Teasing You, page 8
“If you wanted to try the whole kissing thing again. There’s no pressure and nothing you have to fear from me, Ashlynn. I didn’t invite you up here for any other reason than to apologize and make sure things were good between us.”
She almost moaned at the sound of that because she imagined things could be very good between them.
Swallowing hard, she figured she owed him some honesty. “It wasn’t you, Reid. That was all…I have a lot of baggage. Stuff that I don’t really like to talk about. But…I really would like to kiss you again and I promise that I’m not going to push you away or…or ask about dessert.” She gave him a weak smile and prayed she didn’t sound like some sort of babbling idiot.
But when she looked up and met his gaze, it was so damn sexy that she figured she was alright.
“Reid?”
“Hmm?”
“Kiss me. Please.”
He closed the distance between them. “Sweetheart, I thought you’d never ask.”
It was better than he remembered.
Ashlynn was warm and pliant in his arms and even though he could tell she was holding back a little, he knew it wouldn’t be long for them to get back to that place they were before.
They were standing next to his kitchen table, and he slowly began maneuvering them across the room. It was like a choreographed dance and they were completely in sync with each other until they slowly lowered themselves down on the sofa.
Carefully—slowly—his arm banded around her waist as he drew her closer. Her arms wound around his shoulders as they both sort of sank into the kiss.
And yeah, they were back.
Everything was the same, but different. There was a different energy coming off of Ashlynn tonight; it was like she kicked away that badass attitude and was finally letting herself relax. He had dozens of questions he wanted to ask, so many places on her body he wanted to touch, but more than anything, he wanted to keep kissing her.
Tonight had been a major risk. When he came home and saw her car in the parking lot, he knew he wanted to see her. But he also knew he would have to come up with a way that would make it almost impossible for her to push him away again. So he cooked and cleaned and when everything was almost ready, he stomped around and turned on his drill and then circular saw just for the sake of making noise. He knew if he kept at it long enough, she’d get mad and come banging on his door.
Luckily, the risk paid off because she did show up and was now in his arms.
And it was glorious.
She hummed softly as she moved even closer, and Reid felt breathless and full of anticipation of what she was going to do next. All he knew was that so far, she wasn’t pushing him away, so to him, that was a definite win.
His hands roamed over her back, hers played with his hair before running down his shoulders and arms, and he wasn’t sure who pulled back first, but suddenly they were both breathing hard with their eyes locked on each other. He felt like maybe he should say something, but she beat him to it.
“I don’t care about brownies or tiramisu,” she said huskily. “The only dessert I want right now, is you. “Then she licked her lips and pulled him down until he was practically on top of her as they reclined against the cushions.
Reid swore he would gladly give up chocolate if this were a dessert option.
Ashlynn’s arms went back around him followed by her legs, and he swore this felt a little like heaven. He had no idea how they had gotten to this place or why she was even giving him a chance, but he was damn glad that she was.
He settled against her, feeling the heat between her thighs when his phone rang.
Ignore it…just ignore it…
It stopped after a moment and then immediately started up again.
“Shit,” he muttered before reluctantly breaking the kiss. “I’m so sorry, but that could be the station and…”
Her eyes went wide. “Oh my goodness, go! Go answer it!”
Jumping off the couch he did and sure enough, they had gotten a call and he had to leave immediately. Sliding the phone into his pocket, he looked at her as she sat up and tried to fix her hair and groaned. “I’m so sorry, Ash, but I need to go.”
She was instantly on her feet. “Don’t apologize. Obviously, this is an emergency. So go and I’ll see you…tomorrow or…whenever.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and, as much as he wanted to linger, he needed to get going. They walked out the door together, and with one last look at her, he took off down the stairs and rushed back to the station.
And this was the first time he was annoyed at having his personal time interrupted.
The next few days were incredibly busy. It felt like everything in Sweetbriar was happening at once and they all required something from the fire department. Architects were at the station with a team of engineers trying to go over plans to expand the existing building without disrupting the access needed to the trucks and equipment. There were several commercial buildings that required new fire safety equipment, and even more that were due for inspections. Being busy was normally something he loved, but it was almost keeping him too busy.
By the time he got home most nights, it was late and he and Ashlynn had taken to texting each other. Last night had been the first time they’d seen each other since he’d made dinner for her, but rather than simply hanging out and having a late dinner or watching TV, they were like two horny teenagers making out on the couch until he was almost too tired to keep his eyes open.
And that was a damn shame because he desperately wanted to do a lot more than kissing on his couch.
Tomorrow started his 48-hour time off and it couldn’t come soon enough. If he was reading the situation correctly, Ashlynn was feeling equally frustrated.
She was getting ready to go back down to her apartment when he pulled her in close. “What time do you get off work tomorrow?” he asked between kisses.
“Short day,” she said breathlessly, kissing him back with equal abandon. “I’ve got errands to run after I’m done, but I should be home by two. How come?”
“I have two full days off. Any chance you can call in sick for some of that time?”
“Absolutely,” she promised. “What do you have in mind?” She bit down playfully on his neck and he almost hauled her into his bedroom right then and there.
“More of this,” he said, mimicking her move and gently biting her throat and then soothing the spot with his tongue. “Only with a lot less clothes and in my bed.”
“Mmm…I like the sound of that,” she purred. “I’ll rush through my errands.”
Pausing, Reid cupped her face, resting his forehead against hers. “No rushing. We’ll have all afternoon and all night.”
“Maybe I can call in sick tomorrow…”
It was exactly what he had originally asked, but he felt a little guilty. “I don’t want you doing that just for me. Plus, there are a few things I need to do in the morning, so let’s just plan on meeting here at two. Will that work?”
Biting her lip, she nodded. “It sounds so far away.”
He kissed her again before walking her down to her apartment. When she leaned in and kissed him at her door, he was beyond tempted to beg her to invite him in, but he knew they could wait.
Begrudgingly, but they could wait.
“Tomorrow, beautiful girl,” he whispered against her lips.
“Mmm…goodnight,” she said before slipping into her apartment and shutting the door.
As Reid walked back up to his apartment, he knew he had a stupid grin on his face. Life was good—damn-near perfect—and all he could think of was how it was only going to get better.
Chapter Six
“What’s up with you?” Billie asked suspiciously.
Ashlynn frowned as she wiped down the coffee station. “What do you mean?”
“You’ve been very chipper this morning with all the customers and smiling a lot.”
That made her laugh. “Isn’t that the way I’m supposed to be?”
“It is, but it’s not how you’ve been most of the time you’ve been here. Most days, you’re surly at best. So what’s going on?”
Shrugging, she continued to clean. “Just…you know…the usual.”
“Mm-hmm…” her sister hummed with amusement. “This wouldn’t perhaps have anything to do with the new firefighter in town, would it? The one who bought you brownies…”
Glancing over, she grinned. “Good call on them, by the way.”
“I knew it!” Billie said excitedly. “So things are going good with Reid?”
“They really are. Like…really, really good,” Ashlynn admitted. “So good that I’m starting to freak out.”
“Why?”
Looking around, she noticed that most of the customers were gone and Jade was currently at the bank, so that meant she and her sister could talk without filters.
“I think we all know I’m the queen of the commitment-phobes,” she began. “I like being the one to walk away because…”
“Oh, Ash. Sweetie…you know none of that stuff was about you. You need to stop thinking that way.”
“It’s not something you can just stop doing, Bill. I blamed myself for Dad leaving and always felt that every guy I cared about was going to take off too.” She sighed. “But Reid was persistent. In a good way.”
“That’s because he’s a good guy and he’s obviously crazy about you.”
“I know, and that kind of makes me freak out even more.”
Billie leaned against the counter. “Okay, this I’ve got to hear.”
“Because he’s going to make me fall hard for him and it will hurt that much more when he leaves,” she said quietly.
“Why do you think he’s going to leave?”
“Because everyone does! Jeez, haven’t you been paying attention?” she snapped.
“I don’t think my attention skills are the issue here,” her sister countered. “Dad didn’t leave; he was pushed out.”
“He didn’t fight very hard to stay…”
“Not that we know of because no one wanted us to see that, Ash. And besides Dad, who else left?” she asked hotly. “No one! We are surrounded by long-term marriages and relationships. Our grandparents, aunts, uncles…all solid.”
“Levi left.”
“To go to college and start his life. And yes, he stayed away for a while, but he came back and now he’s here to stay.”
“Jade’s ex left,” she said smugly.
“I didn’t say no one in the history of the world has left,” Billie wearily explained. “I’m talking about the people directly in our lives. You can’t have this attitude and fear of people leaving, and you shouldn’t put that pressure on this relationship with Reid. For crying out loud, the guy had a crush on you when you were fifteen and as soon as he comes back to town, he’s still crushing on you. You don’t think that’s impressive? That it doesn’t prove he’s got staying power?”
“When you put it that way…”
“Stop looking for problems, Ash. Please.” Turning, she added some muffins to the bakery case and straightened the platters before speaking again. “Think of how much you like this guy and how good things are going. Focus on how we’re going to get your salon going soon and how great life is going to be.”
Letting out a long breath, she sagged against the counter. “I wish it weren’t taking so long to hear back about the loan. The longer it takes, the more anxious I get and feel like the news is going to be bad.”
“With everything going on here in Sweetbriar, there are a lot of businesses applying for loans. We just need to be patient.”
Jade walked back in, smiling. “Hey! Sorry that took so long. I know you have things you need to do, Ash. I hope I didn’t hold you up.”
“Nope! You’re good!” She went to take off her apron when the bell over the door rang out again and Becky walked in.
Ugh…
She gave Ashlynn a smug smile. “Still can’t find a job doing hair, huh? That’s too bad.”
There wasn’t an ounce of sympathy in her words.
Before Ashlynn could say anything, Jade stepped in front of her. “Hey, Becky, what can I get you?”
“I think it’s sweet of you to take in those who are considered unemployable,” Becky replied. “But be careful; she can be a real bitch to your customers. Trust me. I learned the hard way.” After sighing dramatically, she added, “Some were too traumatized by her behavior to come back no matter how much I assured them they’d never have to deal with her again!” Leaning across the counter, she boldly took hold of Jade’s hand. “Do yourself a favor and put your business first. Don’t let…her…ruin it.”
Ashlynn felt her face heat and she wanted to snap and retaliate, but she knew that was exactly what Becky was trying to do. She was baiting her and she refused to take it.
It was almost painful.
“I appreciate the advice, Becky. And I have to agree, I need to put my business first,” Jade said.
“I knew you’d understand. Now I’ll take a…”
“I’m sorry,” Jade interrupted, “but whatever it is you’d like to order, we’re not serving you.”
“Excuse me?” Becky asked incredulously.
“I refuse to serve people who are hateful and toxic. As the owner, I do have the right to refuse to serve you. Now please leave.”
“But…but…”
Jade simply stood back and waved with a serene smile. “And I know all the girls who work for you. They’re not welcome here either.”
Becky shot Ashlynn a hateful glare and looked ready to say something, but turned and walked out instead.
“I cannot believe she’s still carrying on,” Billie said. “What on earth was that about?”
Shaking her head, Ashlynn had to force herself to calm down. “She’s always been petty and I seriously think someone needs to put her in her place, and believe me, I wish it could be me.”
“Don’t waste your time on someone like her,” Jade said, walking over and hugging her. “You’re a good person and I imagine working in a toxic environment would make anyone lose their shit one day.”
The three of them laughed.
“Thanks, Jade. I needed that.” Walking into the back room, she tossed her apron in the laundry bin and grabbed her purse. When she stepped back out and walked around the counter, she smiled at them. “I appreciate you letting me take off early today, but is there any chance I can have tomorrow off?”
Both women looked at her with surprise.
“Reid has today and tomorrow off, so…”
“No worries, Ash. My mom can come in and cover for you. Go and have fun,” Jade said.
“Oh, I plan on it!” As soon as she walked out the door and sunshine hit her face, she couldn’t help but smile. It was still freezing out, but that was nothing new.
She was walking down the street to where her car was parked when she spotted Becky getting into her own car.
Crap.
Slowing her steps, she thought it would be enough to go unnoticed, but unfortunately, her ex-boss spotted her. “After everything I’ve done for you, Ashlynn Donovan, this is the thanks I get! You ruin my business and then get me thrown out of the coffee shop! What am I supposed to do? Where will your spitefulness end?”
“My spitefulness?” she repeated with a mirthless laugh. “You’re the one dragging my name through the mud all over town! I made a mistake with a customer—the first time I ever had a customer complaint—and you fired me over it! So tell me, what exactly have you done for me?”
Rather than answer, Becky just huffed, got into her car, and drove away.
Good riddance, she thought.
Refusing to let this little incident ruin her day, Ashlynn got in her car and took care of all the errands she needed to run—including stopping by the bank and asking about the status of their loan.
“Ashlynn,” Mrs. Tillack said sympathetically. “You know these things can take up to a month. From everything we submitted, I really don’t see there being an issue. You just need to be patient.”
That was the same thing the sweet older woman told her every time she stopped in, but for some reason, she needed to be reminded. Most days she felt upbeat about all the possibilities, but if she let herself think about it for too long, a lot of negative thoughts found their way in and left her second-guessing everything.
“Thanks, Mrs. Tillack. I appreciate your time,” she said as she stood.
“It’s my pleasure. Oh, and Ashlynn?”
“Hmm?”
“When you come in next week to inquire about the loan status, could you maybe bring me one of your sister’s blueberry muffins?”
Laughing softly, she nodded. “Of course. Thanks.”
“No, thank you!”
It was a little after one and she was on her way home, but a little hungry. She wasn’t sure if Reid’s plans included food, but she figured it couldn’t hurt to ask. When she parked in her spot in their complex, she texted him.
Ash: Hey! I just got home and was curious if you’d had lunch yet.
There. That didn’t sound weird or like she was trying to figure out what he had planned for them.
Reid: I was just having a sandwich now. Care to join me?
Damn. She had planned on going up to her place and showering and freshening up, but when her stomach growled loudly, she knew what her answer had to be. Besides, she didn’t have anything at her place for lunch that interested her.
Ash: If you’re sure you don’t mind…
Reid: Come on up when you’re ready
Reid: But don’t wait too long or I’ll possibly eat your sandwich too
Ash: LOL! I just need to drop some bags off at my place and then I’ll be up
Reid: See you soon
Grabbing her things, she ran up to her place and tossed the bags on her sofa before running into the bathroom and brushing her teeth, taking her hair out of its ponytail and fluffing it up a bit, and putting on lip gloss. She was halfway out the door when she ran back to her bedroom and quickly freshened up her deodorant and spritzed on some perfume. It wasn’t a shower, but hopefully she didn’t smell too much like the coffeehouse either.
