Page 67 of Wish You Were Mine

“Jesus, Blair,” I exclaimed. “Warn a girl.”

31

ASHER

When Blair distracted Summer, I glanced in the direction she’d been staring. She’d seemed on edge for some reason. When I realized who she’d been looking at, my heart ached.

Robert Warner.

The man who’d lost his wife in a car accident. He was gazing out over the tarn, looking as lost as a little boy. Poor guy. I could still remember the sound of his cries and screams when he’d realized the love of his life was dead.

It broke my heart.

We’d lost too many patients during my years as a paramedic, and seeing their grieving relatives always tore me up inside. I couldn’t help feeling like I should have done more.

On the few occasions when I managed not to go down that rabbit hole, I instead found myself wondering who would cry for me if my dangerous job or hobbies ever caught up with me.

My parents and sisters, for sure. My friends too. But if I was dating someone—like Summer—they’d be the one whose life was most turned upside down.

I watched as Robert sighed, and his shoulders slumped. His picnic blanket was empty except for a single bag. It seemed as though he’d come here alone. The back of my throat tightened. In the past, he must have come with Susan. Now, he’d never have her at his side again.

If something did happen to me, was I willing to leave someone in his shoes?

I forced my attention away from him and dug around in my backpack instead, pulling out a couple bottles of water, a bag of sandwiches, a bar of chocolate, and two muffins from Taste of Destiny. Chocolate for me, and blueberry cinnamon for Summer.

“That looks good.”

I glanced up and only just managed not to pull a face. Frannie stood over me, and beside her, wearing a cat-with-the-cream expression, was Ashley Moore.

“Want some chocolate?” I offered Frannie, who’d always had a sweet tooth despite going through health food fad diets at least once a year.

She bit her lip. “I shouldn’t.”

I tore open the wrapping, broke off a piece and offered it to her. “Go on.”

She took it. “Oh, fine. You got me. Thanks.” She bit into it and smiled. “So good. So, Ash, you didn’t tell me that Ashley is back in town.”

“I didn’t think to mention it,” I replied, and she looked at me as though I’d mooned her.

“But perhaps the old flame could be rekindled,” she said, nibbling the edge of her piece of chocolate.

“What do you say?” Ashley winked. “Want to see if the embers can be brought back to life?”

Apparently, I wasn’t going to be getting away from her easily. “Ashley…”

“Perhaps we could meet up tomorrow to talk more privately?” she suggested. “After your hike with Liam is done, of course.”

“I don’t—”

“Unless you’re already seeing someone else?” she said, shooting a meaningful look at Summer, who was talking to Blair.

My heart skipped. I narrowed my eyes. How the hell had she guessed what was going on between us? And would she mention anything in front of both our families? I didn’t like to think so, but Ashley had always been unpredictable.

“Fine,” I said through gritted teeth. “Tomorrow. But it isn’t a date.”

“Don’t be rude,” Frannie chastened, her dark eyebrows drawing together.

Ashley just laughed and touched her arm. “Don’t worry, Frannie. Asher likes to tease, but I know not to take it seriously.”

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