“Ashley–” Sebastian reached for her, but the car came to a halt and she let herself out, as he scrambled to follow, grabbing her heels before exiting the car to go after her.
* * *
Ashley needed air. She wanted to take a walk and not discuss all the ways their parents had screwed up their lives and left them unable to form healthy relationships.
Sebastian caught up with her on the sidewalk, grasping her arm and easing her to a stop. “Hey. At least put your shoes on.”
She hadn’t even realized she was barefoot and she slipped her pumps onto her feet before meeting his gaze.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you,” he said.
She knew that. He’d been reacting to Jonathan’s call right after he’d … after they’d … “Yeah. I know.” She ran her tongue over her lips. “My mother loved my father,” she said, needing him to understand. “I just don’t remember those days. What I remember,” she said slowly, “is her going from man to man in search of security. And I never want to be like her.”
He brushed his knuckles over her cheek in gentle understanding. “So you found a man who didn’t demand anything from you. Until he did. And then you broke up with him. Keeping your walls high. Like me.”
She blew out a long breath and sighed. She just wished Jonathan would believe that over meant over. She hated the thought of what she’d have to return to in London, the conversation they were going to have to have again, face-to-face.
“Hey.” Sebastian put a hand on her shoulder, and she tipped her head closer to him. “I know what it’s like to learn truth about yourself that hurts,” he said.
“I knew those things about myself,” she muttered. “I just didn’t appreciate having them thrown in my face.”
He grinned. “Well, me neither. So join the club.”
“Touché.” She sighed. “I want to take a walk.”
“Hang on.” He strode over to the limo driver’s open window and spoke to the man before returning to Ashley’s side. “I asked him to wait for us,” he said as he shrugged off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders.
She pulled the lapels closed, snuggling into the warmth of the fabric and the scent of him with a sigh.
“Ready?” he asked.
She nodded.
With his hand on her back, they started to stroll. They were, she realized, by Fisherman’s Wharf, in Ghirardelli Square.
“Chocolate,” she murmured, looking up at the ice cream & chocolate shop in the retail and dining area.
“I bet it beats Hershey’s.”
She laughed. “Why don’t we find out.”
They walked into the store, the scent of cocoa overwhelming her in the best possible way. And though she could have had one of the famous ice cream sundaes, she opted for her old standby, a chocolate bar.
It hurt her to admit, but the Ghirardelli was heaven in a chocolate bar. “Better than sex,” she said, eyes closed, as the decadent chocolate melted in her mouth.
He met her gaze with a steamy one of his own. “Honey, you are definitely sleeping with the wrong men.”
Chapter Six
Sebastian kept Ashley by his side as they walked into the office for another day of digging into what the hell was going on at the Keystone project. He strode into the building and was greeted by the staff at the front entrance who checked in employees and approved entry. From there they headed upstairs.
Ashley had suggested they meet with Katherine Downing, head of Purchasing, in her office, where she would be more comfortable, and see what, if anything, she was keeping to herself.
Once there, they found the woman sitting at her desk. She appeared to be in her mid-thirties, with light brown hair cut short, and her desk was cluttered. Still, she worked diligently on the computer when they filled the doorway and didn’t look up until Ashley knocked.
“Oh, hi!” She gathered the papers on her desk, straightening them into a pile. “How can I help you?” she asked, rising to her feet.
“Please, sit.” Sebastian gestured with his hand, not wanting her to be uncomfortable or feel like they were at a formal inquisition. The woman lowered herself into her seat. “Mind if we join you?” he asked. There were two chairs across from her desk.
“Of course not.”
When they were all in their seats, Sebastian leaned back, letting Ashley take the lead.
“We were hoping we could talk about the Keystone deal. I went through the receipts yesterday. I wanted to ask if there was anything you forgot to tell me about. Something you might have remembered last night?” she asked.
Katherine shifted in her seat, and Sebastian agreed with Ashley, she knew something she didn’t want to say out loud.
“You seemed uncomfortable, yesterday and today.” Ashley leaned in closer, her gaze drifting around the cluttered desk. “I see you have kids. They’re adorable.” She picked up the photograph of a little girl with pigtails. “She’s cute.”