The woman shakes her head. “Sorry. I just got home when she was leaving.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Okay. Thanks.”
She hesitates, then says, “You might try Eden downtown. She hangs out there pretty often.”
I nod. “Yeah. Good idea. Thanks again.”
A few minutes later, I pull up outside Eden, my mind spinning. I know Ash was nervous about dinner tonight, but I never thought she’d just blow me off. And even if she tried to call or text and I didn’t answer, she’d have noticed something was off. Wouldn’t she?
The place isn’t packed, so it doesn’t take long to find her. She’s sitting alone at the bar, laughing at something the bartender’s saying, the same guy who got a little too familiar the night we had dinner here. I remember him all too well. His eyes were glued to Ash back then, and by the looks of it, nothing’s changed. A sharp jolt of jealousy cuts through me as I watch them, my jaw tightening as I fight the urge to go over there and wedge myself between them.
Rationally, I know Ash isn’t doing anything wrong. She’s just laughing, but it doesn’t stop the possessive edge that creeps up my spine, or the way my pulse kicks up just watching another guy look at her like that.
And worse, why the hell is she here? She was supposed to be at my place. With me. Not here, having drinks and sharing laughs with him.
I pull in a slow, steadying breath, forcing myself to stay where I am for just another second, giving myself time to get my head straight. Once I’m sure I won’t say something reckless, I make my way over to her.
Ash’s eyes widen the moment she spots me. Surprise flashes across her face, and she’s off the barstool in an instant, hurrying toward me. Without hesitation, she wraps her arms around my neck. Instinct takes over, and I slide my hands to her waist, pulling her flush against me. The familiar feel of her calms me… but not completely.
“What are you doing here?” she asks, smiling as she leans back to meet my eyes.
I study her face, confused and frustrated all at once. “I could ask you the same thing,” I reply, my voice lower than I intended. I ease back just enough to really look at her, searching her expression for some sort of explanation.
Her smile fades, replaced by a crease between her brows. She lets her arms fall from around my neck as she steps back. “What do you mean?” she asks, confusion clear in her voice.
My jaw tightens. “Dinner, Ash. At my place. You never showed up.” I hesitate, watching her reaction. “Did you forget?”
Her frown deepens, her mouth parting slightly in shock. “What? No!” She shakes her head, grabbing her purse off the bar and rifling through it until she finds her phone. “You texted me… you said Laney was sick and that we needed to cancel.” She finds the message and holds the phone out to me. “Look.”
I take it, scanning the screen. And in an instant, everything clicks.
Ben:I’m going to have to cancel dinner tonight. Laney’s sick.
Me:Oh. Okay. I hope she’s feeling better soon. Is there anything I can do to help?
I freeze as anger surges through me. I clench the phone tightly, my jaw locked so tight it hurts. “Ash… I never sent this.”
She stares at me, eyes wide. “What?”
I shake my head, furious but trying to keep my tone even for her sake. “Laney. She must’ve sent this from my phone.”
Ash looks down at her feet for a second before glancing back at me. “I did think it was… weird,” she admits softly. “You didn’t reply, and the message was just… cold.”
“Then why didn’t you call me?” I ask gently, squeezing her hand as I step in closer.
Her cheeks flush as she lowers her gaze again. “I guess I thought… maybe you were having second thoughts. About us.”
I swear under my breath, threading my fingers through hers. “No, Ash. Never,” I say, firmer this time. “Not for a second.”
Frustration stirs in my chest as the realization sinks in. Laney made Ash question how I feel about her. That crossed a line.
“I need to talk to Laney,” I say quietly but firmly. “Now.”
Ash gives me a small nod in understanding.
“Come with me. I want her to see we’re together, no matter what tricks she pulls.”
“Okay,” she says quietly.
