3. Marissa
MARISSA
I missed Ashe.
Was it possible to miss a man you just met? Maybe not, but that was how I felt.
Most of my longing to see him came at lunchtime, when they brought the boxed lunch. It reminded me of yesterday—the way we sat together and ate.
But I didn’t have much time to think about it.
I had to sneak in bites between customers approaching.
Before I knew it, the crowd was dwindling and vendors were starting to pack up.
Where had the day gone? And why did I have a sick feeling in my stomach?
A feeling that I was about to be disappointed.
The answer was clear. I was afraid. I had a massive crush on this guy, and if he didn’t try to see me again tonight, it would suck. Beyond suck. I’d be hurt. Devastated. And I’d be stuck sitting at the inn, wondering if that meant he wouldn’t talk to me tomorrow, either.
Crap, this is what all my friends went through. I sat back and watched as, one by one, they found love and got their hearts stomped on. I was determined not to be one of them. I was independent. I didn’t need a man to be happy.
But now I got it. Now I’d met a man who made it worth the risk.
I was rearranging spices in the last box I needed to take to my vehicle when I saw him out of the corner of my eye. My heart practically leapt right out of my body, it started beating so hard.
It was him. And he was walking this way.
“Hey,” Ashe said, that easy smile spreading across his face as he approached my booth. “Looks like you’re packing up.”
“Yeah, just finished for the day.” I tried to sound casual, but my voice came out a little breathless. “How was your day?”
“Better now.” His eyes held mine for a moment longer than necessary. “I was wondering if you’d eaten dinner yet.”
My stomach chose that moment to growl audibly, and I felt heat creep up my neck. “Actually, no. I got so caught up with customers, I barely ate lunch.”
“Perfect. There’s this little diner just down the street. Nothing fancy, but they make the best burgers in town.” He gestured toward the street. “What do you say?”
Twenty minutes later, we were seated across from each other in a red vinyl booth at the diner. It featured a fifties-style decor that made it impossible not to feel at home.
“This is really good,” I said between bites of my burger. “You weren’t kidding.”
“Told you.” Ashe grinned, then grew more serious. “I have to admit, I was hoping I’d run into you today. Yesterday felt too short.”
I nearly choked on my sip of soda. “Really?”
“Really.” He leaned back in the booth, studying my face. “You seem surprised.”
“I guess I am. I’m not used to…” I waved my hand vaguely. “This. Dating. Guys being interested.”
“Hard to believe.”
I laughed, but it came out a little shaky.
“Trust me, it’s true. I’ve been so focused on building my spice business that I never really had time for relationships.
I used to watch my friends fall for guys and think they were crazy for putting romance first.” I paused, realizing what I was revealing. “But now I think I get it.”
Ashe set down his burger, his attention fully on me. “What changed?”
The question hung in the air between us, and I felt my cheeks burn. I’d said too much, revealed too much. But looking into his dark green eyes, I couldn’t bring myself to lie.
“Meeting you,” I whispered.
The admission hung between us like a bridge I couldn’t cross back over. Ashe reached across the table and covered my hand with his.
“I’m glad you said that,” he said quietly. “Because I’ve been thinking about you since the moment we met. I couldn’t concentrate on work today.”
My heart hammered against my ribs. “Really?”
“Really.” His thumb traced across my knuckles. “I know we just met, but there’s something about you, Marissa. Something that makes me want to know everything about you.”
I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry. “There’s not much to know. I’m pretty boring, actually. I mean, I’m twenty-three, and I’ve never even…”
I stopped myself, but it was too late.
“Never even what?”
I closed my eyes, mortified. “Never been with anyone. Like, ever. I’m still a virgin.”
When I opened my eyes, expecting to see judgment or pity, I found only understanding.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. You were focused on what mattered to you.”
“Until now.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Something shifted in his expression, grew more intense. “Marissa…”
“It’s crazy. We barely know each other. But I can’t stop thinking about you.” The words tumbled out in a rush. “And I keep wondering what it would be like if…”
“If what?”
I met his eyes, my heart pounding so hard I was sure he could hear it. “If tonight was the night I stopped waiting.”
Ashe’s hand tightened over mine. “Are you sure? Because once we cross that line…”
“I’m sure.” And surprisingly, I was. “I don’t want to overthink this anymore. I want to be with you.”
He signaled for the check, his eyes never leaving mine. “Then let’s get out of here.”