Read Online Chasing Ava: A Bachelor of Shell Cove Novel (The Bachelors of Shell Cove) by Siera London - Free Book Online Page B

doing in the bedroom, the Cricket would let you know. Ignoring Lina’s comment she continued on with her story.  
    “He said he likes me. Wants to know me better. He used the word involved . I came to the party as a third wheel and I’m involved by midnight. It’s crazy right?” Crazy events should be labeled what they are, a temporary deviation from the normal state of being. Morning light burns away the folly of darkness.
    “Slow down. Take a breath. It doesn’t have to be crazy. Logan is a man that tells you what he’s thinking. Do you know how lucky you are? You don’t have to play these games like the rest of us.” Her friend sounded disheartened.  
    “Oh, Lina, I am sorry. What am I doing, talking non-stop about Logan?”
    “You’re thinking like a woman with her brains scrambled by a man. It’s about time.” Lina released a soft giggle.
    The statement dropped a dose of reality at Ava’s feet.
    “Lina, what if...?”
    “Don’t say the words. Give yourself a chance. You are not the same person you were in college and Logan is definitely not the same type of man.”
    “You sound sure about me.”
    “I am. You’re stronger than you realize. You can have whatever you want.”
    Ava wanted to believe her friend. Glancing at the phone’s digital clock, she needed to end this call now to get in the miles before ten o’clock church service.  
    “I’m about to go for a run, do you want me to come over later?”
    “Don’t bother, I have to work the mid-morning shift today. Run an extra mile for me. According to Jace, my butt is too big.”
    “That’s not true,” Ava yelled. “You have a figure celebrities would pay for.”
    “I know. Jace was being a jerk, as usual. He wasn’t right for me, but there’s a man out there. My heart’s desire.” Lina the romantic. “You can have your heart’s desire too, Ava.”
    “Thanks for saying that. I’ll call later tonight.” She needed to believe she could have her heart’s desire because life had taught her otherwise.  

Chapter 6

    Ava should have considered it a rare honor to escort a group of SCMC financial donors through the pediatric unit. A twenty-bed state of the art medical and surgical hybrid unit framed by contemporary glass walls, trimmed in high gloss wood and accented with polished chrome. The physical building was as impressive as the patient care and clinical research occurring under its roof. The group was comprised of seven diamond-clad ladies, ranging in age from mid-fifties to early sixties, coiffed and coutured to perfection. One gentleman, maybe in his early fifties accompanied the group. He was lean with an athletic build, a dark complexion and intelligent eyes. So why did she have the distinct feeling of being beaten like a drum? Kathryn had asked her to showcase how foundation research grants and the medical innovations division worked together to develop best practices in pediatric inpatient care.  
    “You are very knowledgeable about the pediatric research at the facility.” That was from a short woman with pale skin and bright blue eyes near the back of the group. Ava offered a smile at the compliment as she led the group past a medical storage area.  
    “It’s her job.” The brisk retort was directed at no one in particular. The comment came from the woman who walked in front and slightly away from the group. The gold-buttoned nautical theme jacket with matching knit skirt made her look like a military commander to a squadron of Barbie dolls.  
    “Thank you,” Ava replied. “I serve as the primary nurse to several of the patients enrolled in the pediatric wound care project.” A project that Logan led and she believed in. She was privy to the lifesaving treatment regimens developed from his research. Trying not to think about Logan, Ava focused on all the lives and limbs that had been spared because of the wound care project. That was enough to renew her determination to make a lasting impression on the