Josh stood and shrugged. “After thinking about it, the only motivation I can see is jealousy. Robert isn’t advancing while Ashley is the party’s shining star. But given the accusations this stalker posted on the internet, the jealousy angle doesn’t jibe. He stated Ashley is a murderer.”
“No one in the Webster family blames Ashley for the death of their daughter,” Nelson said. “We’ve spoken to the remaining family members. Not one of them criticized Ashley for the crash, and each of them called it an unfortunate accident, even Jo. They told us Jessica suffered from mood swings and rebelled against parental control. In hindsight, her mother says she thinks her daughter suffered from depression.”
“I’m going to bed. See you in the morning,” Josh said.
Nelson nodded. “Goodnight.”
“Night.” Gerry stood and stretched his arms above his head. “I’ll do a circuit of the house before I hit the sheets. My spidey senses are clanging.”
“Mine too,” Josh said in a grim voice before he left to join Ashley.
Ashley woke within Josh’s arms. Keeping her eyes closed, she shoved Matt’s warning from her mind and savored Josh’s embrace. It was scary how fast she’d become used to Josh’s presence.
The alarm on her phone played several bars of a classic rock ballad, and with an inaudible groan, she silenced the din.
“What time is it?”
“Six-thirty,” Ashley said. “Lots to do. Find Robert and demand answers, for one,” she added, clenching and unclenching her hands. “I don’t understand why he’d do this or what he hopes to gain by calling me a murderer. I trusted him, dammit.”
“Shush.” Josh drew her close again. “We have time for a kiss and a cuddle.”
“Morning breath is a thing,” she stated in a prissy tone.
Josh pushed his lower body against her, making her aware of his erection. “So is morning wood, but you don’t hear me complaining.”
He didn’t give her a chance for another protest before he kissed her. It was an unhurried kiss, but one that signaled passion and caring, and it pushed Ashley’s mind to skirt thoughts of love. No, she couldn’t fall for him.She mustn’t. But Ashley kept right on kissing him back and would’ve continued if Nelson hadn’t banged on their door.
“Josh, your sister is here with her husband.”
Josh’s arms stiffened around her. “Spoilsports,” he mumbled before calling out to Nelson. “We’ll be out in a few minutes.” His embrace loosened. “We’d better move because Summer is likely to barge in here without warning. She’d enjoy that.”
Ashley grinned and gave him a quick consolation kiss.
“You think I’m joking. After the crap we gave her dates, she owes Dillon and me payback.” Josh slid out of bed and pulled on jeans.
A thump on the bedroom door had Ashley jumping. “Hurry in there. Ashley, put on something old that you don’t mind getting dirty.”
Ashley rolled to her feet and shot Josh a frown. “What is Summer intending to do to me?”
“I don’t know, but if she has a plan, you can bet it’ll be solid. My sister is smart.”
“Josh!” Summer yelled.
Josh hastened to the door and yanked it open. “You’d better have coffee started.”
“Oh, you’re awake.” Summer’s mouth twitched as she held back her amusement.
Josh bared his teeth. “Coffee.”
Summer backed up, her hands held high in surrender. “Time to get a move-on. Ashley, are you ready? I have Ella waiting on Skype to offer advice. Ooh! You’re a scarlet woman.”
“Is my hair that bad?” Ashley asked, her hand gliding over her head.
“That’s what Ella and I are aiming to fix.” Summer gave off positive vibes. “I’m confident my plan will work.”
* * * * *
Stephen threw the remote at the television and took pleasure in the way the screen cracked, and the control broke apart as it struck the tile floor.
