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When she gave him an incredulous look, he chuckled.

“Because now, maybe we can actually make this thing work.”

17

Ash

Ash knew it was probably a mistake to show up at Mason’s home without calling him. But he knew better than to believe that Mason would even pick up the phone if hedidtry to call.

The year after Ash had stolen that kiss from Charlie, Harriet had come to visit her uncle for the summer. Mason had been so wrapped up in that new part of his life, that it hadn’t seemed to bother him that Ash moved away.

There was a sort of understanding that their lives were moving in different directions. Neither one of them made a huge effort to stay in touch, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t pick up where they left off when he came back.

Unfortunately, the rift between them now couldn’t be blamed on the miles between them. It was solely Ash’s fault.

While he stood beside his truck in the driveway, he considered what Mason might do to him when he noticed Ash had just shown up. He’d already ignored all the text messagesthat Ash had sent him. Daniel also avoided him. And all the other Keagan men threw him dark looks. Nothing was secret anymore.

The only person to continue being somewhat cordial was Carter. Ash didn’t know the whole story, but apparently the twin had issues of his own. Caleb hated Ash, but Emma was nice.

Ash pushed away from his truck, opting to not dwell on the fact that he’d basically put a wall between Charlie and those she cared for.

If he could get Mason to give him a chance to explain, then maybe all of that would change. A few minutes ago, he’d seen Mason head into the barn. It had been a quick glimpse, and he hadn’t come out yet. This might be the only chance that Ash had to get back into Mason’s good graces. He’d let things settle for a week. That should be enough time, right?

There was a distinct feeling of nausea that roiled in his gut. Mason had only confirmed all the thoughts that Ash had about himself over the years. At least Daniel had seen that he couldn’t fight Charlie about who she chose to spend her time with.

He shook his head again, letting those thoughts go. He was here to see Mason.

Ash turned the corner to find Mason brushing down a horse. It was tied up and prepared to go through all the stages of grooming. There was a stack of fresh horseshoes nearby and some tools that looked as though they’d be used to adhere the shoes or clean out the hooves.

Mason was so focused on his work that he hadn’t noticed Ash entering the barn until he was right up close to him. His head snapped up, surprise darkening into something malicious. He straightened and faced Ash, his voice sharp. “Get. Out.”

Ash lifted his hands, palms outward. “I’m only here to talk about Charlie.”

Mason flung a finger toward the door. “I might not be the head of the household where I grew up, but I have authority here, and you’re trespassing.”

“There’s no chance for us to… try… to fix our friendship?”

“Friendship?” Mason seethed. “What friendship? Last I knew, guys don’t date their friend’sbabysisters.”

“She’s not a baby anymore, Mason. She’s grown up, and she can make her own decisions.”

“Yeah, so she said,” Mason spat. “You knew better than anyone that Charlie was off limits. Heck, even more since she wasn’t even an adult yet.” His lips curled into a look of disgust. “I can’t believe you did that.”

Ash’s shoulders slumped. “It wasn’t planned. I—she—” He shook his head. “Charlie was going through a tough time. A guy who asked her out had bailed on her.”

“So you thought you could justkissher? Dude, do you even hear yourself?”

“It was bad, I know… That’s why… I left.”

Mason halted, and his eyes narrowed.

Ash shrugged his shoulders, praying that this was the sign he needed to keep going. Mason was listening, at least. “I moved away. I did everything I could think of to forget her. I wasn’t going to be that guy—who crossed the line?—”

Mason let out a sharp huff. “Oh, but you are that guy.” He shook his head again. “I mean it, Ash. Leave. What you did was unforgivable. You—you should go.” The last few words were said quietly as if the fight had left his body.

That was it then.

Their friendship was officially severed.