Ashley POV

Shame. I was drowning in it, swallowing guilt by the mouthful. Yet I couldn't stop myself from uttering the most catastrophically stupid thing that had ever tumbled past my lips.

"I'm so sorry."

To my utter disbelief, Jared wasn't angry. He didn't even look annoyed. Instead, a sudden, sad smile tugged at the corner of his lips, and a low, soft chuckle escaped his throat.

"I must admit, I didn't expect to hear that," he murmured, the lingering ghost of a smile still haunting his mouth as he casually flicked his cigarette butt away.

I slapped my palm against my forehead, burying my face in my hand while...