Page 65 of Riverbend Gap (Riverbend 1)

Gavin chuckled as he set his hands on Katie’s waist. “She has that effect on people. Look out... We Robinsons are pretty addictive.”

“I noticed that.” She gave him a cheeky smile but found herself thinking of Cooper instead.

“You did, huh?” Gavin leaned close and gave her a sweet, lingering kiss. As usual it was technically perfect, soft and slow, never sloppy or rushed. Altogether pleasant.

He eased away. “Go home and get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

On the way home Katie reflected on her fireside chat with Gavin. There’d been a moment when he brought up the end of his marriage. He mentioned Laurel by name and referred to the mounting tension that preceded their divorce. He stared at Katie, the glow of the campfire flickering in his sad eyes, and she was sure he was going to tell her about Jesse. But he looked away, his jaw knotting with emotion.

Katie’s heart squeezed tight at his struggle. Poor guy. He was trying. She kissed the back of his hand and said a little prayer that God would give him peace.

Even as Katie turned in to her driveway, the melancholy lingered in her mind. Once inside her house she checked her phone. A text from Avery had come in while she was at the campground.

Can I swing by tonight?

Gravel popped in Katie’s driveway, rattling her nerves. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what this impromptu visit was about. A moment later she opened the door as Avery ascended the porch steps.

Her friend’s tepid greeting was less than encouraging.

“Come on in.” She moved aside as Avery brushed past. Katie decided to cut to the chase. “I can guess why you’re here, but let me assure you, there’s nothing to worry about.”

“I know it’s none of my business, but I can’t seem to help myself.”

“Have a seat. Want something to drink?”

“No, I want you to put me out of my misery.” They settled onthe sofa. “All I can think about is Gavin getting his heart broken again and you—my best friend—right in the middle of it all.”

“That’s the last thing I want.”

“I saw the look on your face, Katie. And the way Cooper was touching you. And in case I haven’t warned you, he has commitment issues.”

Katie resisted the urge to defend him. Maybe he did date around, but he was as authentic as any man she’d ever known. “I won’t deny that there’s a connection between Cooper and me. We’ve been through a couple of emotional events together.”

“Okay... That’s true enough. I can see where that might engender some kind of bond.”

“Exactly. But nothing’s going to happen between us.”

“So... are you saying you feel close to him but just as a brother?”

Katie opened her mouth to respond. But nothing came out. She didn’t think of him that way at all. But she couldn’t find the words to articulate it in a way that would reassure Avery.

The silence drew out between them, tension growing as it lengthened.

Avery’s face fell. “Oh boy.”

“No, there’s no ‘oh boy.’ Everything is fine. I care for Gavin, I really do. I would never betray him.” She meant that with everything in her. His expression tonight when he’d almost brought up Jesse had a powerful impact on her.

She’d deal with her feelings for Cooper. She’d avoid family gatherings awhile. Suffocate these futile feelings simmering for Cooper until there was nothing left but cold ash.

“It’s just that—he’s been through so much, Katie.”

“I know that. You don’t have to worry about this. Really.”

Avery held her gaze steadily for a long moment, then let out a breath. “Okay. I’m so relieved. Ever since I walked into thatkitchen tonight, I’ve been worried sick our family was about to implode.”

“I would never do that. I love your family. And you have plenty on your plate right now without dreaming up concerns.”

“You’re right. Sorry. I should’ve trusted you more. I know you’d never cheat on Gavin or anyone else for that matter.”