chapter 19

ASHTON

“Goddammit, Walden.”

Jess was seething when I got upstairs. That was her greeting as I came through the door.

Trace was at the bar, pouring himself a drink, and he slid one across the counter for me. I picked it up, taking a sip before focusing on the love of his life.

“Trace explained to you that Molly Easter is my business. He told you the situation. I was told you agreed to step back because of it. What is your issue?”

“My issue?” Her hands went to her hips, and her eyes narrowed, and she looked like she was daydreaming about pulling her weapon on me. “My issue is that you look like you’re fucking her. Are you?”

“You were at my place. You saw that we get along.” I was lying then, and I was lying now, or . . . somewhat. “Why are you pissed about this now?”

“Because despite what you wanted me to think at your place, I knew you hadn’t fucked her. She just got out of the hospital.”

“She’s my business.”

“A cruel business.” Her hands went in the air, and she twisted around, her ba