Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 74143 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74143 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“Perfect thing?”
“Don’t act all coy, Ashton. You know what you’re doing.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, but thanks for the boost to my ego.”
“Yeah, Ashton, because you need a boost to that.”
He chuckled, making those damn dimples prominent and enticing, and I wanted nothing more than to reach over and touch them. I blushed just thinking about it.
“I love it when you say my name.”
I slapped his arm. “Stop that.”
“Stop what, telling the truth? You want me to lie? Tell you that I’m not thinking of all the dirty stuff I want to do to you?” He glanced over with a mischievous stare. “You caught me, sweetness. Can’t get anything past you, huh? I’m trying to impress you; is it working?”
I giggled. “I’m here, aren’t I? I’m kinda digging you calling me sweetness. No one’s ever called me that before.”
“I’m almost certain no one’s ever done a lot of things to you or for you before,” he hesitated, speaking with conviction…
“And I’ll tell you what, I really love that.”
Chapter 13
—Sage—
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, just eat, Casanova.” I sat forward.
The entire time we ate, we spoke about nothing in particular, getting to know one another. I truly enjoyed being the center of his attention. The movie began, and Ashton still didn’t take his eyes off me.
“Are you going to watch the movie or me?”
He grinned. “I’ve seen this movie.”
“Then why did you choose it again?”
“It’s my favorite movie, but it’s my second favorite thing about tonight.” He leaned against the back of his truck, and I followed suit.
“I’ve never been here.”
“That’s a shame.”
“Yeah,” I replied, taking in the fresh air. The breeze was a nice change of pace from the hot, humid summer. I forgot how much I loved it outside during this time of year.
“Aren’t you going to ask me what my favorite thing about tonight is?” He moved a little closer to me, causing his cologne to instantly assault my senses. It was difficult not to turn into him just to breathe in his scent.
“I don’t know. Are you going to say something dirty or flirty? Or are you going to be honest?”
“I’m always honest. You, Sage, you’re my favorite thing about tonight.”
Our eyes connected, and for the first time I didn’t have to question him.
The truth was written all over his face.
“Tell me something about yourself that no one knows,” he inquired. “Not even Aspyn,” he added.
“Now that’s a hard one. There isn’t anything Aspyn doesn’t know.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“Why is that?”
“Because you seem like the kind of woman who might keep some things hidden.”
Yeah… I’m hiding the fact that I’m a mother of twins!
Instead of blurting my life story, I nonchalantly shrugged, and he accepted my silent request by not pressuring me to give him more than I wanted.
“Let’s talk about you,” I reiterated.
“I’m an open book, so ask me anything.”
“You tell me something you’ve never told anyone.”
“Alright.” He nodded, carrying on. “When I was sixteen, I made a pact with my boys to stay single and never fall in love.”
My eyes widened. “Is that why you’re still single?”
“I don’t know anymore.”
I wasn’t sure if he was implying that I was the reason, but if the expression on his face was any indication, then he totally was.
“Was it your idea?”
“No, it was Leo’s.”
“Isn’t he living with his girlfriend?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“So? Is that pact broken now?”
“For him.”
“Not for you?”
He shook his head. “Not for me.”
I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel like his response wasn’t a slap in the face.
“Don’t fall in love with me, Sage.”
I didn’t hold back. “What about you falling in love with me, Ashton?”
“I made the pact a few hours before the first time I met you at that party. You were all cute and awkward, and it’s the only time in the last eight years that I wished I could take it back.”
“Ashton…”
“I’m lying. It’s not the only time in the last eight years. Last week, when I saw you standing in front of everyone at that speed dating event, looking all beautiful and stunning and still just as awkward, I wished for it again.”
We locked eyes.
“I’ve never told anyone that.”
My heart pounded in my chest with heavy thumps. “I’m really glad we ran into each other again.”
That was all it took for him to lean in and claim my mouth once again.
—Ashton—
I leaned in and kissed her.
At first, it started innocently enough, but after a couple of seconds she parted her mouth and moved her lips. Her mouth became more demanding, wanting me to respond, and I gently started to, which earned me a moan from her lips.
She tasted like cider beer and peppermint, and I couldn’t get enough. Her tongue was smooth and felt like silk. I’d only just kissed her, but it already felt so fucking long.
I began to lean forward, wanting to feel her body beneath mine. The second I was above her, my hand started roaming. It started at her hair and then traveled down to her face. She writhed and moaned under me, enticing me to go further. My hand moved to the top of her breast and I could feel her nipple hardening through her cotton dress. She pushed her breast further into my hand, and I immediately gripped it harder, earning me another moan.