Read Online Falling For Zoe (The Camerons of Tide's Way #1) by Skye Taylor - Free Book Online

overwhelming desire she’d had for him to kiss her. Had that been just sexual attraction, or had it been her heart’s reaction to the look she’d seen in his eyes earlier in the evening?
    Thankfully, they were almost home. Zoe breathed a sigh of relief as they turned off the four-lane road onto Jolee. Nothing further was said until she turned into her own driveway. It was hard keeping her mind on driving safely, answering Ava’s questions in a responsible manner, and keeping her own feelings out of the mix. At least now she could concentrate. She cut the engine and turned in her seat.
    “Look, Ava, it probably feels like love, but there should be more to a relationship than just physical attraction. You should have other things in common that you enjoy doing together. Music and your favorite artists. Mutual friends and activities you’re both into. If the only thing Travis wants from you is sex, then it’s not about love. At least, not on his part.”
    “It isn’t just about sex. I know it’s not. Travis isn’t like that. He even said it was okay if I wasn’t ready for . . . well, you know. He said he loves me, and he just likes being with me whatever we do. Andrea probably came on to him. Maybe he couldn’t help himself with all those hormones and stuff. Or maybe he was just trying not to hurt Andrea’s feelings.”
    Zoe doubted that last rose-colored explanation. Based on the breathless way Debbie had delivered her little bombshell, it was more likely the former, but then, Zoe didn’t really know Travis, so she probably shouldn’t judge. If Travis had moved on, Ava would find out soon enough on her own. But it was a little alarming to hear that Ava and Travis had actually discussed having sex. No wonder Jake was worried! Please God, let it be that Travis had moved on and wouldn’t be pressuring Ava into anything. Jake would be out for blood if he knew.
    “Have you reassured your father that you’re not ready to jump into bed with Travis, or anyone else, for that matter?”
    Ava gasped, her eyes growing as wide and dark as the centers of the sunflowers in Zoe’s back yard. “Are you kidding? I could never tell Daddy a thing like that.”
    “Maybe you should. If he knew how responsibly you take such a decision, he might lighten up a little. He’s just worried about you. Fathers tend to worry about their little girls. And trust me, you will always be his little girl, no matter how old you are.”
    Ava chuckled sadly. “Yeah. Daddy’s little girl and all that.”
    “Don’t knock it.” Zoe wished she’d been Daddy’s little girl. Or at least she wished she could remember being so. Maybe once upon a time she had been. Before her sisters arrived. Before her mother died, and Zoe had had to grow up fast and become the surrogate mom while her sisters were treated like princesses. There had been times Zoe had felt more like Cinderella than she liked to admit.
    Jake’s van turned in past the old brick gatepost, pulled around the circle and into his driveway. The twins piled out and ran toward Zoe’s truck.
    “Thanks,” Ava said, unbuckling her seatbelt. “For everything. It’s . . . it’s nice to have someone I can talk to. I mean someone older than me. Not that you’re old, but you know—”
    Zoe smiled at the young woman sitting next to her. “I know. And you’re welcome. Come over any time.” Zoe climbed down from the truck and then spoke across the hood. “Maybe we can go shopping again. When your father’s credit card has recovered, that is.” When nothing I own fits me anymore .
    Ava smiled. “I’d like that.”
    “Think about talking to your father. Seriously. He might be a lot more understanding than you’d guess.”
    “Miss Zoe! Look what we got!” Lynn almost ran into Zoe in her eagerness.
    “Look, Miss Zoe!” Lori waved a sheet of colorful stickers in Zoe’s direction.
    The chance to say anything more to Ava was lost in the exuberance of her sisters’ excitement,