32. Ashley
CHAPTER 32
ASHLEY
I ’m a pile of nerves, hence why I’m pacing back and forth in the green room. The art expo has already started, but I’m trying to stop the panic attack that’s brewing. My chest is tight, constricted by fear. I can’t make my body move toward the exit and face the crowd. I’ve been working on a small collection of paintings since I started my arts program here at Hannaford U, but I had no idea we’d have to showcase our work so soon. What if they say my work sucks, and I don’t belong in the arts program?
I’m alone with my thoughts because my peers have long gone out to mingle.
“Ash? There you are.”
I whirl around and the pressure in my chest decreases as giddiness takes over. I always feel this way when I’m in Sean’s presence. We’ve come a long way since our days of feuding, and finding out his secret made us closer. He’s not ready to talk about his scars yet, but now I understand him better. He’s fighting invisible demons just like me.
“What are you doing here?” I ask through a smile.
He walks over holding a square white box. “Looking for you. Why aren’t you out there, bragging about your art?”
I bite my lower lip. “I’m not sure if there’s anything to brag about.”
He shakes his head. “ Tsk , for someone so talented, you sure sound silly. I don’t remember you ever being shy of your accomplishments as a cheerleader.”
“Cheerleading was easy, and it was never my lifelong goal. But art... that’s going to be my career. If I suck, then what?”
“You don’t suck. Here, I brought something for you.” He hands me the white box.
It’s clear on top, and I see the pink glazed donut inside, covered in rainbow sprinkles. My heart does a backflip. I look up. “How did you know?”
He touches my face, making me melt. “How did I know Ditzy Donuts is your happy place treat? Wild guess.”
I don’t eat a lot of junk food, but whenever I’m stressed about something, a donut from my favorite shop calms me down. But I don’t recall eating any in front of Sean. Then it dawns on me. I had a bag from Ditzy Donuts at orientation.
“I can’t believe you remember.”
“I remember everything about you, gorgeous.” He smiles, and I’m officially in liquid form. “Now eat your donut, and let’s go out there.”
“Okay. But I’m not eating it by myself.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m more than fine watching you eat.”
Heat spreads across my cheeks. The way he spoke sounded like a caress. I’m getting turned on already, so I drop my attention to the donut. I open the lid and take out the gooey sugar ball. When I take a bite, it melts in my mouth, and I moan. “So good.”
I glace at Sean again and find him staring at my mouth as if in a trance. His eyes are hooded, and they’re shining with desire. Oh my God. How can I keep stuffing my face when he’s looking at me like that?
I break off a piece of the donut and press it against his lips. “Eat.”
He opens his mouth, but he takes more than a bite of donut. My fingers disappear into his lips too. I never realized how sexy feeding your partner is. My breathing is shallow, and there’s a familiar throbbing between my legs. I pull my fingers back before I do some foolish.
“What do you think?” I ask.
“Pretty good.” He leans closer and whispers in my ear. “Not as delicious as your pussy though.”
I press my palm against his chest and push him back. “Sean! You can’t say stuff like that to me when I’m about to socialize with strangers.”
He grins in a sheepish way. “Sorry. Now finish your treat and let’s go. You’ve stalled plenty, babe.”
I stick my tongue out at Sean but do finish my donut fast. I want to get this over with so I can have my other treat of the evening: him .
S ean’s presence stopped the panic attack from growing, but I’m still nervous. Imagine crashing and burning in front of him. He’s been so sweet and supportive, I couldn’t let him notice. But after talking to a few people perusing the expo, I begin to relax. People seem to like what I painted—a series of fantasy landscapes. Sean hangs back and lets me do my thing.
I lose track of time, but when I realize I haven’t seen him in about a half hour, I seek him out. He didn’t stray far. I find him talking to Darren and Ryder.
Deciding I need a break from talking to strangers, I walk over. Sean smiles brightly when he notices me, and I know I should chastise him for being so transparent, but I don’t have the heart to do it.
“Hey, guys. I’m surprised to see you here,” I say.
“Why? Because we’re jocks?” Sean quirks a brow.
“Uh.. yeah.”
“I came with Blair. She’s here somewhere,” Ryder replies.
“Oh, I saw her earlier. She even taking one of my paintings.”
“I didn’t know they were for sale,” Darren pipes up.
“Technically they aren’t. Those paintings are for my course, but Blair fell in love with a piece, so I told her she could have it after the semester is done.”
“That’s my sister, all right. Never takes no for an answer.” Ryder sips his drink.
“I didn’t know they were serving alcohol here.” I point at his glass.
“It’s just club soda.” He shrugs.
“Are you coming to The Heritage later, Ash?” Darren asks.
“Uh... I don’t know yet.” I hold Sean’s stare. We didn’t make any plans for after the expo, but I was hoping we’d go back to my dorm room.
“Maybe one drink to celebrate tonight’s success.” He winks at me.
Ryder shakes his head. “You guys are so obvious.”
Oh shit. I totally forgot Ryder isn’t in the know.
“What are you talking about?” I fake confusion.
He looks at his phone. “Never mind. It’s not my business anyway.”
“Damn straight, it isn’t,” Sean retorts.
Ryder narrows his eyes but then shrugs it off. I guess he figured this topic isn’t worth an argument. “By the way, you’ll be happy to know our issue with the football team has been resolved.”
Oh crap. Is he talking about Sean being roofied last weekend? I knew that they were waiting for something before taking action, but Sean didn’t elaborate.
“Resolved how?” Darren asks.
“Josh found out who slipped the drug in Sean’s drink. He was kicked off the team.”
“Only kicked off? He should have been expelled from school,” I say.
“I agree. Maybe he will be, but trust me, not being a part of the team anymore hurt him.”
I cross my arms. “Serves him right. Fucking jackass.”
“So we have even more reason to celebrate.” Sean smiles. “What do you say, Ash? Heritage tonight?”
It’s clear he wants to go, but he’ll come home with me if I say no. I don’t want to be that type of girlfriend.
“Oh, all right. I’ll make an appearance.”
“Of course you will.” Ryder chuckles.
“You’re starting to sound like one of the twins,” I say.
Ryder looks at me in horror. “You take that back.”
I shake my head and walk away. “Nah. I’d better get back to work.”
Before I turn around completely, my gaze locks with Sean’s. The glint of pure adoration in his eyes takes my breath away. I hurry off before I burst into flames.