His desperation makes me stop in my tracks.
“Iknowyou want to get to her,” he says, his tone softer now. “I do too. But we have to wait, just for a minute, until we figure this out.”
His eyes search mine, and even though he looks calmer than me, I can see the barely contained panic beneath the surface.
I exhale sharply, the pressure in my chest growing heavier. “Okay,” I manage, my voice tight. “I can’t lose her, Nash.” The words catch as I drag in a shaky breath. “She needs to know how much I love her. I pushed her away… and if I don’t get the chance to tell her what she means to me…” I trail off, the desperation thick in my voice.
Nash nods, his own expression grave as he exhales. “Youwillget that chance, Ben. I promise you. I’m going to get her out.”
Ashlyn
I sit at my desk,staring at my lesson plans for next week, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t focus. All I can think about is the fact that Ben is coming back to work tomorrow. I want to see him more than anything, but he doesn’t want to see me, and the thought of working together, pretending everything is fine, feels unbearable.
“Night, Ash,” a voice calls out.
I look up to see Ollie, the first-grade teacher, waving as he passes by my door.
“Night, Ollie,” I reply, forcing a smile.
With a sigh, I lean back in my chair. I always stay late after the kids leave. I’d rather get my work done at school than bring it home, but tonight, I’m just wasting time. No matter how long I sit here, my mind keeps drifting. I might as well go home.
I start gathering my things, shoving my laptop into my bag, when a knock on my open door makes me pause.
Looking up, I smile. “Hi, Eddie.”
“Hi, Miss Brookes.”
His eyes flick to my desk, his expression tightening.
“You’re not leaving already?” he asks.
There’s something strange in his tone, and unease prickles at the back of my neck. I stand, zipping up my bag.
“Yeah, it’s been a long day,” I say, keeping my voice light.
“No!” he snaps, making me jump.
My heart pounds in my chest as our eyes meet.
His voice softens, but the tension lingers. “I brought some food. A bottle of wine too.” He lifts a grocery bag, as if that will ease my nerves. “You’ve seemed sad lately. I thought this might cheer you up.”
I force a shaky smile, glancing toward the door.
“Oh… that’s thoughtful, Eddie, but I should get going.”
I grip my bag tightly, stepping around my desk, but before I can reach the door, he moves in front of me, blocking my path.
“I can’t let you leave,” he says quietly.
My breath catches. “What? Why?”
His eyes darken. “I know you like me, Ashlyn. Why else would you be so nice to me?”
A chill races down my spine. I take a slow step back, my gaze darting past him toward the open door.
“I should go,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
I attempt to sidestep him, but his grip clamps around my arm, and before I can react, he shoves me across the room.
