she says, gaze sliding to the left as if she’s trying to remember something. “You mentioned a worksite when you were talking to Sam earlier, and you’ve got the kind of muscles that can only be achieved through physical labor or a gym rat’s discipline.”
I smirk. “You’ve been thinking about my body?”
“Don’t change the subject.” She falls silent, pursing her lips as she considers me. “Oh, and you work with your hands.”
I hold up my calloused palm. “Guilty as charged.”
“All signs point to construction.” Her smile returns. “Are you a contractor?”
“Something like that.” I search for the right words, but before I can elaborate, Marisol, the queen in La Reina del Taco, approaches the table with several plates stacked on her arm. Like Sam, we go way back. She works harder than anyone I know, and it’s been a joy to see how much the restaurant has grown over the years.
“¡Hola! ¿Cómo has estado?” She places the steaming plates on the table, and the scent of seasoned pork and grilled onions fills the air.
My stomach growls. “Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?”
“Todo bien.” She wipes her hands on her apron and turns to Ava, her grin widening. “Ella is muy bonita. ¿Es tu novia?”
My eyes meet Ava’s across the table, and I switch back to English. “She is very pretty. This is our first date, and if I’m lucky, she’ll let me take her out again.”
Ava’s cheeks redden, and Marisol rests a hand on her shoulder. “He’s a good one. Nice manners, and always smiling. Give him a chance. You won’t regret it.”
“We’ll see.” Ava nudges my foot playfully before turning back to Marisol. “The food looks wonderful.”
“Gracias.” Her attention swings from Ava to me. “Enjoy your dinner. And don’t be a stranger,” she adds, jabbing a finger in my direction before she turns and bustles back to the kitchen.
Ava leans forward, the corner of her mouth twitching. “Are you taking me to all the places you have celebrity status just to impress me?”
“Maybe.” I flash her a shameless grin. “Is it working?”
An hour later,I walk Ava to her door, but I’m not ready for the night to end. She’s excellent company, and I had a great time on our date. Hell, I can’t think of a single way this evening could’ve been better.
“Do you—” Ava catches her lower lip between her teeth and looks up at me from under her lashes, the soft white glow of the porch light reflected in her eyes. “Do you want to come up?”
I stand corrected. This night can absolutely get better.