CHAPTER 143

Temporarily muting the call, he lowered the receiver and looked questioningly in Eleanor’s direction.

“Sorry, sir, I know you’re busy but Miss Carlysle is here to see you.”

It took him a moment to realize Miss Carlysle was in fact Josie. He straightened, ending the call without hesitation.

“Josie’s here?” he asked sharply. “Send her in immediately.”

Eleanor disappeared and Ash was already on his feet striding toward the door to meet Josie when she came in. Josie hadn’t been to his office before. Hell, he didn’t even remember if he’d told her where he worked.

A moment later, the door pushed open and Josie walked slowly in, her face pale, eyes swollen. Like she’d been fucking crying.

He was in front of her in seconds, pulling her into his arms. She went stiff and rigid and utterly unyielding.

“What’s wrong?” he demanded. “What’s upset you, Josie?”

She pried herself away from him and walked by, toward the middle of his office where she just stood, back turned, her spine stiff.

His gaze n