She exhales loudly. “Hearing her say she’s worried about losing you broke my heart. I don’t want her to ever feel like I’m coming between you.”
I let out a heavy sigh. If there was something I could say to make this easier for everyone, I’d say it in a heartbeat. Right now, it feels like I’m caught in the middle, torn between two people I care about. No matter what I choose, someone’s going to get hurt. And that guts me more than I want to admit.
I’m not letting go of Ash. What we share means the world to me, and I’ll fight for it with every ounce of strength I have. But Laney… she’s hurting too. As much as her attitude frustrates me, I can’t ignore what she’s going through. She’s lost so much, and I know deep down this isn’t just about Ash. It’s about all the change that’s crashed into her life at once.
I just hope I can figure out how to hold this all together before something breaks that I can’t fix.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Ben
It’s been just over a week since dinner at Ash’s parents’ place, and even though we shared an intense night together afterward, she’s been a little distant ever since. Laney’s behavior earlier in the week didn’t help things, and I can’t shake the worry that she’s pulling away.
From what she’s told me, wedding plans for Nash and Paisley are moving full steam ahead, and I know she’s conflicted. She’s pleased for them, but the unresolved tension with Nash is driving her crazy. She’s worrying that it’s putting a strain on her and Paisley’s friendship, but more than anything, she’s terrified that Nash and Paisley’s relationship will suffer, and that’s the last thing she wants.
My phone chimes, pulling me from my thoughts. I reach into my jeans pocket, unlock the screen, and smile when I see a message from Ash. Until I read it, and my smile fades.
Ashlyn:Hey, just got to Nash and Paisley’s house. Nash won’t even stay in the same room as me. It’s like he’s a completely different person.
It’s Saturday, and Ash and the girls planned a trip to a bridal shop a few towns over to look at Sophie’s bridesmaid dress. Since Ash offered to drive, she’s picking everyone up from Paisley’s. I know she was hoping Nash would be at work so she could avoid seeing him, but it looks like he’s home and being a complete ass.
I sigh, quickly typing a response.
Me:I’m sorry, baby. Maybe once he’s calmed down, he’ll feel differently.
Ashlyn:It’s been a week. How long is it going to take for him to calm down?
I shut my eyes, wishing I had the right words to fix this. The truth is, I don’t know what to say. I want to tell her Nash will come around, but with the way he’s acting, I honestly have no idea if he will. And it’s not just him. We still have Cade and Wyatt to worry about too.
Me:I wish I knew, baby. Try not to let him ruin your day. I know how much you were looking forward to spending time with the girls.
I want to tell her I love her. The words had been on the tip of my tongue last week, but I held back, and now I regret it. But I’m not about to say it over text, not the first time.
Ashlyn:We’re leaving now, thank God. I’ll see you later. We still on for tomorrow?
Tomorrow, I’m taking Ash to my parents’ house for dinner. Laney is away for the weekend with friends; a trip that was planned and paid for before she was grounded, so I decided to let her go. At least it makes visiting my parents easier, and I know without a doubt that my mom and dad will welcome Ash with open arms. I want her to see that not everyone in our lives is against us.
Hell, at this point, we both need to see that.
Me:Of course. I’ll pick you up at 12. Have fun today, and even more fun tonight.
She replies with a wine glass emoji, followed by a green vomit emoji, making me laugh. After they’re done with Sophie’s dress, they’re heading out for dinner and then a night in Eden. Sophie’s leaving after dinner to go back to Hunter, so it’ll just be Ash, Paisley, Ivy, and Taylor hitting the town. If I know Ash, it’s going to be a messy night, but at least Seb or his staff will be around to keep an eye on her.
An hour later, I settle at the kitchen breakfast bar, trying to focus on work, but my mind won’t cooperate. Ash’s message from earlier lingers, tangled with Nash’s harsh words from last week.
A few days ago, I told my parents about my relationship with Ashlyn. They knew a bit from Laney, but I told them everything. The age gap, that I’m her boss, and the resistance we’re facing from nearly all of her brothers, Nash especially. My dad suggested I talk to Nash one-on-one, but I brushed it off, thinking it was a terrible idea.
But maybe he’s right.
Maybe if Nash understands how much Ash means to me, I can get him to change his mind about us.
I shut my laptop, grab my keys, and jog through the entryway, down the porch steps to my car. Sliding into the driver’s seat, I head straight for Hope Creek. I have no idea where Nash and Paisley live, but Eden is a good place to start. Hopefully, Seb will either give me Nash’s address, or at least his number.
By the time I pull up outside Eden, I barely remember the drive. My mind is too tangled up in what I’m going to say to Nash. Parking, I take a steadying breath before heading inside. It’s still early, and only a handful of people are scattered around, nursing drinks. Relief washes over me when I spot Seb behind the bar.
“Hey, Ben,” he greets me as I approach. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah… actually, no. I need to talk to Nash.”
