My shoulders relaxed because hopefully he’d make the right decision and let Ashton have his time off. Turning my attention back to the discarded coffee pot, I made a strong black coffee, adding extra sugars, because I already felt exhausted and listless.

Just after eight in the morning, I was sitting and playing on Ashton’s PS4 when my cell phone rang. My heart leapt into my throat because I already knew it was him calling me, just like he’d promised he would. I jumped to get it, almost knocking it off the side in my haste. I was ridiculously eager to hear his voice and reassure myself that he was alright and that it was, in fact, just a horrible dream I’d had last night.

I forced my most cheerful voice as I answered so that he wouldn’t know anything was wrong. “Hey, Pretty Boy.”

“Hey. Did I wake you?”

My heart thumped at the sound of his sexy voice. I smiled sadly. “No, I’m awake. How are you? Plane ride okay? Did you meet up with the boys alright?” I asked, trying to steer the subject from sleeping.

“Yeah, the flight was good. Met up with everyone here at the hotel. Nate and Seth were practically buzzing by the time I met them, I’m supposed to give you a thank you hug from them both for putting them in first class with the free champagne and peanuts.”

I chuckled. “Those peanuts are good,” I joked, grinning.

He laughed too. “So, how did you sleep?” he inquired, sounding almost afraid to ask.

I winced and flicked my eyes towards Dean’s bedroom door. Well, he didn’t specifically say no, he said he would think about it…

“I slept good,” I lied, cringing. “I slept on your side, maybe that was the key.”

“Yeah? That’s great, Baby Girl. I was so worried about you all night,” he admitted.

I closed my eyes, trying to ignore that nagging feeling inside me that told me that I shouldn’t be lying to him. But my intentions were good, I was lying so that he wouldn’t abandon his life, yet again, and come to my rescue. “You shouldn’t worry about me, I’m fine. So, are you looking forward to today? What time are you going to the race track?” I asked, needing to change the subject.

“The tour starts at one, so we need to leave here about quarter to, I guess. The hotel you booked for us is literally on the edge of the track. It’s so nice, you’d love it here. Maybe we could come here one time, and we could actually watch the Grand Prix race? Maybe I could convert you to a race fan,” he teased.

I laughed. “I don’t think so, you’ve got more chance of making me a football fan,” I joked, smiling.

“Right, I guess you get to look at the guys’ asses then.”

“You know I like a nice ass,” I joked.

“Yeah, I know,” he replied, sounding amused.

Dean’s bedroom door clicked open, and my eyes widened in horror. He would take one look at me and know that I was talking to Ashton and he’d tell him, without a doubt. “I’d better go, I’ve got breakfast in the pan,” I lied, needing to get off the phone.

“Oh yeah? And what are you making for my replacement?” Ashton asked curiously.

“French toast,” I teased.

He groaned. “Baby Girl, that’s not fair, you know I love your French toast!” he whined.

“I’m sure they have French toast in your hotel.” I watched as Dean strutted out of his bedroom, rubbing his eyes roughly as he stalked towards the kitchen. When his gaze flicked in my direction, I cringed and bit my lip. “I’ve got to go; I’ll speak to you later, okay? Call me when you get time and let me know how you all got on driving,” I suggested, watching as Dean changed his course and strutted over towards me, his eyes accusing and hard.

“Okay, I will. And if the lawyer guy comes before I call you, then you call me instead and let me know what he said,” he instructed. “I miss you, Anna.”

My insides tingled, and my heart skipped a beat at hearing those words in his silky smooth voice. “Miss you too, bye.” Wow, if only he knew how much I missed him, he’d be frightened to death.

I disconnected the call just as Dean reached out to snatch it from my hand. He was glaring at me. “You have got to be kidding me! You called him and told him you were fine?” he growled angrily.

I shook my head innocently. “No, he called me,” I corrected, but his glare seemed to deepen at my sarcasm. “I did tell him I was fine though,” I admitted. “He’s having a really nice time. Please don’t ruin this for him? He’ll never find out, just tell the other two not to say anything, and we’ll pretend that everything was fine,” I begged.

He huffed angrily and scowled at me. “Well, I don’t suppose I have a choice now, considering you’ve already made the decision for me, do I?” he snapped, shaking his head disapprovingly.

I jumped up, smiling with relief. “Thank you! As payback, I’ll make you breakfast, anything you want, you just name it.” I practically skipped to the kitchen.

He followed behind me with a scowl still plastered on his face. “Annabelle, if he finds out, I expect you to back me up and tell him this wasn’t my idea and that you railroaded me into it.”

I nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely, I promise.” I crossed my heart with one finger and grinned. “But he won’t find out anyway. I won’t say anything, I swear.” I smiled reassuringly and stopped in front of the fridge. “So, what’s it to be? Eggs, pancakes, waffles?” I offered, waving my hands at the stove.