Music of the Heart, page 9
The next few hours pass by and I head to Emory. Still unsure of why I am here, his secretary shows me to his office. He’s finishing up with a patient but she lets me know he’ll be in soon after she asks for an autograph and a picture. As I’m waiting, she brings lunch in.
“Ashleigh, I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” I stand up and he gives me a hug. “I’m sure you’re curious as to why I’ve asked you to come here today.”
“Well, now that you mention it, I am kind of wondering why you asked me to come here.” He hands me my food and I see my favorite chicken salad sandwich in the box.
“Don’t be upset with me but I was informed of your situation with your throat and I got in contact with a new doctor for you. I thought maybe it wouldn’t hurt to get a second opinion.”
His words make me stop chewing my food for a minute. I just look up and stare at him. I finally swallow my food and finally find my voice.
“I’m not sure what to say Preston. I’m assuming Cross called you.”
“He did Ashleigh but this was all my idea. He just told me what was going on and I offered to get in touch with a few doctors for you. I also told him I would talk to you instead of him because he needed to back off of you for a bit. I love him but damn, he can be a little overbearing sometimes, right?”
I almost spit my drink out when he says that about Cross. After we talk a bit more, he gives me the information and tells me he had me scheduled to see a new doctor next Tuesday.
I enjoy talking to Preston and we lose track of time until his secretary comes in to tell him his afternoon patients have started arriving. I apologize for taking up so much time and thank him for everything.
I spend the rest of Wednesday and all of Thursday attempting to begin my Christmas shopping. I put if off and I’m not sure I can wait any longer. I wake up early on Friday so I can go shopping and as I go to fix my coffee, there is a loud knock on my door. I have no clue who would be at my house at 7:30 a.m. but I head to the door to find out.
CROSS
I get home late Thursday night and after talking to my dad, I decide to head to Ashleigh’s house early in the morning. I don’t tell her I am coming and decide to surprise her. I know, I know. I said I wasn’t going to pursue her. Unfortunately, I can’t stop. I tried and I can’t make myself. I need her in my life.
I ring her doorbell at 7:30 a.m., realizing she may still be asleep. I see her peek through the side window and then throw the door open.
“What in the hell are you doing here?”
I hold out a cup of coffee from the Sweet Peach and give her my panty wetting smile I am known for. Dimples and all.
“I’m sorry Ashleigh. I know I’ve been kind of an ass lately. I’m here to make it up to you. So, I know you love this coffee and thought you might like a cup. Also, I need you to go get dressed.”
“Get dressed? Why? Do you actually think I’m going somewhere with you?”
I look her up and down. She’s even more beautiful in her just woken up look. She looks very fuckable right now and she doesn’t even realize it.
“Well, first, unless you want me to take you right here, right now, you need to change out of those barely there pajamas. Second, yes, I am taking you somewhere. Nowhere fancy so just put on jeans, a shirt and comfy shoes and let’s go.”
I laugh as she looks down at herself. I know she is inspecting what she wore to bed last night. It’s December and she is wearing tiny boxer shorts with a pretty sheer tank top which displays her taut nipples perfectly. I seriously would like to say screw my plans and take her upstairs and fuck her senseless.
“Oh God. I’m sorry. Let me go change and I’ll be right back.”
I just laugh which pisses her off more. As I am waiting downstairs, I shoot a quick text to Jamie at JMA Music Group. I can’t begin to think how much she’ll hate me if she ever finds out what I’m doing but as the saying goes… ‘I’ll cross that bridge when we get there.’
“Okay, I’m ready. Don’t judge. You said don’t dress up so here I am.”
I look up to the stairs and she truly is beautiful. Even dressed down, she could put most women to shame. She’s wearing skinny jeans, gray sweater UGG boots, a pale pink shirt with a scarf and her hair is in a messy high ponytail. She has on minimal make-up which I love. I can’t stop staring at her and she catches me.
“What? Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face? I’m not showing my boobs off to you again, am I? I’m glad you got your little peep show for your morning entertainment by the way.”
I just sit there laughing. I finally stop and I go and wrap my arms around her in a big bear hug. I could hold her like this all day long. Hopefully, soon, she’ll let me.
Reluctantly, I let her go but not before I give her a kiss on her forehead. “Grab your coffee and let’s go. I have a fun filled day for you.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be at work? I mean, I know you own the company but I thought you traveled all over for your job? Plus, everyone says what a workaholic you are.”
I open her car door and she slides in. After I head out of her neighborhood, I answer her question.
“I do travel all the time for work much like you. It’s pretty rare for me to take a day off but I just got back in town late last night and didn’t feel like working today. There was someone I wanted to spend my day with instead of being cooped up in an office all day. Plus, I need to grovel for your forgiveness.”
She laughs and I love to hear that sound. “Well, if you think I’m letting you off easy this time, you are mistaken, my friend. I want to see you make it up to me all day long if you think I’m spending it with you. Are you even going to tell me what we’re doing?”
“Patience, love, patience. I have something special we are doing. Breakfast will be waiting for us when we arrive also, along with more coffee of course.”
I head straight for Phipps Plaza. By now, it’s 8:15 and the mall is not actually open yet. We pull in and a valet is waiting along with Thomas. I turn to look at her and she has the most confused look on her face. Hopefully, everything I have planned today is fun for her because it is nothing I would ever think of doing with any other girl.
Chapter Sixteen
ASHLEIGH
The mall? Why in the hell are we at the mall? Granted, it’s Phipps Plaza and it’s a nice mall but still… not my idea of fun.
“Care to tell me why you brought me to the mall? Surely of all the digging around you’ve done on me, you know I hate the mall and don’t really like to shop either.”
He laughs at me. “I’ve heard you aren’t a shopping fan but have you even started on your Christmas shopping?”
I just look at him and realize even though I went shopping the past two days, I really didn’t buy many gifts. I’m pretty sure I bought more stuff for myself. It’s like he sees it register in my brain and he gives me the panty dropping dimpled smile that makes me want to throw him down and kiss him.
“Since I’ve left you with no words, let me fill you in. The mall is closed to the public right now but with a name like Cross Hamilton, you can make things happen. It is now 8:30 a.m. You have until 10:00 a.m. to shop anywhere in the mall you want with no other customers around. It’s not long but I wanted you to get most of your Christmas shopping done so you didn’t waste the next few weeks having to shop. Thomas is here to take all of your packages home because after shopping at the mall, we’re not finished yet with our day yet.”
“What else are we doing?”
“Again, you need to learn patience. When 10:00 hits, we can continue shopping amongst the other patrons or I have other plans for us. We’ll talk about it when the mall opens.”
With that, he grabs my hand and leads me into the mall entrance that is opened for only us. It’s very strange to walk into a mall that is totally quiet with no people anywhere around. Apparently, Cross had asked for one person at each store to come in for me to shop. I’m totally in shock by all of this. I know this is his way of trying to apologize for being an ass.
“Are you coming around with me to shop or just going to sit and wait?”
“Oh honey, wherever you go, I’ll be right there with you.”
I’m just looking at him and he grins and hands me a Café Mocha to start my shopping with.
When I tell you he never left my side shopping, I would not be lying. He helped me pick out every single gift for everyone ranging from my parents to my niece to the girls and guys and everyone in between. When 10:00 rolls around, I have probably bought three-fourths of my gifts which makes me happy. We give the last of the bags to Thomas and before I know what is happening, he pulls me in for a hug. I hesitate but then I wrap my arms around him and reciprocate the hug.
We stand there hugging for longer than normal and I feel both of us just relax in each other’s arms. I’m pretty sure I fit perfectly in his arms and I’m starting to realize I like being there. Before he releases me, he kisses me on the head.
“Okay, do you think you can handle more of me today?”
“Actually, I’ve enjoyed my time with you so far and I may be able to continue spending the day with you.” I smirk at him and continue, “I need to go to the toy store to shop for my niece. I have this long text my sister sent me with tons of different toy ideas for Greer. You think you’re up for that?”
“Bring it on baby. Toys R Us, here we come!”
We make our way to the toy store and both of us grab a cart when we enter.
“What do you need a cart for Cross? You getting some toys to play with at home?”
“No smart ass but I may buy some gifts while I am here.”
We walk around the store and I pull up the list of ideas for Greer. There is so much shit on this list. I love my niece but this list is extreme even for me. I start looking at Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins toys and Cross is looking over my shoulder trying to read the list, which drives me nuts.
I swat at him. “Quit looking over my shoulder. It drives me crazy when people do that and I thought you were going shopping for toys? Why are you still standing here?”
“You trying to get rid of me?
“No but the sooner we finish here, the quicker we can go to Target! I love Target!”
He walks away laughing and shaking his head. I’m going up and down the aisles like a crazy woman trying to get a good bit of the toys. I can’t get it all but I get a lot of it. After I finish, I walk around looking for Cross and when I find him, he is with an employee with four carts loaded up.
I walk up to them and ask, “What is all of this? Did you leave anything in the store?”
“Well, most of it is for a children’s charity we donate to every Christmas and the other is for a special little girl.”
I look at him for a minute in awe of him buying all of these toys for children who would normally not get anything. As the employee walks away, I just turn and give Cross the biggest hug and kiss on the cheek. When I go to stand back, he pulls me in tighter and doesn’t want to let go.
“Cross, people are starting to stare. Maybe you should let me go.” Reluctantly, he pulls back and just stares at me again. I wish I knew what he was thinking in that mind of his.
After we check out, we head to Target and I go crazy buying things. He helps me unload all of my purchases when we get back to my house. By this time, it is already almost 6:00 p.m. We have been gone for so long and Merritt is coming over with take out and wine for a girls night at 7:00.
“Thank you so much for today Cross. I would ask you to stay for dinner but it’s girls night with Merritt and she has a pretty strict no boys policy.” I just grin and shrug my shoulders in apology.
“It’s okay. I would stay but I don’t want the wrath of Merritt to come after me. Do you have any plans on Sunday?”
“Other than watching the Falcons game? I was actually going to decorate my house since I will be home for longer than a couple of days. If you want, you can come help me put up the tree and hang lights. I’ll even spring for lunch and treat you to your favorite.”
“Sounds good. I’m not the best at decorating but I can try to help you. I’ll see you around 11:30 and don’t worry about lunch, I’ve got it covered.”
With one last hug, he gives me the one thing that melts my heart. He cups my face and kisses me on the forehead which is of my favorite signs of affection. As he leaves, I can’t help but think this just may be the man to steal my heart.
CROSS
I’ve been out of town for two weeks on business. For those two weeks, I have thought of Ashleigh a lot. Who would’ve thought I would enjoy my time with her decorating her house for Christmas?! Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to talk to her or text her during this time either due to my crazy meetings. And by the time I sit and relax at night, it’s very late back home and I don’t want to bother her. My mom has been texting me constantly about being home for Christmas Eve. It is a week away and I still have several days left in Vancouver to wrap up some loose ends on this deal.
It’s 10:30 p.m. here in Vancouver which means it’s 1:20 a.m. in Atlanta. I really want to call Ashleigh but I know she’s sleeping. I’m sitting in my hotel room having a drink and watching the news when my phone chimes. I’ll admit I was hoping it was Ashleigh but when I reach for my phone, I see that I have a text from Dixon.
Dixon: Hey man. You ever coming home? I mean it’s almost Christmas and you’re in fucking
Canada. Your mom will shit if you don’t make it home.
Cross: I know, I know. I will be home by Christmas Eve. I’ve got at least four more days before
I can head home.
Dixon: Wait a minute. When is your flight home?
Cross: I am supposed to fly out on the 22nd but it could be the 23rd if I don’t get things finalized
soon. Why?
Dixon: You do realize you’re going miss our Christmas dinner with friends, right?
Cross: What? When is it?
Dixon: It’s on the 20th. Ashleigh has to leave to go home to Alabama on the 21st. Man, the
girls are going to be pissed off at you.
Cross: Fuck. There is no way I can leave earlier. I have to land this deal and it will take
several more days of meetings to make that happen.
Dixon: Have you told Ashleigh you won’t be home?
Cross: No man. I haven’t talked to her.
Dixon: At all? Surely y’all have talked in the two weeks you’ve been gone. Right?
Cross: No. By the time I’m back in my room at night, it’s late here and with the time
difference, I don’t want to bother her.
Dixon: Shit man. Let me just tell you now. I can guarantee you not only she is pissed at you
but so are all the other girls. I’m sure you know by now, they’re like a package deal.
Cross: Shit, you know work is my life. I’m sorry but I have never put a girl before my work
and I’m not about to start right now. This deal is huge for me and my company. That
has to take priority over everything right now.
Dixon: Look, you know I’m your best friend and I have your back but Ashleigh is also like a
sister to me. If you feel something, don’t fuck it up.
Cross: Hear you loud and clear man. Look, I need to catch some sleep. Early meeting. See you
in a few days.
Dixon: Night man.
Chapter Seventeen
ASHLEIGH
Three weeks. That’s how long it’s been since I’ve heard from Cross. Just when I was actually starting to like him he goes and proves what an asshole he really is. This just shows I need to stay focused on my work and forget about guys and dating. I just don’t have time for bullshit like this.
I spent all day yesterday baking and cooking for our friends Christmas today. I am a stress baker and cook so I have tons of sweets and tons of food for my friends. I am praying that Cross is not at lunch today. There is nothing I have to say to him right now. I grab all my food and head into Merritt’s house.
“Hey ladies. Merry Friend Christmas! I come bearing food and sweets galore. I hope you wore your elastic pants.”
“Hey Ash! Merry Christmas bestie! Good Lord, what all did you bring? Wait. You’ve been stress baking, haven’t you?”
“You know me too well Merritt. I brought…”
“What’s up bitches? Merry Christmas! Holy shit Ashleigh, what all did you make? You’ve been stress baking and cooking, haven’t you?”
I look at Ava and then look down at everything I brought. There is so much food from cookies to cake pops to three different dips to several side dishes and more. Why have I let Cross get to me like this? This is so unlike me.
