Saving Avery by Angela Snyder Read Free Book Online Page B

I was watching her. Her eyes float over the outside of the house and lock onto the living room where I left the light on. Her eyebrows knit together, and then she continues up the steps and vanishes inside the house next door.
    Releasing a breath, I lean against the railing and stare out over the ocean. Avery's life is like a jigsaw in my mind, and the pieces are slowly falling together as I learn more about her. I find myself wanting to complete the puzzle and see the whole picture, because I think there is much more to her than meets the eye. I have a compelling urge to protect her, and I have a feeling deep down that's exactly what she needs right now.

CHAPTER 4
    AVERY
     
    It's Wednesday afternoon, and Jacob is showing me how to build an awesome array of Lego vehicles, airplanes and castles. I am so excited about Nathan leaving on Friday for his weeklong conference in Seattle that I am in a better mood than usual. Jacob must have been able to sense it, because he insisted on going to the activities room to play. He hardly ever wants to leave his room, so this is a big deal for him. He pulls a portable IV pole behind him as he floats his newly built stunt airplane in the air with his other hand. He mimics engine noises with his mouth, and I can't help but grin.
    "Wow, Jacob. That is the coolest plane I have ever seen."
    "Really?" he asks with wide-eyed innocence.
    I chuckle. "Yes, really."
    He smirks and continues to fly his plane around the room. My eyes follow him before catching a glimpse of two figures in the hallway. My eyes lock onto Dr. Harrison as he talks with Dr. Benson. Max throws his head back and lets out a hearty laugh at something funny the other man said. His laugh is infectious, and a smile tugs at my lips.
    His dark shaggy hair falls in front of his eyes as he leans forward; and he's quick to give his head a slight shake, so that the hair returns to its natural and sexy just-got-out-of-bed style. I can't seem to drag my gaze away from him no matter how hard I try. For the first time in a long time, I feel attracted to a man and not fearful of being around him. I guess Nathan hasn't stolen everything from me after all.
    For the past couple of days, I've been seeing Max more and more around the hospital. He always says hi or tries to strike up a conversation with me in the halls. I usually just smile or wave. And for the past two days, we've eaten lunch together in the cafeteria. I think I maybe said a total of five words to him as he jabbered away about the hospital and the weather. It's not that I don't want to talk to him, but I have a deep-rooted fear instilled in me that both of us will end up getting hurt in the long run. Until I am free from Nathan, I can't even think about being with anyone else. If Max would get hurt because of me, I'd never be able to forgive myself.
    In all actuality, I doubt if I even have any real chance with Max. I'm sure he's just trying to be friendly. Nevertheless, he always seems nervous around me, for some reason; and it's undeniably sweet and cute. I've seen him talking to the nurses, who are all clamoring to get his attention. It's against hospital policy to date coworkers, but people do it all the time anyway. I'm sure he'll have no problem finding a willing nurse to keep their relationship on the down low. A pang of jealousy hits me hard when I think of him being with someone else, but I have no reason to be jealous over a relationship that I could never have.
    As if sensing my gaze, Max turns and looks at me. He caught me staring, and I feel the heat rise to my cheeks. His lips curl up into a big grin. He gives me a wave, and I wave back. He takes a step towards the doorway, but Dr. Benson says something and points down the hall. I watch as a deep frown appears on Max's face before he nods and follows the other doctor.
    I wonder if he's upset because he didn't get the chance to talk to me. My heart beats a little faster at the thought. Even though I know we would