Page 67 of Fake-Off with Fate
Her face contorts in horror. “I would drop dead on the spot if I saw either.”
“I guess it’s a matter of the devil you know,” I tell her. Standing up, I ask, “Want a fire?”
“That would be nice.” She lowers her eyes as though she’s having thoughts she doesn’t want me to see.
Walking over to the fireplace, I lay down new logs and kindling. Then I crumple up a newspaper and add it to the pile. After igniting the flame, I stand back and watch as it crackles to life. “How do you feel about dancing?” I ask her.
“What kind?” she wants to know. “Ballet? Hip Hop? Hula?”
I turn toward her while taking my phone out of my pocket. Then I connect to Spotify and start my Frank Sinatra playlistbefore answering, “I suppose you could hula, but I was hoping you might like to dance with me.” I reach a hand toward her hopefully.
A million thoughts seem to flash across Ashlyn’s face before she tentatively reaches out and takes my hand. “I do like to dance.”
After helping her up, I gently pull her toward me. Once she’s in my arms, I tell her, “We haven’t known each other for a long time, but we sure have been through a lot together.”
Snorting softly, she itemizes, “The potential downfall of Maple Falls, my parents getting caught in a hurricane, my house being in the line of fire …”
I add my own drama to the list. “The return of my ex and averting a bear attack. At least for now ...”
While Frank’s dulcet tones fill the air around us, Ashlyn gently lays her head on my shoulder. I can’t help myself; I lean down and inhale the fragrance emanating from her hair. The light floral scent is intoxicating. “What do you say we forget about everything for now and try to enjoy ourselves?”
She releases a low groan of contentment. “That sounds nice.”
I know I signed a contract with the Ice Breakers, and I’m legally bound to play with them, but I can’t help but wonder if they might trade me to Los Angeles. I have a sneaking feeling my future happiness might all be resting on the shoulders of the woman I’m dancing with.
CHAPTER 31
ASHLYN
As luck would have it,Jamie and I didn’t have to run for our lives when we left his cabin last night. We fed his neighbors to the point they happily left to find their beds a short time after eating. Once that happened, Jamie packed a suitcase, and we headed to our cars.
Jamie was going to check into the lodge, but I suggested he stay at my parents’ house with me. I’m currently lying in bed wondering why I did that. I have a hard enough time being around the man without adding obstacles like sleeping in the room right next door to his.
Grabbing my phone, I check my messages to see if there’s any news from LA. The only text is from Callie.
Callie
Hey, girl. We’re at your house but I’m not sure how much longer we can stay here. The fire has moved and is only a mile away, but at least the wind changed direction. If I were you, I’d grab the first flight out. You might have time to pack up some stuff in case the worst happens.
I call my friend immediately. “This is actually terrifying,” I tell her as soon as she answers the phone.
“It’s bad,” she agrees. “I mean, we both know people who have lost everything, but it’s a different animal when it’s happening to you.”
“What do you think the odds are that my house will make it?” I ask her.
Callie blows out her breath loudly into the phone. “Ash, my house burned down last night.”
“No! Oh, Cal, I’m so sorry!”
“Me, too.” The quiver in her voice causes the short hairs on my arms to stand at attention. “So, to answer your question, I don’t think the odds are in your favor. Come home.”
I throw the covers off and jump out of bed. “I’m on my way,” I tell her. “I’ll keep you posted on when I’ll arrive.”
“Be safe,” she says before hanging up.
I yank my nightgown off before putting on a pair of jeans and a sweater. Then instead of brushing my hair, I simply pull it back into a ponytail.
Grabbing my purse, I walk out of my room. I pass the guest room where Jamie’s sleeping and give the open door a brief knock to get his attention.
