2. PizzaBust
Chapter 2
Pizza or Bust
Ori
F orty minutes later, I’m one pizza richer, but my dinner date is still nowhere to be found.
Seems Ash has made his decision.
At least I have pizza to fall back on. With a sigh, I open the box and inhale the tantalizing aroma. Warm dough and melted cheese might be a poor substitute for time with Ash, but it’ll have to do.
I’m only three bites in, complete with drops of sauce on my chin, when the basement door opens and heavy boots smack against the steps.
Well, well, well—color me surprised.
“Thanks for waiting for me.”
Glancing up, I wipe the sauce from my face and offer Ash a shrug. “I said thirty minutes. Don’t keep a hungry woman waiting.”
Chuckling, Ash grabs a slice, pausing to drop a kiss on my forehead. “Thanks for dinner, and the intervention. Those women wouldn’t shut up.”
“Too much fawning and pawing for one night?” I smirk, desperate to appear unaffected by his proximity.
“I’d prefer pawing from someone else. You interested?”
I quirk a brow at him, although I’m sure that line works on every woman in town. The man doesn’t perspire, he sweats sex appeal—and he damn well knows it.
“Is that your way of wooing me into bed again, Asher Hammond?”
“I didn’t hear you complaining the other times. In fact, all I heard was you yelling my name and screaming for more.”
God, I hate how cocky he is.
Cocky and correct, as the case may be.
Still, he’s not getting his kicks that easily.
“Maybe you got lucky. It was only two times.”
My words unhinge him, but he recovers quickly. “Beautiful, it was way more than two times.”
“Correction. I meant two nights.” Slowly, I lift my hand to my mouth, gently biting the tip of my pinky finger. My tongue flicks out to tease it, a playful smile tugging at my lips. His eyes darken, tracking my every movement. “Although it has been a while. Maybe I’m building it up in my head.”
That does it.
Ash tosses his pizza aside and pulls me onto his lap. With a disarming smirk, he plucks the slice from my hand and drops it into the box alongside his.
Then, his fingers go to work, deftly unbuttoning my blouse. “More than happy to offer you a refresher course.”
“No can do,” I reply, staying his hands.
“Don’t tell me it’s that time of the month. Figures I get five seconds free, and you’re temporarily out of order.”
“That’s next week, actually.”
“Good to know. I’ll remember to bring you chocolate and maintain a safe distance.”
“Aren’t you hilarious?”
He chuckles at my perturbed expression, completely nonplussed by my fake show of anger. “So, what’s stopping you right now? I see you, me, and a couch with which we are very familiar.”
Here goes nothing.
As I sat in the basement, awaiting Ash’s arrival, I made a vitally important decision.
Go big or go home has always been my motto. It explains why I now own a rundown manor house and why I uprooted my life in Manhattan to move to Sparkwood.
When I set my mind to something, I’m the most determined woman on the planet. Dogged in pursuit of my dreams … even when those dreams play out far differently in reality than they do in my brain.
Ever since that first night with Ash, I’ve wanted something more with him, although I’m aware this is likely a fool’s errand. But no matter how tempting, I refuse to become part of his friends-with-benefits rotation.
“No sex until we have a proper date.”
The corners of Ash’s mouth quirk upward as he bites back a smile. “Laying down the law, Ori? I like that. Take charge looks hot as hell on you.”
Despite the man’s ability to turn my insides into a fluttery mess with a single glance, I must maintain focus.
Ash needs to understand I’m not like all the other women in his life, content to possess a sliver of his time.
He has boundaries regarding love, and I have them regarding playtime, although I doubt Ash will accept the terms. He’s not exactly hurting for female companionship, and he might chalk me and my rules up as being too high maintenance for his taste.
Still, I need to stay the course for my preservation and dignity.
We’ll ignore my heart for the moment.
I rest my hands against his muscled chest, allowing a bit of distance between us as I meet his gaze. “I’m serious.”
He raises a brow at me, but his smile never falters. Seems Ash is enjoying this game, although, per his own admission, he never backs down from a challenge.
Especially when he knows the stakes.
Hell, we’re both fully aware of how magnificent our nights together were, which is not helping my current hormone situation.
What’s a woman to do when her body wants to commit treason and cave to the enemy? An enemy who tastes delicious and feels even better? An enemy who knows he’s God’s gift to women?
I fall back on my last line of defense—sarcasm, my ever-reliable weapon in my arsenal of emotional survival.
I nibble my bottom lip with my teeth as I regard his chiseled face. “Don’t give me that look, Ash, and think I’ll fall at your feet. It might work on your other lady friends, but I don’t suffer from that malady.”
“I think you might.”
A scoff flies from my lips. The gall of this man. Okay, he might be dead to rights, but that’s beside the point.
Who goes around claiming no woman is immune to his charms?
Asher Hammond, apparently.
I suppose when your sexual escapades are the stuff of legends, you’re entitled to a big ego.
I’m still not caving, though.
He locks our hands together, all the while edging me closer. “You like me way more than you’re willing to admit.”
Tell me something I don’t know.
But I hold firm, hoping he won’t notice my racing pulse. “Just because you claim it doesn’t make it true.”
“Just because you deny it doesn’t make it false, either.” Ash buries his head against my neck, his tongue hot as it dances along my skin. “Just say it. You want me as badly as I want you.”
Arrogant bastard. Screw him for knowing me—and every weak spot on my body—so well.
How is that even possible after only two nights together? Most men take months to figure out a woman’s sexual kryptonite. Years, even. But Ash? He’s got every inch of me mapped out, and he’s taking full advantage of that knowledge.
With each passing moment, my resistance weakens.
I know I’m losing this battle. We both do, but I’ll make one last stand before I surrender to the passion coursing through my body.
“Perhaps, but I’m not giving this up for free. This ,” I motion along my body, “you’ll have to earn.”
Ash bites his lip, his fingers hooking in the belt loops of my jeans. “I always earn my keep.”
He’s saying all the right things, pushing all the right buttons, but that’s what Asher Hammond does, right?
Is this what you want, Ori? A second encore?
Yes, please.
Another incredible night where nothing existed beyond the two of you?
Absolutely.
Even though that night ended with Ash jetting off to Vegas to party with copious amounts of alcohol and women?
Fuck.
My heart thinks Ash is perfection squared, while my head thinks my heart is an idiot who shouldn’t be trusted.
But my libido is kicking sense and sensibility’s ass right now.
“Do me a favor?” Ash asks.
“Besides buy you pizza and save you from the clutches of over-eager women?”
He reaches into his wallet and tosses a fifty on the table. “Now, will you do me a favor?”
“Sure, as long as it doesn’t involve those over-eager women.”
His eyes widen as a surprised huff flies out of his mouth. “Just you, beautiful.”
“Go ahead.”
Ash dances his fingers down my arm. “Strip down and let me get an up close and personal look at that sexy lingerie I saw earlier.”
“How is this not going to end in sex?”
Ash’s grin widens. “I’m not the one holding out. You stated your rules, and I respect them. However, after a long week away from you, I would love nothing more than to see those gorgeous curves again.”
“That’s not a good idea …”
The truth is, I have a bit of a kink for giving Ash spur-of-the-moment stripteases. Hey, it takes the man to an entirely new level of turned-on, which has served me well so far.
“Actually, it’s the best idea I’ve heard all night. Let me make it easier for you. I’ll sit on my hands. No touching, unless you ask for it. Ori, you’re pretty much all I’ve thought about since that first night. Do with that information what you will.”
My heart stutters at his admission.
How do I say no to that?
That’s right, I don’t.
It might be total bullshit, a smooth line to ply me into submission, but I choose to believe him.
Why butter me up when he has scads of women lining up to suck him off?
That’s my theory and I’m sticking to it.
Besides, I do love playing with Asher Hammond—just to see what pops up.
With a mischievous smirk, I push myself to standing and slide my glasses off.
“No way. Put them back on,” he demands.
Seems Ash gets off on my sexy librarian look. Who am I to deny him that basic right?
With slow, deliberate movements, I finger open each button before sliding the shirt down my arms. Kicking off my shoes, I turn around, giving him a front-row seat to my peach as I toss a coy smile over my shoulder.
Ash’s smoldering gaze stays locked on me, and a thrill shoots through me when he adjusts himself with a low grunt.
Wiggling out of my jeans, I close the short distance between us, his heady stare trailing over every inch of me as I straddle his lap.
“Is this a close enough look for you?” I inquire, gasping when his hands cup my ass and push me against his erection.
“Not remotely.”
“Gotten a lot of lap dances in the last few weeks?”
Why do I ask this question? Masochistic curiosity, I suppose. My willpower is hanging by a thread and hearing I’m one of many might be the cold water my libido needs.
Ash’s eyes widen, but his grip stays firm. “Does this qualify as a lap dance when you’re not moving?”
I roll my eyes and snort out a laugh. Arrogant bastard.
“Fine, how many stripteases have you received?”
“Ever? A lot.”
Knew it.
I grunt, trying to push off his lap, but Ash tightens his hold, leaning in to steal a kiss. “Easy, little one. In the last two weeks? Just one. Only you.”
I hate being jealous. I hate being that woman whose feelings are so transparent.
Damn Asher Hammond and his sexual mojo magic.
Ash leans back against the cushion, his thumbs tracing the edges of my bra strap. “Fuck, but you’re pretty.”
It’s a line he’s used on me before, but I can’t help loving the way his eyes darken when he says it.
“A few less tattoos than your earlier guests.”
“A few less tattoos than pretty much every woman I know.” He slides his hands up my back, releasing the clip in my hair and letting the dark waves cascade down. “Like I told you before, you don’t need them. You’re perfect, just as you are.”
“That’s because I satisfy your sexy librarian kink.”
“Damn straight you do.”
“We’re still not having sex.”
Seems no matter what line I toss out, he sidesteps it with ease. “I know. But you’re tense, so I’m going to help you relax.”
“With a massage?”
“Exactly, but instead of my hands, I’m going to use my tongue.” He winks before reclining back on the couch and crooking his finger at me. “Now bring that pretty pussy over here. I have something I want to discuss with her.”
I climb up Ash’s body and straddle his chest, making sure to maintain a safe distance from his decadently talented mouth. “What would that be?”
His gaze is pure fire as his hands once again grip the meat of my ass. “How much I love licking every inch of her sweetness and how desperate I am to taste her right now. That is, if it doesn’t offend your moral compass.”
A husky laugh escapes my lips as he drifts his fingers along the edge of my underwear, sending a rush of sparks through my body. “I’ll let you slide this time.”
Ash regards me with open amusement. “That was quite the fight you put up, Ori.”
I toss up my hands, shooting him a mock scowl. “Give me some credit. I don’t stand a chance against your talented tongue.”
“Not if I can help it.” He wraps a hand around the nape of my neck, bringing my face to his. “Now, get these off before I rip them from your body.”
I slide off my underwear, gasping when Ash grabs me, lowering my pussy to his waiting mouth.
“Fuck, I missed you,” Ash groans as he tastes me with slow, tantalizing licks. His hands band tight around my thighs, his tongue slowly working me open, exploring every inch of me.
I clutch the arm of the couch, our gazes holding as he drives me out of my mind. When his tongue flicks my clit, I buck against him, earning another deep-seated moan from low in his chest.
“Don’t you dare hold back,” he warns me. “Fucking ride me, beautiful.”
I rock against his face as he sheaths his tongue in me, desperate for more.
Desperate for everything.
But Ash isn’t rushing my pleasure. Every time I get close, he slows down, drawing it out. Forcing me to ride that edge.
“Please,” I beg, grinding against him as his tongue tortures my clit with short little licks.
I come with a cry, my fingers tangling in his hair and daring him to move his mouth from my skin.
My entire body trembles as I climb off Ash and grab him a towel. “You. Are. Amazing.”
He gazes up at me with a grin before interlacing our fingers and pulling me down to rest against his chest.
“See? How relaxed are you now?” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my hair.
“Hmm.”
My truth isn’t black and white. My body might be sated, but the bad thoughts linger in the back of my brain, eager to play on my anxieties.
How many women has he used the same lines on, knowing they would fall for them, just as I did—hook, line, and sinker?
That’s the trouble with men like Asher Hammond. He’s a bad boy with a face of an angel, and every woman dreams of being the one who convinces him to stay.
To settle down.
To change.
It happens, right? All the great romances throughout history can’t be bullshit. There must be some shred of truth in there somewhere.
But I’m terrified to be another in the long line of women who fall for Asher Hammond despite his repeated declarations he has zero intention of returning the favor.
“Hey, earth to Ori. Where did you go?”
I trace lazy lines along his chest, feeling the hard muscles beneath the fabric of his t-shirt. “Just thinking.”
Ash sighs, resting a hand behind his head. “Stop it.”
“Stop thinking? I’m not sure that’s possible.”
He tangles his fingers in my hair, gently forcing me to meet his gaze. “Stop overthinking and analyzing every scenario. I know you’re wondering if I ever plan on taking you out, but I promise I’m not looking for an escape route. Things came up—important things for Black Lotus and the speakeasy.”
He’s not lying—the man is juggling several ventures simultaneously, and somehow, he makes it look effortless. Much like everything else in his world.
Since I signed the lease agreement for the basement renovation, Ash has moved full steam ahead on fulfilling his latest dream—a private speakeasy beneath our businesses.
I’m thrilled for him, although a pang of sadness twists in my chest as I glance around the dimly lit basement, realizing that soon our secret hookup spot will transform into a glitzy hotspot.
No doubt it will be fabulous and sexy as hell, just like everything Ash touches.
No doubt it will also mean even less time together. We’ll be drifting into negative numbers soon.
Not that I have any claim to this man. Hell, we haven’t even managed a first date and yet here I am, pining for something that never was in the first place.
Get it together, Ori.
I seize on his mention of the speakeasy, redirecting the conversation to benign topics. Anything to pull the focus away from my overactive thoughts about this small-town tattooed legend.
“When do you break ground down here?”
“In a couple of weeks. The foreman figures it will take about two months to get her up and running.”
I prop myself on my elbow, shocked by his words. “That quickly? Impressive. Can I borrow your guys once you’re done with them?”
“You’re opening a bar, too?” Ash asks, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
“Not hardly. I have my hands full with that house I bought, remember? I need to start renovations before she decays into the ground, but I’ve got zero experience in home repair. In hindsight, the purchase was a terrible idea.”
Ash shakes his head, running his hand along his bearded jaw. “Not terrible at all. That house has good bones, Ori. All she needs is a little love.”
“Sounds like someone else I know,” I say the words aloud, realizing one second too late how it must sound to a man like Ash. Time to backpedal into safer territory. “Love and power tools I don’t own. Seriously, will you hook me up with your contractors once they’re finished?”
“No, because that’s not their specialty. I can, however, offer my personal services to you.”
I snort out a laugh, smacking him lightly on the chest. “Didn’t you just do that?”
“More than happy to revisit again and again,” he replies, a sexy grin once again dancing across his face.
“I’ll have to keep that in mind. Maybe pencil in a standing appointment once per week. Purely for health benefits, of course. Nothing to do with liking you or anything.”
Ash chuckles, knowing damn well I’m full of crap.
He knows I like him. I like him way too much and every second with the man only deepens the spell.
That’s it. He’s a damn witch. It’s the only logical explanation.
“Can’t have you like me too much,” Ash jokes, cupping the back of my head and claiming my mouth in a leisurely kiss. “But for the record, my hands are not just for tattooing or sexual gratification. Braden and I renovated our farmhouse a few years back, and trust me, that was a monster of a job. There’s little that can surprise me—construction-wise, anyway.”
“Is there no end to your talents?”
He considers my question, then shakes his head, a smirk breaking across his lips. “Guess not.”
“Arrogant ass,” I laugh.
“How about I head out to your place this weekend and take a look? I’ll bring the guys along, and we’ll see what needs to be done. Work up a game plan.”
“You have no time, remember?”
“For you, I’ll make time.”
But he hasn’t. This entire week, all Ash has made is excuses for why he lacks time.
Still, I appreciate the sentiment, even if it’s total bullshit.
Apparently, the sour expression on my face reads like a billboard.
“That’s it,” he murmurs, lifting my slight frame and sliding down on the couch until his mouth is once again level with my pussy. “You’re overthinking again. Time to reset that gorgeous brain of yours.”
But instead of caving for round two, I press a hand across his mouth, blocking his access. “While incredible, that is not the answer to everything.”
“You sure about that?” Another chuckle rumbles from Ash’s chest and I can’t decide whether to smack him or let him proceed.
I’m leaning toward both. Possibly in tandem.
“I’m positive.”
“Fine. Dinner tomorrow night at Giuseppe’s . It’s a great little Italian place a couple of towns over. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
Just like that, Ash lays down the law.
A law I already know I must break.
Figures.
“I can’t tomorrow. I have to get the store ready for Santa.”
I’m not lying. While I finished the back corner, there’s still a ton of decorating to do before the festive gift-giver arrives to entertain the local kids.
Now it’s Ash’s turn to groan. “Thursday, then. Same time and place.”
I bite my lip, realizing this might be how Ash has been feeling all week. “That sounds great, but I’m working late both nights.”
Ash scoffs, his fingers digging into my ribs and eliciting a squeal. “Who’s playing games now?”
“I’m not, I swear. I’d love to go, but I really need to get the shop ready for the holidays.”
“Let me get this straight. I ask you out and get shot down. Twice.”
A grin splits my face as I smack a kiss to his mouth. “To be fair, you’ve canceled on me three times, so I’m owed at least one more attempt.”
Just like that, the heaviness and dread of the last two weeks fall away.
Maybe it’s Ash’s proximity or the afterglow of the mind-blowing orgasm he gifted me.
Maybe it’s because he’s trying to live up to his end of the deal.
Maybe it’s that dreaded L word lingering between us—the one neither of us dares to utter.
All I know is that I adore every moment with him, with or without clothing.
My onetime nemesis has somehow become one of my favorite people.
Funny how life works out sometimes.
Ash pulls me into another fierce kiss, setting every nerve in my body alight. “Tell me, woman, when can I take you to dinner? Or do you need to consult your packed calendar?”
“I’ll make you a deal. Since you guys are stopping by to look at the house, I’ll treat you all to dinner.”
Ash smiles, dragging a finger gently along my cheek. “Takeout will be fine. Besides, I’m on sexual timeout until we have a proper dinner, remember? A date shared with Braden and Zane is not my idea of a good time.”
“Knew it was all about the sex.”
“Not at all,” he replies, his voice dropping. “Though feeling your tight pussy squeezing my cock is about as close to heaven as I’ve been.”
I plant my hands on my hips and roll my eyes.
“What did I do now?” Ash asks, throwing up his hands in mock surrender.
“How many women have you used that line on? Be honest.”
“Wait … let me think …” He averts his eyes, tapping his chin as he recounts the numerous women he’s bedded over the years.
By the time he meets my gaze, only one of us is smiling.
Newsflash, it’s not me.
“I’ve said it to one woman. A gorgeous librarian type who’s glaring holes into me as we speak.”
“Likely story,” I mumble, feeling the flush climb my cheeks.
“True story.”
The bastard and his romantic spoutings.
“ Good story.”
“I have my moments.”
I drum my fingers against his chest, feeling his muscles flex beneath my hands. “One more thing.”
Ash groans, scrubbing his face with his hands. “Only one?”
“This is business related. Don’t lowball the price of the renovations. I want the house restored properly, and I have the funds. Don’t cut me slack because I’m your …”
I trail off, unsure of what to call myself. His friend? Neighbor? Fuck buddy?
I know I’m not his girlfriend, although it is my end goal—even if that idea is probably more terrifying to Ash than a drunken monkey with a tattoo gun loose in Black Lotus .
“We’ll figure it out. I’m not worried,” Ash says, his voice steady as his eyes lock on mine. “I’ll take care of you.”
An emotion flashes in his green eyes. It’s not love, but there’s a protectiveness there, and I know he means every word.
And believe me, ladies, there is nothing like a strong, handsome man telling you he’ll protect you to make you throw caution to the wind.
Trust me.
I skate my hands lower along his thighs, moving ever so slightly against his groin.
“Wait a damn minute,” Ash says, gripping my hips. “You have to play fair, beautiful, unless you’re planning to renegotiate the terms of our deal.”
“Maybe I am.” His cock strains against his jeans as I continue grinding against him, my moves slow and deliberate.
“I think someone’s all fired up after round one and wants a repeat performance.”
“I want several encores, Asher Hammond.”
“Your wish is my command.”
I scratch my nails along his cock, earning a low grunt of approval. “When you say things like that, how can a woman say no? Want a down payment for services rendered?”
To my surprise, Ash shakes his head, threading his hands into my hair and pulling my mouth to his. “I’m taking you to dinner, Ori. My dick may hate me right now, but I’m doing this right.”
“Doing what right?”
“Us.”