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“Can I ask you something?” Liam’s voice shattered Ash’s musings.

“Shoot.”

“You’re here a lot.”

A smile ticked up the corners of Ash’s mouth. “That’s not really a question.”

“Okay, you’re here an awful lot for having a girlfriend.”

“Again, not a question.” Ash folded his arms and turned to Liam, who was looping a set of reins on a nearby hook.

Liam faced him and shrugged. “Why aren’t you spending time withher?” The way the guy said it made it clear he was moderately suspicious. He didn’t believe Ash had a girlfriend. It didn’t appear he was upset—rather, it felt like he was trying to figure out why Ash wasn’t interested in dating anyone.

But if Ash admitted that he didn’t, in fact, have a girlfriend, then he wouldn’t have an excuse to spend time with Charlie. Ash cocked his head. “I told you, she doesn’t live here. She lives a couple hours away.”

Liam lifted a brow. “Still, we have access to technology. You could video chat with her, you could take trips to visit on the weekend.” He rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes shifting to nothing in particular. “I get trying to do something nice for the girl you’re dating, but maybe you should start with seeing her more often.”

Ash chuckled. “Why don’t you just say it?”

“Say what?”

“You don’t think I have a girlfriend.”

His friend stared at him, giving nothing away.

Ash sighed. “Would it help if I told you more about her? She works nights and weekends as a nurse. She’s got the most beautiful dark hair and blue eyes I’ve ever seen.” Ash had meant to lie the whole way through, but his description shifted to the girl who filled his dreams. “She’s got the best laugh when she thinks something is funny. It can make even the biggest grouch chuckle.” Ash sighed. “I know we’re meant to be together.” A heaviness in his stomach tugged at him, his voice sobering.

“Sounds like you feel it’s not going to work out.” Gone was the suspicion in Liam’s voice. Instead, Ash could hear the concern. He shoved his hands in his pockets and moved closer to Ash. “What’s going on?”

Ash glanced at Liam, then shook his head with a wry smile. “I’m not sure her family would approve of us.”

Liam snorted. “Who cares what her family thinks. If you like this girl and can see yourself with her, then that’s all that matters.”

“She’s younger than me,” Ash hedged.

“How much younger?” Liam’s brows creased, and he frowned. “She’s not under eighteen, is she?”

“What? Of course not,” Ash replied. “Six years younger.” He flinched the second he’d admitted to it. The words had fled his lips before he could restrain himself. He should have said five orseven. He didn’t need Liam to put two and two together. If any one of Charlie’s brothers knew about Ash’s attraction to their sister… Ash didn’t even want to think about what might happen.

“Six?” Liam tilted his head. “That’s nottoobad. You really think they wouldn’t approve of your relationship?”

Slowly, Ash nodded.

His friend shrugged. “To heck with them. If she loves you and you love her, then that’s all that matters. They’ll get over it.”

Something told him Liam would be singing a different tune if he knew Ash was talking about himself. Liam must have noticed the look of skepticism on his face because he stilled.

“Is she close to them or something?”

Ash nodded. “They’re her whole world.”

Liam considered this, then nodded. “I guess you only have one option.”

“Which is?”

“You’re going to have to win them over.”

Ash chuckled. “And how do you suggest I do that?”