There's a slight flinch as she opens her mouth, but I keep going.
"You left out the most important part of this morning and that's when I was about five seconds from peeling you out of that flimsy top and fucking you on the bathroom floor. We aren't cutting ties because you don't get your way, Ashlyn."
"You don't get to make that decision."
"I sure as hell do because, unlike you, I'm not ignoring our past. We'll find that woman I spent days with and bring her back. You’ll work through whatever shit is in your head and the baggage you brought from Chicago."
Her face pales right before she snaps. "That's none of your business."
"You're wrong because the minute I pulled up in your driveway and met Ashlyn Rhodes, you became my business. Like it or not."
"This is infuriating. I'm firing you."
"Not today, you're not. Now, will you get your goddamned things so we can start our day? I'd like to handle Pierce's morning schedule, go by the bakery to make sure my sister-in-law is okay, then pick out your appliances so we can move onto the fixtures."
Her entire stature changes and her eyes grow lax. "You're checking on Darby?"
"Hell yes. Whatever happened this morning has Pierce on edge. In case you haven't picked up on it, with their history, Pierce doesn't like her upset. I need to go by and step in as the voice of reason if needed. At the very least, carry her some lunch."
She seems to think about this and glances down at herself. "I need to change. This is not appropriate."
"It's perfect. We aren't headed to court. We're headed to job sites, a bakery, and another showroom. Leave your power clothes on the hangers."
"Will you stop being bossy!?" She flings her hands in the air. "I'm still not convinced I'm going with you."
"If we had more time, I'd find this stubborn streak sexy. Definitely see the lawyer in you coming through."
Her nose crinkles as she studies me, dragging her lip through her teeth. "Why are you so interested in going appliance shopping with me? You've obviously got a full schedule."
"Before this issue with Pierce, you were my schedule today. Taking you to a wholesale warehouse a friend of the family owns. He's got stock that you can't necessarily find anywhere local that won't cost a ton or special delivery. He's also reasonable and won't break your budget. I made a call, so he's expecting us."
Her eyes grow wide, and she drops her arms, the tension fading. "That was considerate of you."
"If you'd stop fighting me at every turn, you'd see I am considerate in a lot of ways."
"I don't fight you. I don't take kindly to being bossed around."
I drop my chin to my chest and close my eyes, searching for self-control.
"I'll get my things now." She gives in after a minute.
"That would be good," I speak to the floor.
There's no immediate movement, and I lose my patience. "You have sixty seconds before I throw your ass over my shoulder and haul you to my truck. I'm hoping your time expires."
There's a shuffle, and she's gone, smartly taking the long way around the kitchen to avoid being within my reach.
Clever move, but I'll get my chance.
Chapter 4
Ashlyn
My thoughts are scattered in a thousand different directions as I pretend to admire the houses as we pass through. In reality, the only thing on my mind is Miller. The events of the day replay over and over. Today, I saw a preview of the man I had no idea existed.
The boss who everyone loves and respects.
The contractor that patiently waited as I wandered through a warehouse, openly offering advice when needed.
The brother and brother-in-law whose love and protection shined through when there was something wrong with Pierce and Darby.
Since walking away from that hotel room, I locked away the memories he gave me of him as the passionate and gentle lover. With all the mess happening in my life back then, I only allowed myself to think of him as the man who eased the slashing pain and humiliation. His life, career, family, and interests had no place in my head. Too much was at risk to lose focus.
Today, that all changed.
After seeing this side of him—it's official; Miller Kendrick is the kind of man a woman could lose herself in. I'm that woman.
And it scares the shit out of me.
I don't know how long passes before I realize we're stopped in a driveway. My eyes drift along the landscaped property, admiring the beauty in the simplicity until they land on the grey and white home.
"Where are we?"
"My house."
"This is your house?" I swivel to him.
"Is that so shocking?" His eyebrows arch.
"Well," I try to find my words that won't come out rude, "I'd never pictured you as a bungalow type of guy."
"What did you picture?"
"I don't know. A condo or townhome."
"I'm going to regret this, but I'll ask anyway. Why would you think that?"
"I don't know. You seem like a low maintenance and easy upkeep type of guy."
"I am. But I'm also a big fan of my space and style. This didn't take as much work as Pierce's place, but it's all mine."
"Why are we here?"
"You'll see." He gets out and comes around to open my door, offering his hand.
I take it, and like this morning, the instant our skin touches, my stomach twists, and flutters of excitement bubble inside. He leads me across a path of cobblestone pavers and up the porch steps, keeping our hands linked.
"Look at the lock."
I do as he asks and recognize the
