Direct, caring, and still gorgeous. AJ hadn’t changed much since we’d hooked up. Except now, he was madly, sickeningly in love with Blake.
We were great together, but weren’t meant to be more than friends with benefits. Blake was perfect for him. She soothed the demons of his past, and I loved her for it.
“I’m good, big guy, thanks for checking.” I hugged him goodbye.
Before he released me, he said, “Call if you need anything. Okay?”
I fought back the tears threatening to spill over. I blamed the hormones but couldn’t tell him that. AJ went from lover to protective big brother when he met Blake, and much to my surprise, I didn’t mind.
Chapter 18
Nathan
Ididn’t recognize anyone behind the counter when I walked into Grannie’s Sunday morning. Which was a good thing. I wasn’t ready to face Mary or Beth after my last visit. Hopefully, today would be more civil, so I wouldn’t owe Mary yet another apology.Maybe I should’ve suggested somewhere else.
It was too late. Ashley would be here any minute. Besides, I wanted her to feel safe and comfortable when we talked. I ordered a large black coffee, a large vanilla latte for Ashley, plus a couple of pastries.
Then I stared at the black and white pictures on the wall and waited.
Seeing the bags under Ashley’s eyes when she walked in made my heart ache. She wasn’t just tired; she’d been crying. Once again, the sinking feeling in my gut screamed she was hiding something. I was willing to listen and help any way I could, but she still didn’t trust me.
Not that I blamed her. From her perspective, I was the jerk who lied and led her on before ghosting her.
Ghosting her wasn’t by choice, and she seemed to finally understand that.
“Hi, Nina.” She waved to the barista.
“Hi, Ashley. You want a decaf again today?” The college-aged girl behind the counter asked.
She glanced at me.Interesting. Her red-rimmed eyes opened wide while a blush crept up her cheeks. Like she’d been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.What the hell is that all about?
I pointed at the second cup on the table.
“I’m good, thanks.” I stood as she approached the table. “Hi,” she said.
“Hi. I got you a vanilla latte. I hope that’s okay.”
A sad look crossed her face as she glanced at the cup. Her big fake smile didn’t match her soft tone. “Thank you.”
Something was definitely going on, but it wasn’t my place to ask. At least, not yet. First, I had to repair the damage I’d done a year ago. Then, maybe I’d have the right to stick my nose in her business.
Ashley took a small sip, closing her eyes as she savored it. When she licked the foam off her upper lip, I had to tell my body to stop reacting. Thank God for the table, because my body ignored my command. I’d been dreaming of Ashley in my bed for a year, and now that she was flesh and blood again, my body was eager for the dreams to become a reality.
“What?” she asked, her voice laced with impatience.
“Nothing.” I cleared my throat. “I’m just glad you’re enjoying your coffee.”
Her irritation fled as understanding dawned. She looked away, but not before a hint of desire flashed in her eyes.
“Why’d you let me believe you were an accountant?”
She’s skipping the small talk. Good to know.
I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and reminded myself I’d faced far worse than a pissed-off woman and survived.
“Honestly—”
She cut me off. “No, please lie to me again.”
