Burn (Breathless #3)(67)

It took someone strong to stand up to the kind of family—and mother—Ash described. Especially after thirty years. And a marriage that her mother had pushed her into.

Ash was waiting outside when the car arrived, and he opened the door, extending his hand to help Josie out. He slipped an arm around her waist, keeping her snug against his side as they walked into the restaurant.

They were directed to the same table where she and Ash had eaten that first night, and there was a woman already seated. Josie soaked in the details from a distance so she wouldn’t be staring once they got to the table.

She could definitely see the family resemblance. Brittany had the same blond hair with a variety of shades just like Ash. She also had the same green eyes Ash sported and the shape of their faces was very similar.

When they got close, Brittany looked up and a wide, welcoming smile curved her lips. Josie could swear she saw relief in the other woman’s expression. Perhaps she’d been worried that Ash wouldn’t come.

And when she smiled, Josie could see just how stunningly beautiful Brittany was. But then, Ash was a beautiful man. Brittany was more his feminine counterpart. She didn’t have the hard edges that Ash had. She lacked Ash’s intense gaze, his expression, the way he carried himself.

No matter how crazy or horrible his parents were, they definitely gave their children the beautiful genes.

Brittany rose but stood still, as if waiting to see how Ash would greet her. Ash circled the table and enveloped his sister in a big hug. He kissed her cheek and then took her hand, squeezing it. Brittany’s reaction was sweet. She stared up at Ash, just like most sisters stared up at their big brothers when they’d done something huge and nice for their baby sisters. She looked at him like he hung the moon.

“Britt, I want you to meet Josie. Josie, this is my sister, Brittany.”

“Hello, Josie,” Brittany said in a cultured voice that just screamed money and privilege.

But there was no pretension about her. She grasped Josie’s hand warmly and then, to Josie’s surprise, Brittany hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

“Hello, Brittany. I’m so happy to finally meet you. Ash has told me so much about you.”

At that, her excitement dimmed, and her eyes grew cloudy with worry.

“It was all good,” Josie hastened to say, regretting that she’d already put her foot in her mouth. “He said you were doing wonderfully in your job here. He bragged that you would end up running the entire thing before it was over with.”

Brittany smiled and relaxed. Ash guided both women to their seats and then motioned for the waiter.

“I’m enjoying it,” Brittany said, once the waiter took their drink order. “It’s nice to be . . . useful. I’m remembering how smart I am. It just took a while because unfortunately I’ve become very adept at being dumb over the years.”

Ash shook his head. “Cut yourself some slack, Britt. You’ll get there. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Josie laughed at the old saying. “He’s right, though. I’ve made my share of really dumb mistakes. But I’m through beating myself up over them.”

Ash squeezed her hand under the table but then surprised her by dragging it up and over the table where he pulled it to his mouth and pressed a kiss into her palm.

“Glad to hear that, baby. About time.”

Brittany looked inquisitively between Ash and Josie and then her eyes widened before a broad smile lit up her entire face.

Josie guessed it was pretty obvious that she and Ash were more than just a casual date. But then Ash had made it pretty clear that Josie was someone important to him. Why else would he bring her to lunch with his sister?

“Mom giving you any more trouble, Britt?” Ash asked.

Brittany made a face and then took a long swallow of the wine the waiter had served. “She came by that one time I told you about. After that she resorted to calling every day. I ignore the calls and let them go to voice mail. She called work one time, and I told her off. I haven’t heard from her since.”

Ash nodded approvingly. “That’s good. You’ll get there. Eventually she’ll figure out that she can’t get her claws into you anymore and she’ll find another target.”

“Like she did with you?” Brittany pointed out, a snort passing her lips.

“Okay, maybe she won’t,” Ash said ruefully. “But you’ll figure out how to handle her and after a while it won’t bother you as much.”

“I envy you,” Brittany said. “I know I’ve said it before, but I’d give anything to have your confidence.”

The wistful tone in her voice made Josie wince with sympathy. But she sat quietly, not wanting to interrupt their conversation.

The waiter came and took their orders, and Ash leaned back, reaching for Josie. She slid into his side, their chairs mashed up against each other. His arm settled around her shoulders as he continued his conversation with Brittany.

“So how long have you two been dating?” Brittany asked.

Josie went still, her mouth suddenly unable to work. What could she say? They didn’t date. One could hardly call what they’d done dating. They’d bypassed that stage all together. And somehow, the word dating seemed so tame. Not at all indicative of the intensity of their relationship.

“Josie and I have been together a while now,” Ash said easily.