Chapter 31
Sophie
Ashton kisses me.
Because I kissed Ashton.
I thought he would give me a perfunctory kiss in return, but no. He—he gives me a real kiss.
A really good kiss.
Lips part, move against each other in a motion that’s old as time, and yet seems brand new. Ashton has kissed countless women; I have no need to find out the exact number, but his kiss doesn’t feel stale, or jaded or anything but thrillingly original.
As for me, I really think I’m giving back as much as I’m giving. At least I hope I am.
I’ve never had a complaint about my kissing, and I do have some experience, but this… This is new.
This is hands in his hair. This is … there is tongue. A slip, a dive. Not too much, not too little, but the perfect amount.
There is Ashton’s hand on my neck, and I’m leaning into him like I’m a blanket trying to keep him warm.
There is his other hand stroking my back, catching in my ponytail. Tugging it, tilting my head and his mouth slides off mine and rains kisses down my neck.
There might be a soft noise from me when he hits the sensitive spot behind my ear.
And then both hands cup my face, and he’s kissing me, on and on and...
Ashton is kissing me, and I don’t want it to ever stop.
I shift, and it’s awkward because my body is telling me to straddle him and my leg won’t work that way. But I can lean in closer, and I arch into him even more and—
There’s a knock. On the door.
Thank god Ashton closed it after the burgers came. I usually leave it unlocked and open because it’s a pain to get up but this would—
“Sophie?”
“Oh god,” I breathe. “Dad.”
I stare at Ashton. He stares at me.
We’re no longer kissing because my father is at the door, come to say goodnight like has become his habit.
“Sophie? You okay?” Dad calls.
“I’m—I’m getting ready for bed… and I’ve got on one of those face masks that look like a piece of ham on your face, so maybe don’t…”
He tries the door. Of course he does. But…
“You locked it?” I mouth to Ashton. He nods.
“I can’t get up right now because I’m doing the pedicure thing, and I locked the door because this mask thing is super embarrassing and—”
“It’s okay,” Dad says. “I just wanted to say goodnight.”
“I know.” And I know that my father’s head might explode if he walks in and finds me draped over Ashton. Having him walk in on me and any man would be mortifying but Ashton… “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be, sweetheart. Have a good sleep. I love you.”
My eyes close against the sudden burning sensation. I don’t remember the last time my father told me he loved me. And to have him say it now… when I’m still on Ashton’s lap…
“Love you, too,” I manage in an overly loud voice. “Goodnight, Dad. See you in the morning.”