Page 50 of A Little More Hope

I did.

Gabe had a huge heart, when he let you see it, which is why he’d easily managed to share his love with two people while the rest of us struggled to achieve doing so with only one.

“So?”

“I got a tip-off about some land the other side of town, possibly up for sale, so I’m gonna check it out.”

“Oh?”

“Around fifty or so square miles of forest and trails, all privately owned, with direct access to the adjoining national park. The site sounds like the perfect place for one of your resorts. Cabins in the forest, hiking trails, guided walks, horse rides, outdoor pursuits. There’s even a lake.” He smiled wide. “This would also be a good investment for the locals, offering new employment opportunities and bringing in extra revenue to the town.”

“Sounds idyllic.” Plus, once I’m well enough to return to heading up my division of the business I’d have the opportunity to make regular trips to Melrose Bay. I’d be able to check on the progress of the build and generally oversee the resort once it was up and running. But mostly, I’d get to spend some more time with Ash if he wanted.

“So, you’re here for a few days?”

He smirked. “Don’t worry, I’ll try not to cramp your style.”

“As if. You staying for the whole weekend?”

“That’s the intention.”

“Great. One of Ash’s friend’s has tickets for a band, and they’re playing at the Bayside on Saturday evening. I’ll ask him to get another one for you.”

He stared at me. “You’re going to a place filled with people?”

“Sure, why not?” I aimed for carefree. Not sure I pulled it off.

“He must be red hot in the sack if you’re thinking about contemplating something as monumental as this.” Not one to beat around the bush was Gabe.

“Charming.”

He flashed a grin my way. “As I told Ethan, it’s a gift. So, is he the reason you’re attempting to do this?”

“Yeah.”

“Why on earth do you want to put yourself through so much aggravation?” He cocked his head. “Wait a fucking minute. The Bayside. A lot of hot girls.” He gave me the side-eye. “And hot guys go there. I’ve had a few good times there myself.” I’d bet he had. “The green-eyed monster isn’t playing a part in all this, is he?”

I hated when he got all smart on me. “Don’t be absurd. I’m only going because I need to push my boundaries some more, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so.”

“Sure, it is.”

“At least with Ash there, I’ll feel safe.”

“And get to keep an eye on him at the same time.”

Fucker knew me too well. “There is that too,” I agreed mildly. My relationship with Ash remained new and uncertain. Plus, the sting from Lindsay’s betrayal lingered in my mind, so I found difficulty in letting go and trusting other people. I wanted to trust Ash, to get to the point I fully did, but I’d had first-hand experience of what happens when my trust is broken and refused to allow the same thing to happen again.

He sniggered. “Oh, yeah, he sure is something in the sack.”

A blush heated my cheeks, remembering the blow job Ash had given me last night.

“Is it getting warm out here, or is it me?” he asked, humor lacing his voice.

“I’ll go get us the takeout menus,” I grumbled, getting up off my lounge chair. His answering cackle followed me all through the sitting area. God, I hated him sometimes.

Chapter Sixteen

Ash

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