Chapter 280

Joseph's POV Walking through my front door with Ava beside me felt like winning the lottery after thinking I'd lost the ticket. My pulse raced as I watched her take in my home, her eyes scanning the open-concept living area with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Harbor Bay. "Your place is even more impressive than I imagined," Ava said, running her fingers along the back of my couch. "Thanks," I said casually, though my heart was racing. "I had planned something special for Tuesday before... everything happened." Ava turned to face me, her eyes narrowing. "Before your ex-hookup wrapped herself around you like a snake?" "She's not my—" I stopped myself. "Can we sit down for this? Maybe have some wine while we talk?" "Fine," Ava nodded, settling onto the edge of my couch like she might bolt at any moment. I hurried to the kitchen, grateful for the moment to collect my thoughts. Dean was pacing in my mind. "Don't screw this up," he warned. "She's giving us one chance." "I know," I