Page 123 of Burning For You

“It’s hard not to.”

“Yeah, well, it’s hard when everyone is on your case. I don’t think anyone realizes how difficult this is for me.”

He ran his hand down her hair. “You’re wrong, Skye. I know how terrible it is for you, because it’s just as troublesome for me.”

She looked up into his eyes, held his stare. He thought he saw something more there.

Or maybe it was wishful thinking on his end.

“I don’t want to lose you, Ash. Not over this.”

“You’re not going to,” he said. “Especially over this.”

But once the asshole was caught, then he and Skye were going to have a serious conversation about where they stood.

Because he didn’t know if he could love her in silence much longer.

31

ANYTHING TO GAIN

“Hey, everyone,” Ash said hours later when they walked into the back door of his parents’ house.

Dinner was being cleaned up and Skye felt bad showing up like this, but they had eaten earlier at her parents’ house since Keegan and Tate were both working tonight.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” Brooke said, coming over to give them both a hug. “Can I get you a plate of anything?”

“I’m good,” she said. “We ate a few hours ago.”

And thankfully the big meal was settling to give her room for dessert. Which she was positive was going to be awesome since everything Brooke baked was.

“I’ll take some leftovers,” Ash said. “Then I’ve got food for tomorrow at the firehouse.”

“I’ve got your containers all ready for you,” Brooke said. “Go sit and visit with the rest of the family while we clean up.”

Reenie, Meredith, Arden, and Gale were moving around the kitchen like a well-choreographed machine. Not even her mother moved this fast or efficiently with her and Brenna helping.

“Hi,” she said to the Ridgeway men and Rory, moving into the living room.

“I got your email yesterday,” Rory said. “I’m not ignoring you. I knew I’d see you today to chat about a few things. I looked over your outline.”

“Thanks. I don’t want to bother you or anything.”

“No bother,” Rory said.

“We can talk about that later,” Ash said.

“Yeah.” Gale came running in. “Sorry, I’m not missing this. That article yesterday was ballsy and I loved it. I’d do the same thing.”

“Of course you would,” Clay said sarcastically. “Because you never do what you’re told either.”

“And not everyone is you,” Ash argued, staring at his sister.

“That’s right,” Gale said proudly. “You boys taught me well.”

Ford sighed. “Yeah. We won’t go into how well you were taught, nor talk about shooting when you’re told not to.”

Her eyes went wide. “What?”