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“I’m sorry, I–”

“Where the hell are you, Gavin? Are you okay?”

My gaze is glued on Ashley, memorizing every single one of her new curves while she scoops stir fry onto two plates.

In high school, she was always what Victory called “willowy.” She was thin, but not necessarily fit or strong. Whatever she’s done looks damn good on her. Now her body is toned to perfection while still being soft in all the right places.

Like her ample breasts pushing into my back.

Jesus.

“I’m fine,” I reply, “But I, uh, won’t be back to the ranch tonight. I’m hoping to leave first thing in the morning, but we’ll have to see how the roads are.”

“Leave where? Are you stuck at the Holland place? I can bring a real truck to drag your broke ass Ford home if you need me to come help.”

I have a Ford F-450 Super Duty Limited, but Cameron is a diehard Chevy guy and Bobby prefers Dodge. We are forever bashing each other’s life choices.

“I’m with Ashley.”

Silence.

A long, poignant silence.

“What?” Cameron sputters.

“Is everyone okay there? Do you need me on the property? I’ll find my way back if you do.”

“I’ve got everything under control, and Cade is literally fifty feet away in case anything comes up. But… What did you just say? You’re spending the nightwhere?”

“You heard me, man.”

“We’re due for a story time when you leave that cabin.”

I want to tell him to fuck off, but Ashley is looking at me and I don’t want to hurt her feelings. It doesn’t take a detective to figure out that Cameron is busting my balls for being with her when I should be at home helping my crew.

That’s where I’d rather be.

At least, I think it is.

“I’ll see you as soon as I can. I’ll keep you posted and you do the same. Please.”

“Will do, man,” Cameron confirms, “And I can’t wait to tell Bobby about this shit show.”

“Don’t you dare.”

“Already texting him.”

“Goodbye, Cameron.”

“Do you want some wine?” Ashley asks softly, after I hang up the phone.

My preference is beer or whiskey, but at this point, I’ll take anything.

“Absolutely. And I’m glad that you consider alcohol an essential purchase because it is right now.”

“I’m so sorry you’re stuck here, Gavin,” Ashley says, pouring wine into two glasses. “I’ll stay out here on the couch, and you can have the bedroom. Hopefully, you can get some rest and leave first thing in the morning.”

It takes me a few seconds to process what the hell she’s talking about. I look around and the only couch in the room is a tiny loveseat. There are also a couple of old recliners that don’t look especially comfortable.