Ash ran a hand through his hair, trying to process all that. “But he can’t fire you for that. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Well, apparently sex with a client even after the transaction is over is still an ethical violation of the agency. Roger made the point that if the sellers had seen Sam and me out together, it would’ve made them question my integrity as their agent and the agency by default.” She sighed. “I get that. Even though I don’t think I should’ve gotten let go for it. I made a dumb mistake. One mistake.” She held her arms out at her sides. “But that’s all it takes I guess. One rash decision. My specialty.”

Ash’s jaw was clenched so tight his teeth hurt. “That’s bullshit. This isn’t your fault. Two consenting adults slept together after a business deal was over. Then the guy got his dick in a twist because you didn’t want to do it again. This small-town, someone-might-see-you reasoning is crap. This kind of thing is why I hated living here so much. This wouldn’t even be a blink on the radar in a big city. But because this guy has a couple of bucks in his pocket and people know him in town, he can get away with whatever he wants.”

That kind of thing was the same reason Ash’s dad could parade around town like a hero even though his wife was always hiding bruises. No one wanted to think badly of or upset the winning football coach.

“Crap or not, the result is the same.” Kincaid smoothed back a hair that had come free of her ponytail. “And if Roger had kept me, Sam could’ve gone to the real estate board and threatened my license.”

Anger thumped through Ash. “We should’ve beat the shit out of the guy when we had the chance. Who the hell gets someone fired just because he got turned down for a second date?”

“Well.” She tipped her chin up. “I am really great in bed. It makes men a little crazy.”

Ash smirked and let his gaze travel over her lace-clad form. “This I won’t dispute. But I promise not to come after your job when you leave me.”

She gave him a wry look. “That won’t be a problem since you’re the one who will be leaving me.”

The words landed on him like cold water. “Right.”

“But now I’m out of a job, and I was already going to be fighting to keep two houses afloat. I know the bookstore sale will bring in money eventually, but it won’t be soon enough. I can’t risk going under on the mortgages. I had to make a deal with one of my clients. She’s buying my lake house and needs me out within a month.”

He blinked. “A month? But the farmhouse isn’t ready.”

“Tell me things I don’t know.” She shook her head. “I’ll figure it out. If push comes to shove, I can stay with one of my friends while I renovate. I just can’t believe I’ll be couch surfing in my thirties. That’s freaking depressing.”