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“Why?” Why would she cry for that asshole? More like good riddance!
“She loved him. She never wished bad things upon him.”
“She should have pressed charges.”
“Maybe, but her parents didn’t want to do that. It would have damaged the reputations of both families. Small towns are funny about stuff like that, and in the end, she got out.”
“So, the boyfriend and her parents betrayed her.” Not one person, but three. The three most important people in her life. My heart hurts for her and I drop my eyes to Whiskey.
“You’re catching on quickly,” she says.
“Hmm.” I don’t know what to say. I’m so furious at those people who call themselves her family. No wonder she never wants to see any of them. It’s not just the bad memories of going home; it’s so much more.
“Talk to her. She’ll tell you what you want to know.” Emma’s voice is calm and assertive.
Slowly, I suck in a big breath and bring my eyes back to hers. “I suppose it’s time. I just didn’t want to push her.”
“Push. She’s ready.” Emma nods her head and smiles at me.
“And, on that note, so am I.” Clay breaks the silence and stands up, pulling Emma with him. She giggles and I smile at my friend. He nods his head to say good night and the two of them leave hand in hand.
CLICKING. THAT’S THE first thing that I hear.
No, typing.
Gradually opening my eyes so they can adjust to the light, I look across the room and see Ash sitting at his desk, working on a laptop.
I’m in his room.
I’m in his bed.
My eyes shift to the empty side of the bed, and yep, it’s rumpled. He slept next to me. My faces flushes at the thought, and then I realize I’m disappointed I don’t remember it.
The clicking stops, and I glance back at him. He’s watching me.
“Good morning, or should I say afternoon?” He smiles a lazy smile, sits back in the chair, and runs a hand through his hair. It sticks straight up and I stop breathing at the sight of him. Red pajama pants, a white t-shirt, bare feet, and that just-climbed-out-of-bed look—where do I sign up to get this every morning for the rest of my life?
“Hi.” I sit up and look around the room. There on the table is one of my travel bags. “What time is it?”
He glances at the clock on his phone, which is sitting next to the laptop. “A little after noon. Are you hungry?”
What?!I haven’t slept this late in years.
I run my hand over my stomach, nothing. “No, not yet, maybe in a little bit.”
“Cora came by this morning and brought you that.” He tilts his head toward the bag.
“She did?” I look at him curiously.
“Mmm hmm. And Emma came by last night to check on you.” He crosses his arms over his chest and a dark look passes over his face. This throws me, and suddenly I’m worried about what they talked about.
“Wow, I must have passed out hard.” I remember being tired, but not that tired. Then again, I think his bed is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in.
“You could say that.” He smiles at me, tracking me with his eyes as I get up to go inspect the bag. She packed half of the things I brought to Nashville. Maybe she’s as hopeful as I am that I get to stay the rest of the weekend.
His computer dings, and he leans forward to read what just popped up. I know what he’s doing—he’s checking for backlash.
“How bad is it?” I walk over and place my hand on his shoulder.
