“Sloane?” I jolted when Asher’s arms went around my waist and I tipped my head back to find his gentle eyes full of concern. “You okay?”

“Yeah. I was just thinking.”

“Baby,” he whispered.

I might’ve been in Idaho because being in California was too dangerous, but I couldn’t help thinking I was exactly where I was supposed to be at exactly the time I was supposed to be there.

“I’m fine. Are you coming with us or going to the office?”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

I thought about how friendly Letty and Brooklyn were and how long it had been since I’d had girl time. Time to gossip and laugh and drink coffee or wine and eat crap food full of carbs and laugh some more. I thought about how much I missed Elise and how much she would love Letty and Brooklyn.

So really, there wasn’t much to think about.

“You go to the office.”

“You sure?”

“Yep.”

Asher studied me a beat before he bent down and gave me a lip brush.

“I’m giving you cash, use it for everything. Clothes, coffee, books, whatever you buy. Absolutely no credit cards and no ATM machines.”

I wanted to argue about Asher giving me money, but I knew he was right. I could be tracked if I used my bank card.

“Okay. I don’t need much, and I’ll pay you back.”

“Sure.”

Something told me his quick acquiescence was a lie, but before I could call him on it Letty started bossing.

“Alright, lovebirds, break apart.” Letty clapped her hands and started for the front door. “Sadie’s already texted twice asking when she gets to meet you, so we have to hurry.”

“Sloane’ll be right out,” Asher said.

“Jacket and boots,” Brooklyn blurted. “Boots are by the door. I hope they fit. I brought you a jacket, but I forgot it in the car. We’ll go out to get it and give you two some…um…privacy.”

Brooklyn moved over to her friend and tugged her elbow when she didn’t move.

“C’mon,” Brooklyn urged.

“Fine. But if they start making out and Sadie texts again, you’re gonna talk to her.”

The two women walked out the door and my attention went back to Asher.

“They’re good people and they’ll take care of you. Sadie is my teammate Reese’s wife. She owns the bakery next door to Smutties. She’s a little shy at first but it doesn’t take her long to warm up.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“If you need me, call me or have one of the girls call me. When I’m at the office I’ll grab you a burner phone.”

“Oh, I’ve never had a burner,” I teased. “Now I’m like a real-life fugitive.”

As intended, Asher chuckled but his amusement didn’t last long.

“Fair warning, I’m gonna make it so you never want to leave.”

He wouldn’t have to work that hard to make me stay, though I didn’t get a chance to tell him that because his mouth was on mine.