My sudden hug caught Ashton off guard. His body stiffened at the contact. After a brief pause, I heard him ask in a low, quiet voice, "Are you pitying me?"

"I feel sorry for you," I corrected him firmly.

Ashton didn't respond, nor did he hug me back. The silence stretched, leaving me feeling a little awkward. Just as I was about to pull away, I glanced up and noticed Logan standing nearby.

Was he here, too? Maya, that big mouth, hadn't mentioned ...