Page 45 of In Case You Didn't Know

“Francie,” he says, like it’s totally normal that we’re both standing in the same coffee shop on the world’s tiniest island.

“Here’s your drink,” Mylene says, handing me my iced matcha. I blink at her, realizing I never paid.

I double tap my phone, reach for the payment terminal, only to see another phone has beat me to it.

Asher slides his phone back into his pocket.

“I can pay for my own drink,” I mutter.

He doesn’t acknowledge me. Just looks at Mylene. “Can I have an espresso? To go.”

She gives him a warm smile, zero shade. “You don’t need to tell me,” she purrs. “I know you like your coffee hot and dark.”

Kill me now. Seriously, bury my body so deep I never have to go through something like this again.

“I’ve gotta go,” Jesse says, backing toward the door. “I’m on the ferry tonight. You waiting for Simon?”

I nod. I don’t have a car. Truth be told, I never needed one in Manhattan. Renting one for a month felt excessive. Especially when I have a perfectly good lighthouse to hide in.

“You’ll be waiting a while,” Asher says. “I just saw him drive onto the ferry.”

My mouth drops open. “What?”

Great. That means I’ll be waiting at minimum an hour. Probably longer. Knowing Simon, he’ll stop off for a sandwich and a nap before circling back.

“Sheesh,” Jesse mutters. “I’d offer you a ride, but if I’m late again I’ll get written up.”

“I’ll take you,” Asher says.

Of course he will. In that stupid blue car. The one now burned into my memory as the scene of the crime. Or, more specifically, the scene of the orgasm.

“It’s fine,” I say quickly. “I’ll walk.”

He glances at the two massive suitcases at my feet. “It’s two miles,” he says flatly. “You’re not walking.”

God, I hate him.

Or at least I keep trying to.

I sigh loudly and dramatically, just so the universe knows that I’m not happy with this situation.

Then I look Asher straight in the eye.

“A ride would be great, thank you.”

“Autumn tells me you’re staying for a month,” Asher says as we drive along the coast road toward the lighthouse.

“Yep.” I keep my voice breezy. I’ve decided that being sullen in front of him is only playing into his hands. “I needed a break. Some fresh salty air is just the ticket.”

I can feel him scrutinizing my face, but I refuse to look at him.

“How does your boyfriend feel about you being away for so long?” he asks.

Oh shoot. I’d forgotten all about the imaginary guy that’s supposed to be providing me with security. “Um, he’s fine. He’s going to visit when he can,” I say. “But mostly he wants me to relax. He’s very lovely like that.”

“Hmm.” I don’t like the way Asher says it. So I finally look over at him. Speaking of relaxed, he’s so laid back he’s practically horizontal. Dressed in a white shirt, no tie, sleeves rolled up, his hair perfectly tousled from the breeze coming in through his open window, he could be the lead in an ad for a high end car right now.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask him.