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A slither of unease snaked down his spine. Regardless of whether Ellie returned the key to Josh, he planned to suggest that Brad change the locks. Unless he had a good explanation for why—and who—had set the heating.
Reaching for his phone to text his cousin, the hair on the back of his neck quivered and rose.
And that was the only warning he had before pain exploded at the back of his head, sending him into oblivion.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Ellie followed Sofia and Ava out to the parking lot as they chatted excitedly about the designsAngelica had finalized. They were so perfect that she’d insisted the young woman send the list of needed supplies to Harry right away. Harry wouldn’t procure the gold and emeralds, but he’d connect her to a supplier who would.
“Ellie!” Angelica called, rushing out the door. Seeing her without a coat in the late-afternoon air sent a chill through Ellie’s body. “This is yours, right?” Angelica said, holding out a phone when she reached them.
Ellie’s brow dipped. “It is, where was it?”
“Someone turned it in at the bar. Found it in the parking lot earlier,” she answered, handing the device over.
“Thanks. I didn’t even notice it was gone.” Something she might want to remember in the future—that she didn’t need to be tied to her phone. And that uninterrupted time with friends was important.
She lifted it up, and the screen came to life, showing a text notification from Asher. She opened it, hoping she hadn’t worried him too much by not getting back to him sooner.
“It’s colder than a witch’s tit out here. I’m going back in. I’ll let you know how things are going,” Angelica said with a wave before dashing back inside.
Ellie waved back then looked at her phone.
Asher:Here. See you soon
The message was sent at three, an hour earlier. Right when he said he’d be home. She jotted off a note so he wouldn’t be worried.
Ellie:Just finished meeting with Angelica. Designs are divine. Be home soon. Need me to stop at the store?
Asher:Change of plans. Come to the family house at the lodge. I have something special in the works
Ellie smiled. She had no idea what he could be planning at the charming little abode that he couldn’t have planned at Cody and Tia’s. But if Asher wanted to surprise her, she wasn’t going to deny him the chance. Sheadoredsurprises.
Ellie:I’ll have Ava drop me off. Be there in fifteen minutes or so
Asher:See you soon
“Josh just texted and wants to meet me here for a drink,” Sofia said before Ellie could comment on the change of plans. “He had a client-from-hell meeting that ended ten minutes ago and now needs a plate of potato skins and a beer,” she added with a laugh.
“No worries,” she said to Sofia. Then, turning to Ava, she showed her the texts Asher had just sent. “Can you drop me at the family house by the lodge?”
Per orders from Chad and Ethan, Ava was acting in an official capacity and ushering her around as part of the HICC team. She even had the big-ass SUV with tinted windows to go along with it.
“Of course,” Ava replied. They said goodbye to Sofia then waited until she was back inside before leaving. They passed Josh on his way in, waving as they continued.
“What does Asher have in store?” Ava asked, navigating the SUV north and toward the lodge.
“No idea,” Ellie answered. “But knowing Asher, it will be good.”
“You two seem serious.”
Ellie laughed. “You mean we seem serious considering we’ve only known each other a few weeks.”
Ava inclined her head. “Don’t get me wrong. I like Asher. And I like the two of you together. It’s just quick.” She paused then chuckled. “Then again, the Warwick boys aren’t known for taking their time. Not unless there’s a good reason.”
“And we’re both older. Notold,” she was quick to add. After all, she was only thirty-five and Asher a few years older. “But we’re old enough to have some experience. And know what’s real and what’s not.”
“And this is real?” Ava cast her a quick look when she paused at a stop sign. “Never mind,” she said, continuing through. “It’s real. I can see it on your face. Your dad will be ecstatic. So will Sofia’s parents, for that matter.”
