“Plus, I don’t want to leave you here with him,” I add, my gaze drifting past her to the bartender, who’s watching us with a look I don’t like.
Ash notices the shift in my attention and glances over her shoulder. “What? Alex?” she asks, her brow raised. “He’s harmless.”
I shake my head. “He wants you, Ash. I’m not sure you realize how beautiful you are.”
She rolls her eyes with a small, amused smile. “He flirts with everyone. It’s just how he is.”
“Maybe,” I say, though I’m not convinced. “But he won’t be flirting with you.”
She laughs softly. “Are you seriously going all caveman on me right now?”
I let out a low chuckle, though there’s still an edge to it. Between Laney’s stunt and Alex’s staring, my patience is thin. “You’re mine, Ash. And if he needs reminding of that, I’m more than willing.”
Her smile softens as she steps closer, reaching for my hand. “You don’t need to remind anyone. I know exactly who I belong to.”
Some of the tension eases from my shoulders as I squeeze her fingers gently. “Come on. Let’s go.”
The drive home is quiet, but not uncomfortable. Ash’s fingers brush over mine now and then, reminding me to breathe, but by the time we pull into the driveway, the knot in my chest is tight. I kill the engine and get out without a word. Ash follows, a few steps behind as I storm into the house. Laney’s still in the kitchen, sitting at the breakfast bar like nothing’s wrong, scrolling on her phone.
“Laney,” I say, my voice low and sharp.
She looks up, casual at first, but something in my expression must give me away because she stiffens. “What?”
I take a step closer. “Where’s my phone?”
Her chin lifts in defiance. “I already told you. I have no idea.”
“Don’t lie to me,” I snap. “You took it. You sent that text to Ash.”
Ash hovers in the doorway behind me, silently watching.
Laney rolls her eyes. “So what if I did?”
Her admission hits harder me than I expected. “Why the hell would you do that?” My voice rises, fury laced in every word. “You had no right.”
She shrugs as if she hasn’t just betrayed me. “I was protecting you.”
“Protecting me? From what? Being happy?”
Her eyes go past me to Ash. “From making a mistake.”
I shake my head. “You don’t get to make decisions for me,” I say firmly. “I know you’re struggling, Laney. I know things haven’t been easy since the move… since your mom. But Ash is not a mistake.”
Her jaw tightens, but there’s something vulnerable in her eyes now. “I just didn’t want to lose you too,” she admits, her voice small.
I sigh, my anger softening slightly. I step closer, resting a hand on the counter between us. “You’re not going to lose me, Laney. But you can’t try to control my life because you’re scared. That’s not fair to me or to Ash.”
She doesn’t say anything, but I hope my words sink in. I don’t know how else I can get through to her.
I turn and reach for Ashlyn’s hand, tangling her fingers with mine and leading her to the entryway.
“Where are you going?” Laney asks, her voice tight.
I pause and look over my shoulder. “Out. Neither Ash nor I have eaten.” I sigh. “Plus, it’ll give us both a chance to cool off. I’ll be back later.”
I don’t wait for her to respond and guide Ash outside, pulling her into my arms at the top of the porch steps.
“I’m so sorry about tonight, Ash.”
