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She instantly complies, her warm golden eyes so open and trusting. When everyone else is against her, she can find comfort and solace in me.

I take both of her hands in mine and lean down, kissing her softly. Her eyes don’t close in time, and the surprise in them almost makes me laugh.

She wasn’t expecting a public display of affection, but it’s exactly what’s needed to make everyone shut the hell up before they even start talking.

I’m not interested in any criticism of my personal life. But I will take my well-deserved lumps for leaving Cameron and the team with all the work. I should have been here doing the lion’s share of it.

“Let’s go, little one,” I say, throwing an arm across her shoulders and leading the way toward the center of the action. “Don’t stress. It’s going to be fine.”

The gratitude in her eyes rocks me, and then she leans her head on me, walking in tandem like we used to. Some things just become muscle memory, and we still fit perfectly together.

“Gavin,” Cameron says, as soon as we’re in earshot. “We’ve gotta talk, buddy.”

“Definitely. I’m just going to show Ashley where she’s staying, and then we can meet in my office. I also need to talk to my parents. Can you have someone unload the truck and trailer for me?”

He’s studying me hard and pointedly avoiding looking at Ashley, maybe hoping it will make her disappear.

“Got it,” he returns.

“Hi, Cameron,” Ashley says, and I’m immensely proud of her.

It’s not easy to treat people with respect when they aren’t giving you the same courtesy. And she could have just as easily ignored him back and let the tension grow, but she knows what he means to me and the operation.

So, she’s facing it head-on.

“Ashley,” he says, nodding at her.

“How are you?” she asks. “I’m sorry for keeping the boss occupied.”

“I’ll make sure that he does double duty to make up for it,” Cameron says, with a wry grin. “Don’t make any mistakes. I’m running the show here.”

I chuckle, happy that the first chip in the iceberg has been made. “We’re a good team, my man. I’ll catch up with you soon.”

Surprise registers on Ashley’s face when I show her into the empty cottage.

It’s furnished, but more like hotel lodging than anyone’s private space. We have quarters for the guys who live on the property that they’ve made their own, but we also bring in temporary workers during our busy season, and this cottage is one that’s usually occupied by them.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, even though I already know. It will be interesting if she tells me the truth or hides from it.

“Where’s your place?”

I point to the house about one hundred yards away. “Right over there.”

She looks down at her feet, seeming to gather her courage before meeting my eyes again. “I thought… I don’t know. After you kissed me in front of everyone… I just thought that I’d be staying with you.”

“I’m sorry if there are mixed messages. I’m just as confused as you are. I’m not saying we can’t hang out, and I don’t care who knows about it. But I don’t think we should jump into living together, especially when you’re leaving again.”

“Okay,” Ashley whispers, and the tears in her eyes kill me.

Fuck.

“Are you scared?” I ask.

“Not with you close by.”

“Someone will bring all your stuff over, okay? I’m going to talk to Cameron and my parents. Do you want to go to the Moose tonight? I’m meeting up with some friends.”

“That’s probably not a good idea. No one is going to want me there, and it will just be awkward and uncomfortable.”