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A flurry shivered through her. Was that why Dex was flirting with her? Did he think it would get him a better reference? Or was he merely sorry for the frump who got dumped?
The doorbell rang, while Ashley preempted Maeve’s barrage of questions.
“He’s kind of annoying. He showed up late, got bitten by one of the dogs, and had to go on injury reserve. It was a nightmare.”
Then he told off my date, offered to eat me out, and said my collarbones do things to him …
Maeve’s expression said it all: Dex O’Malley is trouble. Ashley was inclined to agree, especially after that kiss. “Why didn’t you mention it?”
“Because … it’s his private life, I suppose? I didn’t want to gossip about him. He must get that all the time.” When Maeve didn’t respond, Ashley went on, feeling more and more flustered. “He’s just a transient presence. Dex O’Malley will be done and dusted before you know it.”
“I wondered why my ears were burning.”
Ashley turned to the sound of a deep, sexy rumble.
Dex O’Malley stood in the kitchen with a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, and that knock-her-dead smile.
“What are you doing here?”
Dex frowned. “I’m here for dinner.”
Dinner? Ashley stared at her daughter, who stood beside Dex, having likely let this man into her house. Though she couldn’t blame her daughter for the grip Dex had taken on Ashley’s peace of mind. “Willa, what have I told you about answering the door?”
“Not to. Except no one else was taking care of it.”
“We weren’t expecting anyone. Did you invite Dex to dinner?”
“No.”
“So …” Ashley stared at Dex, completely confused.
“Your sister did,” he supplied.
Vera flounced in, grinning like a homewrecker. She grabbed an apple and took a bite, then spoke with her mouth full because manners had never been her thing.
“There I was picking up my niece and outside the shelter, I run into Dex O’Malley. My first thought: ‘now why have we not heard about this nice young man’s volunteer work?’ My second? ‘Maybe we should discuss over lasagna.’”
“Sure but—” She met Dex’s gaze and saw … embarrassment. “It’s just I wasn’t expecting you.” And here he was, a potent reminder of her poor decision-making from earlier.
“I’m getting that,” he murmured, sounding a touch regretful. “Don’t worry, I’ll get out of your way.”
Vera lunged forward as if Dex needed protecting from Big Bad No Fun Ashley. “No freaking way! You’re our guest. Let me get you a drink. What’ll it be? Wine, beer, me?”
“Vera,” Ashley warned.
“No, it’s fine.” Dex resisted Vera’s grip and started backing up. “I’ve obviously intruded.”
“Not at all.” Ashley felt awful because Dex’s initial embarrassment had now graduated to something closer to hurt. “You took me by surprise, that’s all.”
Vera was pulling at Dex’s jacket. “Dex said he doesn’t get home-cooked meals very often. So I thought, Italian food’s on the menu tonight and why not.”
Ashley exchanged a quick glance with Dex who murmured, “If you’re sure.”
She needed to put this right. Just because she couldn’t handle the aftermath of a scorching hot kiss didn’t mean she should be rude.
“Not a problem. Dex, meet my sister, Maeve. You already know Vera and Willa.”
Vera gave a slinky seductress smile. “Look, Ashley, Dex brought flowers.”
