Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“So, you want to move in together? Live as a couple?” she asked with a frown. “Are we ready for that?”
I smiled in understanding. “I can have Joyce’s room if you prefer. Be roommates with benefits. But if you’re wondering how I feel about it, yes, I’m ready. The thought of living with you, waking up with you every day, relaxing on the sofa, and knowing I don’t have to leave and go home to an empty bed or a bunch of idiots who just ordered pizza and plan on sitting up all night playing a new game they discovered? I love it.”
“You love those idiots,” she protested.
“Not as much as I love you. You’re my future, Ashley. I want to start my future now, even if we have to go slow. If I take Joyce’s room, I still get more of you.”
I sat back and picked up my water, sipping it slowly. I let her process what I said. I had already given her a lot to think about tonight, but for me, this one was a no-brainer. I loved her, and I knew she loved me. As far as I was concerned, she was it for me. Moving in only made sense, and as I had already told her, I was ready.
The question now on the table—was Ashley ready?
I could almost hear her thoughts as they raced through her head, sorting them into pluses and minuses. Weighing the pros and cons. Worrying over making the wrong decision. Finding a million questions and trying to figure out how to ask them. Desperate to simply say yes, but too afraid to accept happiness for what it should be.
She had been denied something her entire life—the sense of being safe. I understood that since I had experienced the same thing growing up in the foster system. But whereas I grabbed happiness where I found it and enjoyed the hell out of it, she was afraid to accept it—frightened it would be taken from her again. For someone so outwardly confident and self-assured, she was still the little girl inside, praying for the love of a father she didn’t have, the safety of a home she wouldn’t have to leave, and the time of a mother so busy trying to do right by her daughter, she forgot to make sure to spend time with her. Ashley had kept so many secrets hidden from her mother—the constant bullying, her worries about disappointing her, her fears of something happening to her mother and being even more alone than she already felt. It all affected her, and now as an adult, when faced with a chance at happiness, she allowed her hidden fears to override the joy she should experience.
I opened my mouth to say something when she shocked me.
“So, I would get you every day?”
“Yes.”
Her voice lowered. “Every night?”
“Absolutely. Play your cards right, three or four times on the weekend.”
Her lips quirked.
“You okay with dishes?”
“I’ll dry.”
“Laundry?”
“I know how to separate darks and lights. I even know how to put the toilet seat down and get my socks in the hamper. I’m telling you—I’m perfect for you.”
“Then pack your bags, Luc. Move in with me.”
“Yeah?” I breathed out.
“Yes.”
“I think I need to take you home—now.”
She drained her wine. “I think so.”
I signaled for the check. It was time to celebrate.
I crowded her against the door as she tried to get her key in. She laughed and elbowed me. “If I don’t get the door open, nothing is gonna happen, big boy.”
“That’s a matter of opinion. I have zero problem throwing down right here.”
“Oh my God,” she breathed.
“Oh my Luc, you mean,” I murmured, grinning in delight as the door swung open and we stepped inside. I kicked the door shut with my foot, turning the lock and grabbing her. She whimpered low and needy in her throat as I kissed her, holding her tight to my chest as I ravished her mouth. I loved how tall she was. How well we meshed together. The way her chest felt pressed into mine. I groaned as she snaked her hand between us, cupping my erection. With a low grunt, I picked her up, carrying her upstairs to her bedroom. I flung her on the bed, standing over her, my breathing fast, my cock aching with need. The need to be buried inside her.
She smiled, pulling her legs up and splitting her knees. The loose skirt of her wraparound dress opened, giving me the glimpse of her lacy red lingerie that matched her dress. I tugged at the bow on her hip. “What does this do?”
I grinned as the dress opened, and I saw all the sexiness of the lace and satin the dress hid. “Jesus, you are beautiful, Ashley,” I praised. “You are fucking exquisite.”
She sat up, shrugging her shoulders so the dress fell away, leaving her in nothing but red satin and lace.