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I tell myself that it’s not about us, it’s about her safety. And even if she doesn’t mean anything to me anymore – and that’s now a bit questionable after seeing her again – she was my entire world at one point.

Surely that’s enough of a reason to check on her.

“If anyone deserves to freeze, it’s her,” Bobby insists flatly. “And you’re going to end up driving off the road, man. It’s not worth it. She’s not worth it.”

Ashley’s dad set an elaborate Ponzi scheme in motion, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the local residents. He went to jail and since Ashley’s mother was already deceased, she and her brother went to live with their only relatives in Chicago.

Thankfully, our parents were savvy enough to recognize that they were about to be hosed, so they didn’t invest. But so many of our neighbors and friends did.

Some lost their livelihoods, some lost all their savings, and some even took their own lives. It was a really dark time in our town’s history made worse because everyone trusted Ashley’s dad and willingly invested – some giving everything they had on his word alone.

She was playing me the whole time.

That’s the story, but not one that I ever got to hear directly from her. She wouldn’t take my calls after everything went down, and we haven’t talked since her dad was arrested and she moved away.

And now she’s back.

“Seriously, man, I am going to be so fucking pissed if you–”

Bobby’s rant is interrupted by Savanna’s voice in the background, but I can’t make out what she’s saying. It sounds like she’s scolding Bobby based on her tone, but I’m probably the one who needs some sense knocked into me.

“My girl says I’m being too harsh,” Bobby grumbles. “I’m sorry. I just don’t want anything to happen to you, brother. I love you.”

“I love you, too. I’ll be careful, promise.”

Savanna must take the phone from Bobby because her sweet voice replaces his jackass one.

“Can you just call the police?” Savanna suggests. “Ask them to do a wellness check or something? I mean, it’s their job to keep people safe, not yours. And you have your parents, Cade, Victory, Aidan, and all the guys to take care of tonight. They need you.”

I understand her point, but everyone on the ranch is safe. It’s Ashley who isn’t. Still, what Savanna suggested makes more sense than my plan.

“That’s a good idea,” I agree. “I’ll make the call after I help the Hollands. I’m just pulling into their driveway now.”

“Gavin.” Her voice is soft and filled with tears. “You’re such a good man. We love you so much. Please don’t do anything reckless.”

“I’m really glad you’re part of our family. I love you both, and I’ll keep you updated to let you know everyone is safe.”

And now I just need to decide if the woman I hate is worth risking my life over.

Chapter 8

Ashley

Whenthelightsgoout, panic beats against my rib cage. All I want to do is curl into a ball and cry because I am just not equipped to handle this shit.

But I take a deep, calming breath and remind myself that all hope isn’t lost. Power surges are expected during horrible storms, but at least there’s a generator in the shed. I just need to go outside and get it.

After pulling on my coat and boots as quickly as possible, I open the front door and am immediately struck by icy cold snow and wind powerful enough to make me step back.

And some of the snow is awfully hard.

Hail the size of golf balls?

Perfect.

That will make driving conditions even more dangerous in case of emergency. Like if I can’t get the generator started. That would certainly qualify.

It’s nearly impossible to see an inch in front of me. Shining the fancy, high-powered LED flashlight I bought at the hardware store only offers a halo-like glare rather than improving visibility.