Chapter 10
Chase clocked out, prepared to call a cab to take him to the repair shop. He didn’t want to approach Ashley’s desk and find out if she still planned to give him a ride there. Based on the silence today, he figured the answer would be a big, fat no.
He stole one last glance back at her desk, and she locked eyes with him, grabbing her purse and turning off her computer.
She jogged to catch up with him. “Yes, I’m still taking you.”
He almost apologized again, but the way she said it made him a little irritated. “This is the first time you’ve talked to me since this morning. I wasn’t sure if you still wanted to.”
She scuffed her shoe against the ugly linoleum, looking a little ashamed. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry, too.”
They fell in step together and headed out to the parking lot.
“So, onto the job search,” Ashley said.
Chase sighed. “About that…” He didn’t need another secret to keep from her. “Mr. Davidson offered me an assistant position today.”
Ashley stopped walking and turned to look at him. “Of course he did. Good for you.”
Chase searched her face, looking for the frustration and anger she must surely feel. But she’d hidden it well.
“It’s okay to be mad about it, Ashley.”
She stared at him, shaking her head. “I’m not mad you still have a job. You have three kids to take care of. Doctor’s and dentist’s bills and all that. Oh, how’s Beth?”
He smiled. “Much better. She’s been updating me all day. I’ve always wished she would open up to me more, but not as a medical over-sharer. There’s so much I don’t want to know about.”
“A medical over-sharer?” She laughed. “I’m pretty sure you don’t want to know about any of it.”
“I really don’t. I don’t even like putting Band-Aids on myself.”
“You poor thing.”
“Would you like to see the pictures of Beth’s kidney stones? She sent them at lunchtime.”
Ashley shook her head. “No, thank you.”
“Come on, it’s only medical stuff.” He opened his photos and brought the phone up for her to see, their arms brushing as she tried to block him. “What’s the matter, Ash? Now who’s squeamish?”
“At least I put my own Band-Aids on.”
She pushed his phone back against his chest, the breath from her laughter tickling his chin. Had they ever stood this close before? Their eyes met, and the laughter died out. His eyes flitted to her lips.
She took a step back and dug her keys out of her purse. “We should go get your car before the shop closes.”
“Right.” With a little disappointment, he walked to the passenger side of Ashley’s car.
Ashley unlocked it and stared at him over the top of the car. “I’m still mad at you, Chase.”
After they both got in, he waited for her to continue but she stared out the windshield, her hand with the keys hovering in front of the ignition. He leaned toward her until she turned to look at him.
“Whatever it is, just say it, Ash. It’s got to be better than not speaking to each other.”
She nodded and took a deep breath. “You’re mysterious, but not in a good way.”
Chase scratched the back of his neck, not sure how to take that.
