“Thank you, Ash,” she interrupted. “I really appreciate the help. I didn’t know what to do.”
Ash cleared his throat. “Bean, have you ever seen a stage crew set up before?”
She wanted to kiss him in that moment. Toss everyone out of the house and reward Ash for being so fucking perceptive. Sam and his crew had an excuse to escort her to work, but she needed someone to watch over Forest. He didn’t have a sponsor in town, not that he wouldn’t be able to find a meeting, but this was good. Ash couldn’t have offered a better bribe.
No way would her brother refuse an opportunity to hang with his favorite metal band. She could work in peace, knowing someone was watching over him.
“That’s a wonderful idea.” She spun to face the trio occupying her dining room chairs. “When they take me to work, you can come with us and then go watch the band set up.” She looked over her shoulder and locked eyes with Ash. She mouthed,Thank you.
Ash smiled, but it looked forced.
“Great. It’s settled then.” She pressed her fingertips to her temples. The beginnings of a headache threatened, and she needed sleep. She gestured to Ash to follow her to the front door.
She leaned in and gave him a hug. “Keep him safe. Don’t leave him alone.”
“I want to stay, Skye. You’re killing me.”
Pressing a finger against his lips, she shook her head. “I know, and I’d love it if you did, but I have a long shift tomorrow. I’mexhausted, and I owe it to my patients to be well rested. We’ll figure everything out.”
“Skye…”
The desperation in his voice had her heart breaking, but she needed to do the right thing. The only problem was, she didn’t know what that might be.
Turbulent eyes stared her down. “I feel you slipping away, but I’m warning you, I’m not losing you.”
Her fingers brushed against his chest. The solid beat of his heart thumped beneath her palm, the steady rhythm centering her, while his message filled her with the promise of something she desperately desired.
“I’m here, but I need space.”
He pressed her fingertips against his lips. “I’ve had women throwing themselves at my feet for years. I’ve gorged myself until I’m sick of it. You can’t even imagine how many…” He hugged her tight. “You’re the first who’s seen the real me. I know none of this has gone the way you’d like, but that doesn’t mean it’s not exactly the way it is meant to be.”
“Ash—”
“Let me finish.” His voice cut through her hesitation. “My father said I would know. I never really understood, and I certainly didn’t believe, not until I met you. Don’t run. I’ll give you all the space you need, but I’m coming for you, and I have every intention of making you mine.”
He released her and walked back to the others, grabbing Sam aside for a quick conversation. Reggie and Donald escorted Ash and Bash outside to a waiting car and then returned. A barrage of flashing lights and a stream of questions spilled through the open door. Sam took the men to the dining room while she lowered herself onto the couch to ponder Ash’s promise.
Forest extricated himself from the chair, stretching to his full height. “I’m beat.”
“Good.” She led him down the hall, stopping at the hall closet to pull out pillows, blankets, and towels for her unexpected guests. She barred the entrance to the guest room, pointing back to the living room. “You’re sleeping on the couch, Bean.”
“What?” Forest shifted to move around her, but she stepped in his path, taking advantage of his inability to touch her without consequence.
With a grin, she thrust the linens toward him. “The couch.”
“What the fuck?”
“One of them will keep watch, and two will sleep in the guest room. You’re on the couch.”
His eyes narrowed. “I’ll be fine, my summer Skye. Besides, you emptied all the booze.”
That meant he’d already checked. One more reason for Ash’s security men to watch over him while he slept. She couldn’t chance Forest slipping out the back window and seeking chemical relief.
“It’s really not for you. I’ll sleep better, knowing you’re on the couch while one of them watches you snore.”
“And to think I came here to save you.”
She reached out to grab his hand, such a natural gesture, but she jerked back, curling her fingers into her palms.
