We stop outside her apartment door, and she exhales softly. “Okay. I’ll try.”
She unlocks the door and we step inside.
“Good.”
Before I can move, she rises onto her toes and presses a soft kiss on my lips. “Thank you.”
I wrap my arms around her. “For what?”
“For being you. I know tonight was hard for both of us, but you’re still here.”
I rest my forehead against hers. “As long as you want me by your side, I’m not going anywhere. It might not feel like it now, but we’ll find a way through this with Nash, Cade, and even Laney.”
I have to believe that because the thought of walking away is unbearable.
“I hope you’re right,” she murmurs before pressing a soft kiss to my lips and stepping back. “I’m just going to change into some sweats. Make yourself at home. There’s beer and wine in the fridge.”
As she disappears down the hallway, I head into the kitchen. I grab a beer for myself and an open bottle of wine for her, then search through a few cabinets until I find a wine glass. Pouring her a generous amount, I take both drinks into the living room.
“What movie do you want to watch, Ash?” I call out.
“You pick!”
Setting our drinks on the coffee table, I turn on the TV and scroll through her streaming options. I settle on a cheesy Amy Schumer rom-com and sink into the sofa while I wait for her.
Ashlyn
I leaveBen in the entryway and walk down the hall to my bedroom. I told him I wanted to change, and I do, but more than that, I need a moment to myself.
Anger and hurt bubble inside me, but along with them, there’s something worse. Disappointment. I never imagined thatsomeone I loved and respected wouldn’t extend that same love and respect in return. I always knew my brothers would have a hard time with whoever I brought home, but I truly believed that when I found the right person, they’d let go of their overprotective stance.
Tonight, at least for Nash, that wasn’t the case.
I quickly change out of my work clothes, slipping into a pair of yoga pants and a tank top. It’s not the most glamorous outfit, but after the night I’ve had, comfort is all that matters. Catching my reflection in the full-length mirror, I pull out my hair tie, letting my blonde waves fall loose around my shoulders. A quick swipe of lip gloss later, and I feel a little more put together.
On my way to the living room, I grab my phone from my purse in the entryway.
Ben is stretched out on the sofa, and I flop down beside him, immediately spotting the large glass of wine waiting for me on the coffee table.
“You look incredible,” he murmurs, his eyes slowly sweeping over me.
I laugh. “I’m literally in yoga pants.”
He smirks. “Exactly. Skin-tight yoga pants.”
His heated gaze sends a rush of warmth through me, and I love the way he looks at me, like he’s barely holding himself back. He swallows thickly then seems to shake himself out of it. I reach for my wine, and he hands it to me.
“Are you trying to get me drunk, Principal Murphy?” I tease, accepting the oversized glass with a grin.
He gives me a sheepish smile. “I figured you might need a large one.”
“Damn right.”
I take a sip before settling the glass in the crook of my folded legs. Unlocking my phone, I frown at the handful of notifications lighting up my screen. Paisley, Sophie, Taylor, and Mom.
Ben’s hand finds my leg, his thumb brushing over my knee. “Everything okay?”
“Just a few texts from the girls,” I tell him, already scrolling through them.
