Page 24 of The Ex Factor

Ashley didn’t respond to that directly. ‘So, how do we want to play this? Do you want to do a “spotted leaving a restaurant” type scenario?’

‘It’s a classic for a reason.’

‘I know a place in Soho,’ Ashley said, already creating a mental list of things she shouldn’t wear so she didn’t look like she was trying too hard. ‘I’ll have Simon coordinate with Karen.’

‘Perfect. I’ll be there.’

‘See you, Sullivan.’

Ashley hung up the phone and stared at the screen until it went black. She walked back over to the guitar and picked it up gently.

She wasn’t doing this because she wanted to see Molly. She was doing this for her career.

Ashley struck a chord, letting the sound fill the empty room, ignoring the voice in her head that told her she was a terrible liar.

Five Years Ago

Ashley tuned her guitar near the tiny stage. Checked the capo. Retuned the guitar. Checked the capo again.

The pub owner wandered over. ‘You alright?’

‘Yep.’

‘Starting in two.’

‘Yep.’

He nodded like he didn’t believe her. That was fair. She probably looked ready to bolt. She felt ready to bolt.

Ashley sat on the edge of the stage and looked around the room.

A couple near the bar. Three teenagers pretending to be legally allowed to drink. An older bloke who seemed to attend every gig in the city regardless of genre.

But no Molly yet.

Ashley was annoyed with herself for even thinking about it.

She put her guitar strap over her shoulder. Adjusted it. Adjusted it again.

Then Molly appeared from the corridor.

It was as Ashley had feared. Molly was extremely attractive. Not in the way Ashley usually went for, which ran more to the prim yet glamorous type. Molly was a totally fresh kind of sexy.

Strong, expressive brows. A wide, electric mouth that seemed permanently on the verge of saying something inappropriate. Her jade-green eyes, sitting underneath a flattering choppy fringe, were warm, bright, and utterly alert. Big dark curls bounced carelessly. She was wearing a faded, oversized cardigan slouched over a slip dress that looked like it might be pyjamas, paired with scuffed boots. She’d barely made any effort, which only made her more appealing.

Ashley looked away. Then looked back just to confirm. Still charming. Still had an excellent face.

Worse, she seemed like the sort of person who didn’t know how charismatic she was. Or knew it but didn’t care. Ashley wasn’t sure which was more dangerous.

Molly headed for a table near the front, joining her buddy, who said something to her. Molly laughed and tipped her head back.

Ashley looked away so quickly she almost gave herself whiplash.

The pub owner appeared beside her. ‘Ready?’

‘No.’

‘Great.’