Ashton Scott

A text comes through on my phone.

Ashton: Mars bars are my favourites.

I grin, loving that he remembered that question of mine. Loving that he’s been thinking back over our conversation after it ended.

“From your grin, I take it that was Ashton,” Jessica says.

I nod as I quickly send him a reply.

Me: Cherry ripe for me.

Me: PS I’m totally adding Mars bars to my list of things I can bribe you with.

Ashton: There are things far more effective than chocolate for that.

I place my phone down and meet Jessica’s gaze. “Sorry about that. Now, how do you have your coffee?”

She slides onto one of the bar stools and rests her arms on the kitchen counter. “Milk, no sugar, please.” After a slight pause, she says, “I’ve known Ashton for a while now, and I’ve never seen him date anyone as perfect for him as you. I’ve certainly never seen him engage in text messaging with a woman like he just did with you.”

I stop what I’m doing and say, “You just made a really shitty day a pretty freaking great day. Thank you for telling me that.”

She opens her purse and pulls out a piece of paper. Handing it to me, she says, “This may make it even better.”

I read what’s written on the paper and then look up at her. “Whose schedule is this?”

Her brows lift slightly and she gives me a conspiratorial look. “Cassia’s. I thought it might come in handy if you wanted to pay her a little visit.”

I do want to do that. I want to make it perfectly clear to her that I’m not buying her bullshit anymore, and that Ashton is mine now. I just wasn’t sure how to find her. Not only has Jessica given me a detailed list of Cassia’s schedule, she’s also listed out addresses for me.

“So I know you’re Ashton’s assistant and all, but honestly, I’m thinking of stealing you from him.”

“Honestly, no one could steal me from Ashton, but if he doesn’t stop with the Asshole Mondays, I may need to reconsider that.”

I like her even more now, knowing her loyalty to my man. “What are the Asshole Mondays?”

She wiggles on her chair as if she’s settling in to tell me a story. “We have so much to catch up on, girl,” she starts. We then lose a couple of hours talking about everything under the sun, and by the time she leaves, I know I’ve found a new friend.

* * *

Cassia Brampton is the quintessential mean girl. I’ve used Jessica’s list from last night to track her down at the gym this morning and am watching her treat a woman awfully. They appear to be friends, and yet Cassia has spent the last few minutes telling the woman she needs to change hairdressers because hers clearly has no idea how to style hair. She also shared her dislike of the outfit the woman is wearing. I’m standing close, waiting for my opportunity to speak with Cassia, and as she finishes giving her opinion on the clothes, she sees me. A smug look settles across her face. I can’t wait to wipe it off.

Moving away from her friend, she comes my way. “Lorelei. I wasn’t aware you’re a member of this gym.”

God, this woman is something else. Snobby as well as conniving. Two of the absolute worst traits a woman can have.

I straighten my shoulders. “I’m not. I came to see you so we could get our stories straight.”

She frowns, but even it’s fake. “I’m sorry. You lost me there. What stories?”

I want to slap the superior expression off her face. And I’m not a violent person. Cassia brings out the worst in me.

“The story you’ve told yourself and the world about being back with Ashton. Honestly, I’m not sure how you live with yourself and your lies, Cassia. We both know that kiss was engineered for your gain and to make me doubt Ashton. The thing you clearly don’t understand about Ashton is that when he wants something, he gets it. And he wants me. Not you.”

Her brows lift. “The thing you don’t understand about Ashton is that he grows bored easily. You’ll be replaced soon enough, because trust me, there are enough women out there banging down his door. I don’t know another man in this city more wanted than Ashton Scott.”

I smile. It’s as condescending as I can make it. “Yes, he told me how bored he wa

s with you. I guess that’s to be expected with shallow bitches.” I take great pleasure in her shock. “He’s also told me he wants to grow old with me. Did he ever tell you that?”