The Probability Of Not Loving You

Chapter 24 (unedited)

"You can drop me off at any hotel."

Alex looked over Ava from across him. "Why? You could stay at the house with me and my grandfather. There's plenty of room..."

"As much I appreciate that," Ava said with smile. "It's not necessary. I would hate to keep you from your work. Besides, I came to clear my head. We should  have dinner when you're free."

"Sure," Alex said and the directed his driver to drop her off at their hotel. Not long after, he watched as Ava stepped out of the car and walked into the tall building. "Make sure that she is given all she needs."

His driver merely nodded and didn't say another word. That evening Alex didn't throw himself into work. No, he had done that for nearly a decade and it hadn't worked. For once, he kicked off his shoes and went straight to bed.

The next morning he woke up and went to work. That week away had thrown them out of schedule and it wasn't his own time that he wasted. Alex hated that fact more than anything. As he stepped into the hotel knowing that Ava was somewhere upstairs, he fought the instinct to check up on her. Once a day, Alex. Anymore and you'll be digging your own grave.

Genevieve was already there waiting for him. The woman was always on time and he loved that about her. "Comment ça va?"

Apologised for missing their appointment. "It was something personality and I don't foresee it being an issue."

They went over the state of the buildings and everything that she had seen. The walls between the two buildings had to be broken down, the plumbing completely redone but she was confident the structure was intact. She went over the plans as they ate as usual.

Genevieve's caught as she stared at the red hair bombshell walking into the dinning hall. She admired women like that, who always had their shit together and loved by everyone. All she knew how to do was use her brains and occasionally her brawn, in an industry populated by men who don't appreciate being outdone by a woman.

But not Alex. He was kind, listened to her opinions without judgement or quick dismissal much like his grandfather did. The difference was Alex was younger and fine as hell. But he had never looked at her the way he looked at the bombshell. Too bad she didn't know.

Alex's eyes followed Genevieve's and saw the woman. He stood about to call her over but Ava shook her head. He sat back down clearly disappointed.

Genevieve smiled. "I have known you for your years and I have seen you look at someone like her."

"An age old obsession," he mumbled before taking a sip of his coffee. He looked back down at the papers. "Where were we?"

Just like that Alex changed the subject. They worked through breakfast and by the time they got up, Ava was gone. After breakfast, Genevieve suggested going on site to show him some of changes. Alex hesitated. He didn't want to leave Ava alone for a couple of days. He remembered her words and let go. He hoped she knew what she was doing.

***

Ava hadn't moved in two days. When Alex was near she made a mission of toying with him. If she was being honest it took everything out of her.  She gathered her strength, showered and stepped out of her room. She wore the dress that she first went to Alex with— it was the only thing that she had.

She went to the door and found a letter slipped under her door.

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