Chapter 18 #3
When the first sip hits my tongue, I almost sigh in relief. After the last batch, I was terrified of messing up again. I didn’t want Ashton to think I’m incompetent. But this? This is amazing.
The cherry comes through bright and confident without overpowering the apple. Sweet, but balanced. The carbonation lifts it, little sparks bursting across my tongue before settling smooth and clean.
“Holy shit,” Ashton says, smacking his lips. “This is incredible.”
I let out a breath and take another sip, slower this time, letting myself enjoy it. “You really think so?”
He turns toward me fully now, animated, all that restrained energy finally spilling loose. “I know so. People are going to lose their minds over this.” He gestures with his glass, nearly sloshing cider onto the couch. “You nailed it, Troy.”
A grin spreads across his face, bright and boyish. “I can’t wait to prove my dad wrong,” he adds, a little breathless. “I mean—no offense—but he thought this whole partnership was a mistake.” He shakes his head, still amazed. “But you’re really talented. You should be proud of yourself.”
I just stare at him.
The words land heavier than I expect them to, settling somewhere deep in my chest with pride. Coming from him, it means everything.
I swallow, then meet his gaze. “You know, I couldn’t have done this without you.”
His smile falters, just slightly. “What?”
“I mean it,” I say. “You’re taking a chance on me. You’re going against your dad’s wishes.” I nudge his knee lightly with mine. “That takes guts. You should be proud of yourself for standing up for what you want.”
He stares at me for a moment, his eyes flickering between mine, searching. Something soft cracks open in his expression, and for just a second, I swear his eyes glisten. He blinks quickly and exhales through his nose.
Without saying a word, he reaches for his glass and sets it down beside mine on the coffee table.
Then he shifts closer, closer, until suddenly he’s climbing into my lap, facing me.
My breath hitches at the weight of him, the warmth, the way his knees bracket my hips like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“Ashton—” I start, but the word dies in my throat.
He wraps his arms around me and hugs me tight, burying his face against my shoulder. His breath blows hot against the side of my neck, his nose nuzzled beneath my ear.
I don’t hesitate. I slide my arms around him, holding him just as firmly, my chin brushing his temple. I can feel his heartbeat pounding against my chest.
“Thank you,” he murmurs, so softly I almost miss it.
My hand glides along his back in slow, soothing strokes, and I feel him relax beneath my touch. He feels solid and warm, his body draped over mine, so heavy it’s almost suffocating.
Not that I’m complaining. If this is how I die, being smothered by Ashton Tremblay seems like a pretty great way to go.
When he finally leans back, I draw in a deep breath. I catch the flicker of his gaze dropping to my lips, the way he stills, hands frozen on my shoulders like he’s afraid to make the next move. His jaw twitches, brows scrunched together in a way that’s painfully adorable.
“Ash,” I say softly, lifting a hand to run my fingers through his golden waves. He inhales sharply at the touch. “Can I kiss you?”
His throat bobs before he gives a short nod.
Without hesitation, I press our mouths together.
His lips are soft and plush, melting against mine in a sweet surrender.
He exhales into the kiss, his body relaxing on top of me, boneless and pliant.
His hands glide along my shoulders, then up the back of my neck, anchoring into my hair to drag me closer.
My tongue slips past his lips, the sweet flavor of cider dissolving between us. He lets out a low, satisfied moan that sends a bolt of arousal through me. I want to be the reason he feels safe letting go like this.
Suddenly, he breaks the kiss, resting his forehead against mine. His eyes pinch shut as he sucks in a slow, shaky breath.
“You alright?” I ask softly, rubbing gentle circles over his hip.
He swallows and opens his eyes, blinking a few times before meeting my gaze. “Yeah,” he says, his voice a little unsteady. “I just—I want to slow down a bit, if that’s okay. This is… a lot for me.”
I smile up at him and cup his cheek, my black-painted nails stark against his flushed skin. “We’ll go at your pace, Ash,” I murmur. “You’re in charge here.”
“Thanks,” he says on an exhale, his shoulders finally relaxing.
The tension eases from his body as he shifts off my lap. He settles beside me on the couch instead, curling in close until his side presses firmly against mine. I slip an arm around him, and he tucks his head into the curve of my neck.
Right on cue, Cryptid hops onto the couch and promptly climbs into Ashton’s lap, purring loudly as he rubs against him. Ashton snickers, scratching his fingers through the cat’s sleek black fur.
“I think he likes me,” Ashton says with a wide grin, dimples and all.
I lean in and press a quick kiss to his cheek, watching the color bloom there almost instantly. “Yeah,” I say with a smile, “that makes two of us.”