6. Emily
Chapter 6
Emily
As I groom Edna, the transformation begins with a generous splash of dog shampoo. This furry diva, with her stubborn glances and sagging jowls, is surprisingly enjoying every moment of it. Who knew a grump could be so easy to pamper? Her fur shines as I work, and she seems to puff up with pride, flaunting her clean coat like it’s her crowning achievement.
I give her the royal treatment, and she’s loving every minute—leaning into my touch and rolling onto her back for scratches. I giggle at her antics, already completely in love with her.
“What a pretty girl,” I coo as I carefully paint her nails, taking my time to make sure each paw gets the attention it deserves. The bright pink polish glistens against her white fur, adding just the right amount of sass to Edna’s otherwise gruff exterior.
Once I finish, I step back to admire my handiwork, and the dog practically struts around, clearly pleased with her new look. “You’re going to be the talk of the dog park. All the little boy doggies are going to be asking for your number,” I tease.
Glancing up, I catch Ashton on the sidelines, leaning against the counter with an amused smile playing on his lips, watching me work. “She’s too young to date,” he remarks, clearly entertained by the sight of his newly pampered pooch.
“I can see you’re one of those overprotective fathers,” I reply, glancing back at Edna and trying to keep a straight face.
“I definitely am.” I take a breath, the energy in the room shifting, as he stares down at me with flames roaring in his dark eyes. As Ashton steps closer, my breath hitches in my throat. Edna chooses that moment to grumble and whine, cutting through the tension surrounding us.
That’s when a thought hits me like a bolt of lightning. “Are you ready for that pizza for dinner? I’m starving.” My stomach is rumbling from working all day long.
“Then we need to get you fed.” He doesn’t waste any time. “I’ll have it sent to my house. We can watch movies and eat while Edna recovers from her spa day.”
“That sounds great.” Actually, it sounds a lot like a date. “Do you mind if I shower first? Edna made sure I got as wet as she was during the bath.” I laugh.
“Sounds good.” Ashton walks over and kisses me. “Run up and shower, and then we’ll all go over to my house together.”
My inner hussy tells me to invite him to shower with me, but my hungry stomach causes me to ignore the suggestion. While he takes Edna on a short walk, I rush up to get ready.
Once I’m ready to go, he wants me to ride with him, but I refuse. “I’ll follow you to your house. I don’t want you to have to take Edna out later to bring me home.” It sounds reasonable, but my heart squeezes at the thought of leaving him later.
He doesn’t seem happy about my choice, but he agrees. “If that’s what you want.”
As I follow Ashton down his driveway, the nervous energy bubbling up in me is electric. I can’t shake the nagging pulse of excitement mixed with apprehension. He parks his truck in front of a sprawling plantation-style house.
“Your home is stunning.” I gasp, taking in the grand foyer adorned with polished hardwood floors. The walls are painted in soft, inviting hues of cream and pale seafoam, and it’s furnished with gorgeous antique furniture. Not at all like the bachelor pad I’d expected.
“I’m glad you like it.” Edna ambles past us and across the hallway before disappearing out of sight.
I glance over at Ashton, feeling the pull between us growing by the second. In a heartbeat, I find myself forgetting all about the dog and acting on impulse. The all-consuming feeling is too strong to ignore. I close the distance between us and wrap my arms around his waist.
As my body melts against his, he captures my lips with his once more. The kiss ignites a fierce and passionate fire that flares up and spins around us like a whirlwind.
We break apart, breathless, both of us a little dazed. I look up into his eyes, and everything just seems to fall into place.
“Damn,” he mutters, his voice a mix of awe and desire. “You’re potent, gorgeous.”
“So are you,” I say with a teasing smile while my heart beats double time, “but I’m starving.”
After ordering our pizza, Ashton settles Edna down on a fuzzy rug in front of the fireplace. She stretches out her heavy body, sinks into the soft material, and starts to snore loudly.
The pizza comes and we share it while Edna watches on with a pleading look on her face. Ashton finally breaks off a piece of crust and feeds it to the pooch. Her eyes roll back in her head as she enjoys the treat.
After we finish our dinner, Ashton turns on the newest action flick. I snuggle against his side and lean my head back against his shoulder to watch the movie.
As the action movie plays on the screen, I barely register the loud explosions and fast-paced chase scenes. Instead, I’m utterly captivated by the way Ashton leans back against the sofa, the flickering light from the screen playing across his features, highlighting those sharp cheekbones and the slight curl of his dark hair that tugs at my fingers’ memory.
As the hero of the movie leaps from one building to another, I can’t help but notice Ashton’s arm resting across my shoulders, the warmth radiating from him. With every passing minute, the space between us grows more electric with unspoken tension hanging in the air.
Finally, I can’t resist any longer. I weave my fingers into his. “Thank you for today.”
I glance up at him, and in that moment, our eyes meet and lock. I can see the warmth and mischief mixing in that gaze, and suddenly, desire burns through me.
As if responding to an unspoken cue, Ashton leans in, capturing my lips with his. The kiss starts off soft but quickly ignites into a whirlwind of heat and longing. I melt into him, my hand tangling in his hair as I deepen the kiss, wholly consumed by the moment. It’s like fireworks are exploding behind my eyes, and nothing else matters but this connection.
His tongue brushes across my lips and I open up for him. As his tongue explores my mouth, I wiggle around and suddenly find myself straddling his lap. I can feel his hard cock digging into my girly parts.
The air between Ashton and me crackles with raw tension. I know I should take a step back, breathe, and think things through, but I’m ignoring the voice of reason.
His hands settle on my waist, firm yet gentle, as my heart pounds in my chest, and I realize it’s time to take things into my hands. Literally.