“He is free now. You may go in. His secretary is out for lunch, so go straight to his office.”
“Oh. Thank you,” I said quickly, scrambling to my feet.
“Ms. Carter,” she added calmly, already turning back to her desk. “It is now ex fiancée. And no, he was not with her just now.”
I froze, completely speechless.
She did not spare me another glance, already picking up the phone that had been ringing nonstop, leaving me standing there with a flushed face and a head full of thoughts I had not asked for.
Ashton’s office sat at the top of a five storey building, which meant an elevator ride spent staring at my reflection in the mirrored walls, trying to calm my nerves. True enough, his secretary was nowhere at her desk when I stepped out. The entire floor felt unusually quiet.
His office door was slightly ajar. I pushed it open, expecting to find him behind the desk, but the room was empty.
Then I heard it. The sound of running water.
A moment later, Ashton appeared from a hidden door on the left.
I froze.
His hair was wet, droplets clinging to his temples. His shirt was unbuttoned, sleeves pushed up, as if he had just stepped out of the shower. My mind stuttered, my breath hitching before I could stop it.
Who took a shower in the middle of the day?
Unless of course he had just—
No. Do not go there, Bailey. Stop it.
I scolded myself, desperate to rein in my spiraling thoughts. Taking a shower in your private bathroom, in your own office, was normal. Perfectly normal.
He was probably hot and exhausted from work. From the construction site. From hours spent overseeing the town’s development. After all, he was deeply involved in it.
Still, I could not seem to look away.
“Do not just stand there, Bailey. Take a seat. Or make yourself a coffee.” His firm voice cut through my thoughts. “You did not get to finish last time when you were here.”
The command startled me, snapping me out of my daze and dragging me back into reality. For a moment, I forgot why I had come at all. Then I felt the weight of the document in my hand.
“I already read the agreement,” I said, lifting my chin. My voice was steady, almost proud. It felt like a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
I had help. Sissy’s husband, Adam. He might not have represented billionaire clients, but thank goodness he knew his way around the law. More importantly, he knew people. Good lawyers who were willing to give their opinions without judgment.
I had shared the documents with him, listened carefully, and finally decided on my next move.
Ashton picked up the phone. I could hear his voice clearly as he spoke to the receptionist.
“Bridget, do me a favor. Once my secretary is back, inform her to clear my schedule for the rest of the day. That includes my meeting with the town mayor. I do not want to be disturbed.” He paused, then added, “And arrange some refreshments. Book dinner at the usual place for two. Understood? Thank you.”
I blinked.
He was really canceling his meeting with the mayor.
“Look, Ashton,” I said quickly, unease creeping in. “This should not take too much of your time.”
He turned to me, his expression unwavering. “When it comes to our son, I did not delay. Even if it took a whole week. He was always my priority.”
“Right,” I murmured. “It was all about our son. Of course.”
The bitterness slipped out before I could stop it. Jealousy followed close behind, sharp and unwelcome. The realization stung.
