Page 68 of When We Ignite

“I know, Ash. It’s not like I’m devoid of them.”

“Anyway, that’s not the point. I’m happy to have you on board. If anything, I’ll have more free time. I trust you more than most.”

His eyebrows rose in surprise. “Really?”

I crushed the cigarette in the ashtray, exhaling the last drag with finality. “Yes, really. Why does that surprise you?”

He leaned back slightly, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass. “I thought you didn’t trust anybody, except for Henny.”

“I trust you,” I replied without hesitation. “I would never trust Henny with my job. I trust him with other things.” A small smile played on my lips.

Oliver shook his head, mirroring my faint smile. “You don’t give him enough credit. He’s not just good for parties,” he said, almost defensively.

“That’s not why I trust him,” I replied flatly, the smile slipping from my face.

He hesitated, then ventured cautiously, “About that, Ash—you know how you could really get Dad off your back?”

“Not interested,” I cut in promptly.

“He’d rest easier if you settled down a bit,” Oliver continued, ignoring my dismissal. “I’m not saying you have to get married, but at least have a stable relationship with someone age-appropriate.”

A laugh escaped me, sharp and humorless. “I’m not getting into a relationship with someone I don’t like just so Dad can sleep better at night. He’s not the one who has to fuck him, so he gets no say,” I retorted, catching the grimace that flickered across Oliver’s face.

“I’m not suggesting you be with someone you don’t like—” he began, but I interrupted again.

“For the sake of argument,” I said, leaning forward slightly, “let’s say the person I like is your fiancée’s little brother. He has a reputable last name—the same as your future bride—so that shouldn’t be an issue. I could see myself getting serious with him. Would that make it acceptable?”

The color drained from his face. “Ash,” he warned, his tone tight.

“I’m not saying I am,” I continued coolly, “but the fact is, that’s the kind of person I want to take to bed. I don’t want whatever suitable alternative Dad has lined up.”

His frown deepened. “So it has to be someone half your age?”

“No,” I said simply, “but it’ll likely be someone neither of you approve of.”

Oliver leaned back, rubbing his temple. “It’s not just about Dad, Ash. If you want to be taken seriously, you can’t date guys like Ethan.”

“Why not?” I challenged. “I’m the same person. I perform the same, achieve the same results. Why should it matter?”

“Because you’re the face of the company,” he said firmly. “It makes shareholders question your judgment—your maturity.”

I stared at him, irritation bubbling under the surface. “Do you know how many of those men take second wives less than half their age?”

“Yes, when they’re fifty, dating twenty-five-year-olds—not thirty-five, dating a kid who’s barely started college,” he shot back sharply.

“I’m thirty-four,” I corrected.

“That’syour argument?” he asked, incredulous. He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “If it were anyone else, I’d tell you to get it out of your system and move on.”

I blinked at him. “What?”

“You can’t do this with him,” he said. “It’s not just his age, Ash. He’s becoming part of our family—my family. And Ethan isn’t like that. He’s not the type for one-night stands or casual flings.”

Oliver’s voice softened as he added, “Char and Ethan’s parents divorced because their mom had an affair. He was still living with them when it happened. It was really hard on him. It still is. He’s a young man who barely acknowledges his own issues. And you’re not looking for a serious relationship. The only thing you’ll bring into his life is heartbreak when he realizes that.”

The puzzle pieces fell into place. Ethan’s jealousy, his need for control.

“Oli—” I began, but he cut me off.