Hannah had been texting Ashton since morning, but her messages had gone unanswered. By lunchtime, her phone finally buzzed—it was Ashton. Relief washed over her, though she had tried to ignore it all morning. She couldn't help but worry about the question of staying at Elizabeth's apartment.

"Hey, honey, sorry I couldn't get back to you sooner," Ashton greeted her with his warmest smile. "Yesterday was insane. One of my colleagues got bit by a snake."

"Oh, God. What happened then?"

"We treated her. Luckily, it wasn't a poisonous one." Ashton sighed.

"I hope she's okay now."

"She's fine." Ashton nodded. "She went back to work this morning." Ashton cleared...