Page 47 of When We Ignite

“How about you?” she asked over her shoulder.

I pulled the cigarette pack from my pocket, holding it up as an explanation. “Couldn’t sleep. I’m not allowed to smoke upstairs.”

As she rifled through the cabinets, I glanced down. Ethan crouched behind the counter, his eyes wide but glinting with suppressed laughter.

I pressed my lips together, stifling my own grin. “Why don’t you let me help with that?” I said, stepping toward Charlotte and subtly pointing to the door for Ethan’s benefit.

“Thanks,” she said as I handed her the glass of water.

“You’re welcome,” I replied smoothly, keeping my tone casual.

Charlotte followed my gaze briefly, and I rested a hand on her shoulder to draw her attention back. Ethan took the opening and crept to the exit, still crouched.

“You’re not coming sailing tomorrow?” I asked, steering the conversation.

“No, we have a meeting with the catering company,” she said, her voice distracted.

I glanced back. Ethan stood by the door now, hands raised in a mock question, a grin tugging at his lips. I raised an eyebrow, and he waved goodbye before slipping out.

Charlotte turned back to me. “Ash, now that I have you here, do you think we could chat?”

Disappointment washed over me. “Of course.”

I poured myself a drink and sat with her at the table. She watched me intently as I took a sip.

“Oli looks up to you, you know,” she said after a moment.

I smiled. “He’d kill you for saying that.”

She laughed lightly. “Probably,” she admitted with a shrug. “But he’s worried about you.”

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “He’s always been worried about me. That’s just how Oli is.”

“He thinks you’re stretching yourself too thin. And even though we don’t know each other well yet, I think he’s right. We hardly ever see you.”

I pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Her disapproving look didn’t go unnoticed.

“No, I’m not allowed to smoke in here, either,” I acknowledged, exhaling a puff of smoke. “Work’s been demanding, but it’s usually like that. It’s why our dad’s stepping down and I’m taking over. It keeps me busy.”

“Oli says you take on too much. He misses you, Ash. He wanted you to be his best man but hasn’t asked because he doesn’t want to add more to your plate.”

I blinked, the cigarette pausing midair. “I would gladly do it. He shouldn’t hesitate to ask me. I’d never be too busy for that.”

“He was going to ask you the day we met, but you spent the whole time on your phone. Then, at our housewarming party…” She trailed off, letting the implication hang.

Understanding hit me like a wave, followed by crushing guilt. I’d been too busy. The only time I’d made lately was for work—and Ethan.

“Shit,” I muttered. “I’m sorry.”

She chuckled softly. “I don’t want to sound like I’m scolding you—it’s not my place. But maybe you could talk to him? He’s been a little jealous of Henry.”

I smiled, though it didn’t quite reach my eyes. “That’s not new. Oli’s always felt a bit left out, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing—especially for you, considering why it happens,” I added.

She shrugged. “They have a lot of common ground. We see Henry all the time. I mean, Oli’s jealous that you mostly make time for him, like going on the boat tomorrow.”

A pang of guilt twisted in my gut.

“I’ll make time, Charlie. Thank you for telling me.” I stubbed the cigarette out in my glass.