“You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“Not if you’re going to act like a petulant two-year-old.” Andrew sounds as exasperated as I feel. “Have you talked to Emma about it? Because, I have to tell you, after how you acted earlier, I’ve been waiting for her to call me to come rescue her.”
“I haven’t. I’m not sure I know how to ask and not demand.”
“That’s ridiculous. Just remember, she was supposed to be here for two weeks then go back to defend her dissertation. After putting in all that work, she’s going to want to finish it. You need to take her feelings into consideration. No ultimatums—they never end the way you expect.”
“I’m not an animal.”
“That’s debatable, Ash. Seriously, though, we know how you get. Take the time to really think about what you want and what you can live with if she wants to leave. You could always go with her.”
“I can’t leave the mountain. Not for any length of time. This is my home, where our family is. I need to be here to make sure you’re all safe.”
“This isn’t ten years ago. We have safeguards in place. What happened with Mom and Dad won’t—can’t—happen again. You know that.”
Sweat beads on my forehead, and my heart races at the thought of leaving the mountain and my brothers. I haven’t gone further than Maple Creek in over ten years. I don’t like people. Living in a big city would kill me.
“Whatever. I’ll figure something out.” The urge to throw the phone at the wall is almost overwhelming. But Emma has already changed me. Usually, I’d storm into the woods and disappear for a few days. Now I’m actually listening to Andrew, even if I want to strangle his know-it-all ass.
“Listen, Ash. You’re our brother and we love and support you, no matter what. If you need us, we’ll be knocking at your door. If you ask Emma to marry you and she says yes, we’ll all be at the wedding in suits. Just don’t do anything you’ll be sorry for later. That’s all I’m asking.”
“I’ll take it under advisement.”
“Ahh there’s the ass I know and love. Make sure you put the extras on the order before five, so they make it tomorrow. Call me back if you need anything else. Some of us have actual work to do.”
Dammit. Just once, I’d like him to be wrong about shit. But I guess that’s why I call him first when I’m stuck. “Thank you, Andrew. I love you, too.”
“Bye, Ash.”
He hangs up before I can answer. All of us are assholes when we want to be. I guess I’m the one who wins the prize for most likely to wake up as one each day.
Instead of calling Adam to find out what I’d need for a quickie wedding, I check on Emma. If she naps all afternoon, she won’t be able to sleep later. As much as I’d love to fuck her until she passes out again, I’m sure she’ll be sore.
She’s still sleeping when I walk into my bedroom. Lying on her side, with her hands tucked under her cheek, she almost looks like she’s praying. A smile tips up the corners of her lips.
I sit on the edge of the bed and watch her for a moment, trying to figure out the best way to wake her without scaring the shit out of her.
“You’re staring,” she mumbles with her eyes still closed.
“I thought you were sleeping.” I slide my hand through her sleep-tousled hair. “Dinner will be ready soon. I thought you might like to take a bath before we eat.”
“A bath? Is this a trick? Are you going to take me outside and dip me in the creek or something?”
“As much fun as that would be, no. You saw the tub in the bathroom. I thought it might help if you’re sore from earlier.”
“Oh my gosh, I’d love a bath. How is it going to happen, though, if I can’t put pressure on my ankle yet?” As Emma sits up, the blanket slides down to reveal her breasts. Grabbing it, she tucks it under her arms as her cheeks flame red. “Fudgsicles. I’m still naked,” she murmurs.
“Easier to take a bath that way, right? You stay here, and I’ll go start the water.”
“Um, Ashbear, I have to use the toilet. Can you help me?”
I know that was a hard ask. “Good girl. C’mon.” After lifting her out of the bed, I carry her to the toilet and close the door to give her some privacy. I don’t bother with the sink faucet since I’m filling the tub.
When she’s finished, I help her clean up and get into the tub. I’m sure she expects me to wash her, based on my attitude, but I’m trying to be considerate after my chat with Andrew.
“I’m going to let you have some peace. Your soap and shampoo are on the ledge. I’ll leave the door open. When you’re done, call and I’ll come and get you. Do not try to climb out yourself, okay?”
“Okay. Thank you, Ashbear. This feels amazing already.” Her smile squeezes my heart.
