“The one the guy was spray painting a giant cock on when we drove by?” Ashton asked in disbelief.
“It’s called freedom of expression. If he feels the need to celebrate his cock, then who are we to say otherwise.” Sophie watched Ashton tilt his head. “Don’t say anything,” she warned.
“Come on. How can I not say anything after a statement like that?” he complained humorously. “Though it is good to know you have nothing against cocks.”
Sophie took a quick look in the bathroom, which made her cringe. “Okay. I’m good. You can leave now,” she said, walking out toward Ashton. He was pulling the covers back on her bed. A look of disgust crossed his features as he noticed the stained sheets underneath.
“Oh dear,” Sophie gasped before she could stop herself. “The chair suddenly looks appealing.”
Ashton looked up at her with disbelief in his eyes. “It’s your life.” He shrugged his shoulders. He stepped back, looking at Sophie before a devilish smile crept over his face. “How do you feel about spiders?”
“Terrified. Why?” Sophie’s eyes widened as she stared back at him.
“Because one just crawled on your shoulder.” He chuckled.
“What!” Sophie spun around, wiping her shoulders frantically. She jumped up on the bed, trying not to scream out as she searched for the spider. “Where is it?” she cried.
“I think I saw it fall on the bed.” He laughed.
Without thinking she jumped off the bed, grabbing onto Ashton and pulling herself up his tall frame. He stiffened under her unexpected move. She didn’t care what he thought at that moment, her flee response was triggered and he seemed like the safest option to escape the spider. Pulling herself against him in her attempt to avoid touching the floor wreaked havoc on her insides. Everywhere her body touched his ignited a passionate fire that made her core clench in response. The only sound in the room was her breathing as time slowed down and seemed to stop altogether.
“Oh god! Sorry.” Sophie quickly released her hold on him. The spider was long forgotten. The promise of a broken heart pulled at her consciousness. She needed space to clear her head. Attraction is only a chemical reaction in the brain. These feelings are not real! Get a grip!
“I would pay anything to know what is going through your head right now.” Ashton’s words surprised her. She was speechless staring back at him.
Ashton stepped forward, trailing up her arm with his fingertips. “Tell me what you’re thinking, Sophie.” Her name on his lips undid her.
A moan escaped her when his hand slipped around her waist and grabbed firmly onto her behind. He pulled her body against his, lifting her from the ground until her legs wrapped around his waist. He pressed her back against the wall. “Tell me.” He looked down into her eyes, his darker than she had ever seen them, swirling pools of desire. She was putty in his hands as he molded her body to his, pulling, squeezing, and caressing until she could no longer form a rational thought.
“I want…” He gently bit the tender skin of her neck, causing her to cry out in pleasure. “I want this.” He wound his fingers through her hair, angling her lips toward his.
“Good,” he whispered before grazing his teeth over her lower lip. His erection throbbed against her. She rocked her body against his to satisfy the growing ache deep between her legs. His lips consumed hers—it was demanding, raw, and desperate. It was beautiful and dangerous and desire claimed her like a powerful drug. Both of his hands found her face, pinning her against the wall with his powerful body.
“Fuck, you taste good,” he growled almost angrily against her lips before his tongue continued exploring her.
Ashton pulled back. His hooded lids shadowed his eyes. Sophie ran her fingers across his cheek, feeling his chest rise and fall exaggeratedly against her. She twisted her fingers through his soft hair, an indulgence that she had daydreamed about from the first moment she had seen him.
He pulled out of her hold, letting her slide down the wall until her feet met the floor. She immediately grieved the loss of his touch.
“Grab your things. You are not staying here.” His tone was suddenly distant. His rejection cut deep.
“I’m staying. What happened to ‘it’s your life’?” Sophie threw his words back at him.
“That’s when I thought you weren’t stupid enough to stay. I’m pretty sure that guy at the front desk has quite the rap sheet. Are you sure you want to stay and find out what he’s capable of?” Ashton grabbed her things and swung open the door.
After taking the key back to the front desk and informing Mr. Creepy that she wasn’t staying, she slid back into Ashton’s car. “Where am I supposed to go?”
Ashton took off without answering her question. He drove with purpose, and Sophie did not question it. She had a feeling she knew what his plan was anyway and it was confirmed when he pulled into his grandmother’s driveway. She sighed in defeat, climbing out of his car and following him inside. The interior of the house was dark and quiet. Margaret must have already retired for the evening.
“Margaret doesn’t know that I’m here. I feel like I’m intruding,” Sophie whispered. He stopped in his tracks and Sophie almost collided with him.
“She told me to convince you to come back here anyway. She didn’t feel right having you stay at a motel when there was plenty of room here.”
“But she barely knows me. I could be crazy,” Sophie babbled.
“That’s what I said,” Ashton whispered back as he led her up the stairs. “This is your room.” He placed Sophie’s things on the floor and reached to turn on the lamp, casting a warm glow on their surroundings. She couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes as she thanked him.
“Ashton?” she called after him when he turned to leave. He swung around but made no attempt to come closer. “What was that? Back at the motel?” Sophie swallowed hard against the uneasy feeling that hung heavy in her stomach.
“Good night, Sophie.” He left the room without another word. Sophie collapsed on the bed, sinking into the soft covers. She pulled out her phone and noticed a new message.
Jack: Stranded in the middle of nowhere?
Sophie: Yes, but not in the sense that you mean. But I think the literal would be easier right now.
Jack: What happened?
Sophie: What does it mean when you do something even when you know that it will turn out badly?
Jack: It means you’re human.
Sophie: I kissed him.
Jack: Did you like it? He looks like he would be a good kisser.
Sophie: Did you know your sister has a thing for Ashton?
Jack: Who doesn’t? Don’t worry about that. Never gonna happen. She has to realize that eventually. Did you like it?
Sophie: I shouldn’t be doing this. I am at his grandmother’s house right now. She insisted I stay here. How can I sleep knowing that Ashton is across the hall? Can you say something to make me feel better so I don’t cry my eyes out?