Page 108 of Starcrossed Colorado

“Are you sure you’re all right?”

“Not really. But we have Maisie to think about.”

He couldn’t argue with that.

Somehow, we got dressed and packed, then went to the lobby to meet Grace and Maisie. I felt like I was sleepwalking. But I pasted on a smile and gave Maisie a hug. I couldn’t let her see how upset I was.

“How are you?” Grace whispered to me while Ashford took Maisie through the free breakfast line. I wasn’t hungry.

“Been better,” I said.

“Can you call a lawyer or something?”

“I will. For Ashford.” The article hadn’t gone so far as accusing him of a crime, but the implication was there. We had to do damage control.

“But what about?—”

“What the article said about me is true.”

Grace clenched her jaw in a grimace. Shame rocked through me.

I hadn’t realized my ex’s wife had taken a leave of absence. Of course she was humiliated by what had happened. So was I. We’d both been lied to. But between the two of us, I wasthe other woman. The villain. The article made it sound like I’d gone after my professor’s husband on purpose.

It was absurd that my ex had suffered so little for what he’d done, not even losing his job. From what I’d heard, he’d received no more than a slap on the wrist from his superiors. Fair? No. But that was reality. It wasn’t like the school administration had kicked me out. I’d left voluntarily. But everyone’s reactions to the scandal made it clear that I wasn’t wanted there.

He was a beloved director. I was no one.

And right now, I really felt like it.

“Could I ride with you on the way back?” I asked Grace. “Would you mind making a detour?”

A line appeared between her eyebrows. “Why?”

“A favor. Please.”

“Sure, if you want.”

When I told Ashford I was leaving with his sister, he pulled me to a quiet part of the lobby. “What do you mean you aren’t coming home with us?”

“I’m worried reporters will show up to your place. If they see me with you, that could make things worse.”

“So what? Iwantyou with us.” He held my hand in both of his, pressing it tightly. “That’s where you belong.”

I blinked fast so my tears wouldn’t fall. I didn’t want to make this about me. Ashford had enough problems without adding mine.

“I’ve been texting with Callum,” Ashford said. “He hasn’t seen any reporter-type people around. They’ll probably come eventually. But it’s only a couple of hours back to Silver Ridge. Once we’re home, then?—”

“I need some space to think. And to call my family and figure out what I’m going to say. I can’t do that in front of Maisie. Please.”

“Then where are you going, exactly?”

“I’m going to Hartley. I’ll stay with Uncle Aiden and Jessi and make my calls and figure out what we’re going to do.”

“I am not okay with this. But if it’s what you need, then I’ll be patient. When will I see you?”

“In a few days or so.”

“I need a specific number.”

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