And, more importantly, why was he hiding it from me?
I didn’t push Ash on what was on his phone, and he didn’t volunteer any information.
When he’d returned downstairs, he’d been his usual chipper self, carrying on the conversation about his co-worker like nothing had happened.
I couldn’t get rid of the knotting sensation in my stomach.
Over the next couple of weeks, the same thing happened three more times. We’d be having fun, and spending time together.
Then Ash’s phone would vibrate and everything about his demeanour would change. Sure, he’d try and hide it from me. But whatever was in those messages would cause him to withdraw into himself. His smile was tighter. His voice quieter.
Whatever it was, it was making him dim his light.
I fucking hated it.
I was trying to wait until the right moment to bring it up. The problem was that he was so cagey over it, he obviously didn’t want me to know about it.
That…that hurt. I wanted to be a safe space for him.
Tonight, my worries had been replaced by a different type of stress – meeting Ash’s best friend.
To say I’d been nervous about meeting her would be an understatement. Cassie was Ash’s person. The one he chatted to every day without fail—the one who’d persuaded him to sign up for this whole matchmaking scheme in the first place.
I wanted her to like me. No, Ineededher to.
The longer I spent with Ash, the more certain I was that I wanted a more permanent role in his life. If his best friend didn’t like me, it’d make things…difficult.
Fortunately, I’d had nothing to worry about. She joined us in the restaurant in a swarth of perfume and floaty scarves.
Cassie was basically the female version of Ash, with oodles more sarcasm.
I liked her immediately.
I mean, yes, when Ash popped to the bathroom, she did threaten to curse my manhood if I ever upset him. But that was par for the course when dealing with supes. Threats given on behalf of those we cared for were practically our love language. Plus, it was just the one threat, so I was counting it as a win.
The evening was a complete success. I was riding the high as we walked back to Ash’s place when his phone vibrated.
My good mood evaporated almost immediately as I watched Ash read the text with a small frown.
To my surprise, he chuckled and handed his phone to me.
Several texts from Cassie filled the screen, praising everything from my politeness to mypanty-melting burr.
“Think it’s safe to say she approves,” Ash said, peering over my shoulder and smirking as message after message from her continued coming through. “Although I’d say your arse is more peach-shaped than apple.”
Christ. I could feel the tips of my ears burning. “I hadn’t really thought about my arse too much, if I’m being honest.”
Ash palmed it and hummed. “You should. It’s a damned fine example.”
He continued feeling me up as I chuckled. “She’s still messaging. Damn, she’s got a filthy mind. I can’t decide if I’m impressed or…”
My voice trailed away as a new notification filled the screen. I didn’t need to click on it. The preview told me enough.
“Or what?” Ash asked, nuzzling my neck, oblivious to the fact I was frozen in place. “Lochlan?”
Tiny puzzle pieces were clicking into place, painting a picture that had my temper rising.
Turning slowly, I cupped Ash’s chin in my hand and lifted his head. His eyes widened as he took in the fury I wasn’t even trying to hide. “What’s wrong?”