Ava's POV
"Ava!" a voice echoed from the hallway, followed by heavy footsteps thudding against the wooden floors.
I was in the corridor, wrestling with the sticky, squeaky doorknob, my senses on high alert like a wolf picking up danger. I froze, my heart slamming, and spun around, catching my breath at who was there. Steve, his green eyes catching the faint lantern light in the dim passage, his face breaking into a smile that sent a warm rush through me despite the cold.
"Damn, it's good to have you back, Ava," he said, but before he could get another word out, I threw myself at him, wrapping my arms tight around his neck, breathing in the full scent of pine and sweat.
"Good to be back, Steve," I gasped, pulling away to look at him, his eyes locking onto mine with something unsaid hang
