Page 53 of His Weekend Wife

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Ash marveled at what she and Declan had shared.

She was still reeling when he’d left her bed to run to the office to gather paperwork before they left for his ‘business’ vacation. She had no clue where they were going and for the first time in her life, she didn’t care. She felt no need in controlling the situation, or worrying over anything. For now, she wanted to linger in the slice of heaven a while longer.

She dropped another pair of panties into the open suitcase and froze.

“Glad to see you’re keeping the treasure groomed, Sister.”

Ash reached for the first thing she came to and it happened to be Declan’s button-down shirt, torn and wrinkled. She pulled it on and wrapped it tight around her body as she narrowed her gaze on Abby who was leaning casually on the door frame. “What are you doing here? How did you get in?”

Abby winked. “I passed Declan. He was smiling from ear-to-ear, and now I see why.” She slipped her gaze over Ash and winked. “That shirt sure has a story to tell.”

“Did Declan see you?”

“No. Don’t worry. When I spotted him, I hid behind a plant. I’d rather not face him and I know he’d rather not see me either.”

Ash sat down on the end of the bed. “Then how did you get in?”

“The doorman is a sweet kid, but he needs to be more observant. He thought I was you. Weren’t you going to tell me that you were leaving town?” Abby raised a thin brow.

“I’ve been busy.”

“Are you sure you just weren’t sidetracked?” Abby’s gaze flitted to the rumpled bed and back to Ash.

“I’m surprised you’re here.”

“Can’t a sister just visit?”

“Have you forgotten that I can see straight through you?”

Abby chuckled and eased into the room, stopping to peek into the partially packed suitcase. She took out the colorful bikini and twirled it around her finger, chuckling. “Wow, what’s happened to my modest sister?” Tossing it back in, her eyes widened slightly as she lifted out a dress that still had the tags. “Lulu Veil. Someone has expensive tastes. Looks like you’re doing well for yourself, Sis.”

“If you say so.” Ash grabbed the item from Abby, dropped it into the suitcase and closed the lid.

Abby smirked and dropped down on the edge of the bed, crossing her legs and dangled her four-inch heel from her toe. “I know when a bed’s been fucked in, honey. By the appearance of these rumpled sheets I’d say you were fucked good.” She clicked her tongue.

“I’m not talking about this subject with you.”

“Oh, but why not? You certainly do like to talk about Phillipe.” There was an underlying sarcasm to Abby’s words that made Ash’s stomach twist.

“Are you still with him, Abby?”

“With is such a subjective term. For instance, he’s not with me now.”

Ash wrapped her arms around her waist, feeling the first sign of irritation. “Then the answer is yes, you are. You promised me.”

“Don’t get your panties all twisted.” Abby dropped her heels to the carpet and sat up straight. “I’m not with him. Not after…”

“What?” Dread filled Ash’s veins and her lungs clenched.

“The money…I’m sorry, Ash, I didn’t know what he’d do.”

Ash felt her knees threaten to buckle. She leaned against the dresser, bracing herself, attempting to wrap her brain around her sister’s admission. “Abby, you gave him the money?”

Lifting a shoulder and dropping it, she tugged at her skirt bottom. “He said he’d make everything right.”

“And you believed him?” The room spun.

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