“Oh. Sure.” She put them on the counter. “I can take over if you want a break,” Xander’s sister offered.

Sasha shook her head. “I’ve got it but thanks.” She paused then decided to make conversation. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

Chloe smiled, her face lighting up. “Thank you. It’s been a whirlwind but so amazing. Umm, are you ready for filming to start?”

“I am.”

An awkward silence followed as Sasha loaded the dishwasher and started to wash the plates Chloe had brought in.

Chloe sighed. “Okay, listen, I admit I’m protective of my brother, but watching him today, I see he’s happy. And that’s all I want. So if I was cold to you today, I’m sorry.”

Sasha blinked in surprise. “Thank you.” But she was pleased. She’d always liked Chloe Kingston. Sasha didn’t want Chloe to assume things about her relationship with Xander. “Your brother and I have an understanding about things this time around.”

Chloe narrowed her gaze. “What kind of understanding?” she asked. “I mean, not that it’s any of my business, but you mentioned it so…”

“It’s fine. You’re right. I brought it up.” Sasha shut the faucet. Wiping her hands on paper towels, she turned to Chloe. “It’s just that we don’t have unreal expectations this time. I live in California, Xander’s here, and our lives don’t mesh.” Every time she said or thought those words, her stomach churned uncomfortably.

“Sasha, I doubt you know about how I got together with Beck, but I tried to tell myself I could keep those boundaries. You know, be together while I was living with him and walk away when I moved out.” Chloe bit down on her bottom lip. “But that’s not what happened, and there was a lot of pain involved before things worked out. All I’m saying is, be careful. You and Xander both.”

Sasha’s eyes filled with tears, and she turned away despite the fact that it was too late. Chloe had probably noticed. And when she put her hand on Sasha’s shoulder, Sasha knew she was right.

“Hey, I was looking all over for you,” Beck said, joining them in the kitchen. “Hi, Sasha.”

She smiled. “Hi.”

“Is everything okay in here?” he asked, glancing from woman to woman.

“We’re all good,” Sasha said, meaning it. She appreciated Chloe’s attempt to help.

“Great. Because I thought I’d take my fiance home.” He strode over and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her against him. “Ready?”

“I am.” She glanced at Sasha. “Take care, okay? And good luck on the movie.”

Sasha smiled. “Thanks.”