Needing Him (Him Series Book #3)

Katie couldn't sleep.

Feelings of jealousy, anger, and betrayal warred within her despite knowing she wasn't blameless. She'd spent weeks wallowing in despair, feeling sorry for herself when Ava was fighting to stop drinking and turn her life around. Maybe Ava would have come to her instead of turning to Jase if she'd been a better friend.

And Jase...

Her heart felt like it was breaking inside her chest.

She'd accused him of lying, but she had lied too. She knew he wasn't the father of Ava's baby, but she'd been too hurt to tell him what he needed to hear. Because a part of her wanted him to feel the pain she felt.

Her stomach clenched. Jealousy burned within her. She was a terrible person. Even worse despite knowing she was wrong, her feelings weren't going away.

She sent Ava a quick text asking if she could come over. It was almost ten o'clock, but she grabbed her purse and phone and headed out to find answers.

As soon as she left her apartment building, she was afraid. Was she making a mistake? She walked quickly to her car, looking around the empty lot. She didn't see anyone, but the feeling that she wasn't alone scared her.

THUMP!

She spun around. "Who's there?"

Nothing.

"Hello?" she called, searching but seeing no one in the deserted lot.

REOW!

Katie screamed as something small and fierce shot at her. Ducking and covering her head she crouched on the ground, looking up in time to catch the furry critter scurrying away.

A cat.

It took a few moments for her breathing to return to normal. Then she got in her car and drove away.

"Come in," Ava greeted with a bright smile, obviously pleased to see her. "I made strawberry coconut smoothies."

"Great." Her heart sank. She wanted answers not refreshments, but she followed Ava into the kitchen, wondering if this was a mistake.

"Did you tell Jase about the calls?"

"Uh, no. It didn't come up." With the night's drama, Katie forgot about the mystery caller.

Ava's smile slipped. "What's wrong?"

"I was attacked by a cat on the way over," she said lamely, picking up the drink and taking a sip, hoping she was acting normal. "My high-pitched screams and wild jumping must have scared it away."

Her friend watched her for a long moment.

"I'm glad you're here. Honestly, I was kinda lonely, so don't take this the wrong way. Why are you here this time of night?"

"I needed to talk to you." With a deep breath of courage, she prepared to unload everything. But the words wouldn't come.

"I thought you'd still be with Jase. I'm guessing the dinner didn't go as expected."

"Yes and no. I knew he wasn't close with his dad, but...I thought that meant they disagreed about normal parent-kid stuff. I don't know much about healthy family relationships."

"It was more than that."

"Jase's dad hired a private investigator to follow him." She watched Ava's reaction and knew from her expression that Ava was aware of what that meant.

Inhaling a sharp breath, Ava shoved a chunk of hair behind her ear. "You know."

The words were so soft they were barely audible, but Katie heard.