Page 49 of Between Steel and Secrets
Maybe I can convince Harper to come with me, and we’ll take the bus, make it a little surprise?
But she has Zeke, which tends to be a fun killer. Not that I don’t love that kid, but he has a routine, and if you don’t abide by it, he’s a little monster.
Ashton gives me a lopsided grin. “You knew when we first started dating that I play hockey. My schedule isn’t anything new.”
“I just hate it,” I confess. “You spend more time with the boys than me. Sorry, I guess I’m just jealous and feeling needy.” I avoid his stare and put my burger down on the plate, grabbing a fry instead.
“You’re cute, even when you’re moody.” Ashton is all smiles. “I promise, I can take care of the Henry situation, make him disappear.”
I think he’s trying to make me laugh.
The worry descends on my face.
He had better be joking.
While I know that Ashton works alongside my father, I’m not particularly thrilled about it.
“You’re not going to do anything to Henry,” I growl. “He’s my problem.”
“Anyone who’s your problem is my problem.” Ashton tilts his head, his eyes glancing me over, filled with concern. “And there are other ways to make the problem disappear. Like I said, I can go over his head.”
Exhaling heavily, I nod, considering the different options.
I don’t want to get him fired. At least, not yet. “Let me think on it?”
“As long as that thinking doesn’t involve you studying with another guy,” Ashton says and smiles. “Luca and Liam are the only exceptions.”
“Luca isn’t taking Criminology.” He’s steering far from those classes.
Ashton shrugs. “Then I guess you’ll have to study with me when I get home.”
“We can study before dinner,” I suggest.
We both have a break in classes and hockey practice is in the evening.
“I miss our weekends and we barely have any nights together. It just … it sucks.”
Ashton reaches across the table for my hand. He intertwines our fingers together. “I’ll make time for you. I promise.” Ashton means well, but he has a lot going on.
“Thanks.” A wayward smile crosses my face, and I push my plate aside, deciding I’ve eaten enough. My appetite is scarce this afternoon.
“How are things at my parents’?” I ask. He spends more time around them than I do lately.
“Dante is still pissed about what went down with Harper. He’s been in a foul mood ever since.”
I bite down on my bottom lip.
Ashton reaches out, his thumb stroking my mouth, tugging my lip free with his thumb. “It’s your parents’ house, you can join me if you want?—”
“I’d prefer to avoid Dante if he’s been in a hellacious mood.” As much as I want to spend weekends, at least the night, curled up with Ashton, I’ve been trying to be supportive of Luca and Harper.
Dante has made it clear that she is no longer welcome in their home.
Luca and Harper are also my family.
“Trust me, his mood hasn’t gotten any better. Neither has your father’s,” Ashton admits. “I think he hates me.”
“Why? Because we’re together?” I hadn’t realized Dad knew about us, but now that it’s out in the open, I kind of want to flaunt it in their faces.
