Page 55 of Stunner (Whiskey Dolls 3)

Sloane’s eyes went big, and I felt a collective wave of unpleasantness coming off the rest of my friends.

“Oh my God, Ash, that’s all kinds of creepy.” Her forehead pinched in concern as she let out a little shiver. “I have goosebumps right now.” She held her arms out for me to inspect. “Have you told Owen?”

I blew out a sigh. “No,” I answer guiltily. “I know I probably should—”

“You think?” Mac said dryly, her hands on her hips as her demeanor went all mother hen.

“Look, it’s not like I don’t take this seriously. I do. But Owen’s already punched the guy more times than I can count on my behalf.”

“You should let him beat the shit out of the prick,” Alma clipped.

“I can’t do that. I mean, I feel shitty enough as it is for coming between two friends like this, but I’m also worried if Owen finds out about this, he’ll attack Jackson again, and this time, the little weasel will press charges. I wouldn’t put it past him when his pride is bruised. I hate the idea of Owen getting in trouble because of me. I have to handle this myself.”

Delanie’s forehead pinched with worry. “What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to call maintenance to see about getting the locks on my door changed. If they can do that quickly, problem solved. If not, I’ll confront Jackson, tell him I know what he’s doing, andif he doesn’t give me my key, I’ll tell his dad he’s been breaking into my apartment.”

Layla scrunched her nose like she’d just smelled something gross. “Seriously? That’ll work on a grown-ass man?”

I nodded. “Daddy Dearest controls the purse strings. Jackson won’t do anything that would jeopardize him getting his money, and his father can’t stand anything that would besmirch the Newman name. If I threaten him with that, he’ll definitely back down.”

Sloane shook her head on an exhale. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it a million more times: That chickenshit running on your wedding day was the best freaking thing to ever happen to you.”

I smiled. “Believe me, I know.”

McKenna clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Well, now that we’ve gotten the scoop on the drama in Asher’s life, let’s run through that last number again. We were still a little loose on the ending.”

We moved into position and she hit the button on the remote to start the music. Just like that, my concern over Jackson was gone, because I was doing what I loved while surrounded by the best friends a woman could ask for.

“I’m starving,” Sloane moaned out as we gathered our bags and headed out of the studio. “Anyone up for grabbing a late lunch?”

There were yeses from Charlotte, Delanie, and Marin, as well as me.

“Great, so what are we thinking?”

“Junior’s?” I offered. I’d been craving pizza since the night of Owen’s and my first kiss, and at the thought of it, my mouth began to water and my stomach let out a rumble of agreement.

Delanie’s eyes went big. “Ooh, yeah! Their toppings are always so fresh.”

“And their sauce is awesome,” Marin added.

“Owen’s family actually owns the place, and his little sister runs it. You guys are going to love her.”

Sloane clapped her hands. “Then it’s settled. Junior’s it is.”

We headed for the exit when I heard my name being called. I stopped and looked over my shoulder to find Daniel heading in my direction at a slow jog.

“You guys go ahead,” I told the rest of the girls. “I’ll meet you there.”

One of Sloane’s brows went up. “You sure?”

“Of course. I won’t be but a minute.”

She looked back at Daniel as he got closer. “All right. But watch out for that guy, yeah? He’s too slick. I’m not sure I like it.”

I shook my head and waved her off. “He’s harmless, just flirty.”

She shrugged and began walking backward. “If you say so. But just remember what I said.”

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