Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“I get it. This house is turning into a labor of love. Are you sure it’s worth it?” she asked.
“I’m sure. I have no plans to go anywhere.”
“But I’ve seen you looking at your bike,” Ashley said. “You’re not thinking about jumping on that thing and running away?”
“Never. I’m not running from you. Not now. Not ever.”
He was pretty sure he saw a smile dance across her lips. He didn’t point it out as he didn’t want her to feel self-conscious. In the past few weeks they had come a long way, but he didn’t want to spoil what they had built. Even though he wanted to go further. That kiss had been freaking … everything.
They made it out of the woods and were heading to her home. Neither of them spoke but he felt Ashley withdraw her arm in case they were seen. He needed to fix this.
Arriving at her parents’ home, he knew right away they were not there. Ashley let them in and called out to them.
“Mom? Dad?”
He closed and locked the door, seeing a note on the cabinet. “Here you go.”
It had both of their names on it, but seeing as this was Ashley’s parents’ home, he didn’t want to read it. She took the letter from him and flipped it open.
“Ah, they’ve gone out on date night. They’ve booked a room at some fancy restaurant. They do this from time to time when they want to be alone.” Ashley gazed back down at the letter. “They’ve left us some food in the oven, and they’ll see us tomorrow or the day after. I’m pretty sure they signed it off with a wink.”
“Your parents love each other very much.”
“Oh, yes. It became my childhood ambition to avoid them when they were … you know … having sex.”
“You caught them.”
“More times than I care to admit.” Ashley put the card down. “I’ll go and see what’s in the oven.”
They were alone in her home. He wasn’t going to point out the obvious, but they were.
“Ah, I should have known. Whenever they go out of town, Mom always makes her lasagna. It heats well and keeps for several days.”
Ashley pulled it out of the oven then placed it on a heat-proof mat. She pulled her hair back and inhaled. “Smells good. Now if I know my mom, then I know she also left a salad.” She went to the fridge and pulled out a large tub as well as a small bottle of sauce. “Ah-ha, see, I told you. Salad and dressing.”
“I’ll grab the plates.”
“I’ll dish up.”
Ashley carried the food into the dining room and he grabbed the plates and cutlery. She served them both a large portion of lasagna and salad. She drizzled on some dressing to her own salad, and then handed him the bottle. He did the same, and they dived right in.
He was so hungry. The sandwiches never lasted long, but with all the work they had to do, it was hard to leave to get more food. Also, he didn’t want to hurt Ashley’s feelings.
“You know, I think I need to start making more food,” Ashley said, lifting a hand to her mouth. “I’m so sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, speaking with a mouthful of food. I’m starving.”
“Agreed. I’ve thought about calling the diner to deliver burgers.”
Ashley snorted. “We’d have to buy them for the whole crew. They’re all starving.”
“It’s fine. I don’t mind.” So long as he got to feed his woman, he didn’t care.
Ashley licked her lips and Phoenix couldn’t contain his growl. Her eyes flashed amber.
“I’m trying to be good right now.”
“I’m not doing anything.”
“Ashley, you look tempting to me.”
“My being a virgin hasn’t put you off?” she asked.
“No, it hasn’t. I don’t like that you’re still so young but I’m not letting you go. I told you, baby, I’m here to stay and you’re not getting rid of me.”
“Good,” Ashley said.
She finished her food and then stared at him.
“I’ll do the dishes,” she said.
“No.” He took her plate from her. “I’ll do the dishes. Go have a shower or a bath.”
“Are you trying to tell me I stink?” she asked.
“No, I’m trying to take care of you. You’ve worked hard today. You don’t need to work in the garden.”
“I’m not going to stand around doing nothing. That’s not who I am.”
“Then let me take care of the dishes so you can clean up.”
She nodded her head, getting to her feet.
His cock was so fucking hard. It was so tempting to follow her upstairs, but he didn’t want to scare her off. They were still so new at this—learning each other, knowing what the other wanted. He couldn’t fuck it up. His whole future depended on him not screwing this up with Ashley.
He loved her.
Even after everything that had happened between them, he knew how he felt and he knew it wasn’t going to change. His love for her was what kept them both going. If he had to wait a lifetime to finally win her, he would, but at least they would be together.