Chapter 14
I knew he was upset, so I lowered my head and softly bade goodbye to Macy before walking toward him. “Thank you,” I murmured.
Ashton shot me a glance, his expression thunderous. “Get in the car.”
I obeyed without protest.
On the way back, my phone buzzed with a message from Macy: Got home safely. Good night! I quickly replied: Good night! Then, I turned to stare out of the car window. The night was quiet, but tension filled the space between us. Ashton remained cold and silent, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. If he didn’t want to speak, neither would I.
The car pulled up in front of the villa, and Ashton stepped out, heading inside without a word. I followed him hesitantly, breaking the silence. “Ashton, I thought you were drunk. That’s why I called Dr. Crest. I didn’t mean anything else.”
I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to explain. Maybe it was to ease the discomfort in my chest, though I knew he probably wouldn’t care.
He suddenly stopped in his tracks, turning to look at me with narrowed eyes. “Anything else? Do you seriously think Jared likes you?”
My breath hitched.
I had nothing to say because he was right. Jared was his friend. I was merely Ashton’s wife—by name only. Even if I weren’t, Jared wouldn’t be interested in me.
I clenched my fists as silence settled between us. Ashton gave me one last glare before heading upstairs, his footsteps heavy against the wooden floor.
Then, as if remembering something, he paused at the top of the stairs and turned back. “Buy some supper for me from Granger’s.”
I blinked in disbelief. Granger’s? That’s on the other side of town. It was already past midnight, and now he wanted me to drive across the city for food?
“Do you need it tonight? It’s really late. Wouldn’t the shop be closed?”
“It’s open 24/7.” Without another word, he disappeared into his room.
I clenched my jaw. He wasn’t hungry—he just wanted to torment me.
Still, I owed him, didn’t I? So, with a sigh, I grabbed my keys and left.
The night air was thick with moisture, a warning of impending rain. I considered taking Ashton’s Jeep, but he had the keys. Left with no choice, I settled for another vehicle in the garage, though its lower base made it less ideal for the weather.
At one in the morning, I finally arrived at Granger’s and collected his order. As I stepped out of the restaurant, the heavens opened, drenching the city in a relentless downpour.
Driving back was slow and tedious. I avoided the tunnels, knowing J City was notorious for flash floods. The detour took longer, but it was the safer choice.
Then, as if the night wasn’t cruel enough, the car broke down.
I was stranded, far from home, in a desolate part of town. The rain pounded against the windshield, and the streets were eerily empty. No taxis. No passing cars.
I reached for my phone, only to find the battery teetering on the edge of death. My fingers trembled as I dialed Ashton’s number.
He didn’t answer.
I tried again. And again.
Still nothing.
My phone screen dimmed, the battery warning flashing before it shut off completely.
Swallowing my frustration, I rummaged through the car and found an umbrella. With no other choice, I grabbed his supper, took a deep breath, and stepped out into the storm.