When they were all settled at the table, Sophie felt a gentle touch on her exposed back. She knew it was Ashton toying with her. Old habits die hard, apparently. Her heart beat loud enough to drown out her surroundings.
Sophie tried to keep her attention focused on Margaret and her friend, Mrs. Lockhart, sitting on Margaret’s other side. Sophie came to find out the two had been friends for thirty years. Their past was apparent in the way they spoke to each other. They had long developed a strong foundation for their friendship. Sophie wondered how Mrs. Lockhart would take the news when Margaret finally told her that she was sick. It was apparent from their conversation that Mrs. Lockhart was unaware of any health issues Margaret was suffering. That feeling in the pit of Sophie’s stomach returned. Sophie had no idea how sick Margaret was and the thought worried her. Ashton was resistant to give up the information and Margaret did not seem ready to share, leaving her in the dark. Sooner or later she knew she would not be able to hold her tongue and she would start asking questions.
Ashton moved his leg so it was touching Sophie’s. She didn’t want to pull away at first. She was reluctant to break the connection that caused a sensual heat to warm her. Sophie looked over at Ashton’s date. Sophie watched her for a moment, observing the pair. Her favorite answer to most of what he said was “That’s cool,” and soon it began scraping on Sophie’s nerves. She was like a broken record. Ashton didn’t show any indication that he minded Blondie’s annoying presence at all. Sophie figured he was probably thinking about what he was going to do with her later and the thought made an angry twist of jealousy run through her. Why am I tormenting myself?
As soon as everyone was seated, salad was served. It looked like art upon the plate. The sweet dressing was drizzled over the perfectly ripe fruit and Sophie enjoyed how all the flavors came together beautifully in her mouth. A gasp escaped Sophie’s lips as Ashton’s hand daringly grazed her leg, along the open slit. His fingers left a trail of fire over her skin.
“Are you okay, dear?” Margaret looked at her with a puzzled expression.
“Yes. Sorry.” Sophie tried to smile innocently. She reached under the table and removed Ashton’s hand from her leg discreetly. Ashton continued to persist with his exploring fingers throughout the meal. Sophie’s attempts to keep his hands to himself without drawing attention proved useless and eventually she let his fingers do their bidding. They drew heat from her center that flowed through her entire body, making her skin flush.
A soft moan escaped her lips to her own horror as Ashton’s touch became more explorative. Don’t play his game! You are such a stupid girl falling for this again! She looked over to see a satisfied grin turn the edges of Ashton’s lips. Blondie was obliviously eating her dinner. Margaret, on the other hand, was looking at her when she turned in her direction.
“You’re all flushed, dear. Are you feeling all right?” Margaret asked deep with concern.
“Yes…I…I just have a bit of a headache. I might be coming down with something.” As Sophie said the words, Ashton’s hand slipped under the fabric of her skirt and dipped dangerously between her legs, caressing her sensitive skin. “Ah…If you will excuse me.” Sophie stood abruptly. She headed toward the washroom quickly. She passed the main washroom and continued toward another that she saw further away from the dining room. She needed to catch her breath and needed to be alone. I need rehab for my sick addiction to the man that will be my downfall.
Sophie pushed open the door and walked into the washroom, quickly looking under the stalls to see if she was alone. When she saw no one else she leaned against the counter, releasing the breath that she was holding. She could still feel Ashton’s touch on her leg and between her thighs; it made need pulse through her. The bathroom door swung open and Sophie pushed off the counter quickly when she saw Ashton stalk inside. His eyes were dark with purpose.
“Ashton? You can’t come in here.” He moved dangerously close, cupping her cheeks and angling her face toward his. “Don’t,” Sophie whispered. “You can’t just kiss me whenever you feel like it and then walk away. I can’t keep doing this.”
“Then get out of my fucking head,” he pleaded. He stepped back, searching her eyes.
“Your date is out there waiting for you,” she said. “You should go.”
“Do you want me to go?” Ashton asked, tilting his head.
“Yes,” she answered quickly.
“I would believe you if you weren’t biting your lip.” Ashton let a cool smirk form on his lips. “But have it your way. I’m sure Marilyn will be more willing anyway.” His tone turned wicked.
Sophie couldn’t help but be hurt by his words. “Yeah, I’m sure she’ll think it’s really cool,” Sophie spat at him. Ashton started laughing and they both lost the edge of their anger. His smile was beautiful.
“What the fuck is this?” Ashton whispered. Sophie was surprised to see her turmoil reflected in his eyes. What the hell? Is he struggling with this as well?
“I don’t know how to answer that. Everything I feel is so closely tied with anger. I’m still so angry, Ashton. I wish I could get past it, but I don’t know how. I don’t know how to let my guard down when it comes to you. I don’t know if I can or if I want to.”
Ashton nodded tightly. He swung the door open and left. Sophie wasn’t even sure what to think. Her mind was left hazy like she had too much to drink but she was completely sober.
When she composed herself she made her way back to the dining room. Ashton was turned toward Marilyn, engrossed in conversation, and she was grateful.
“How are you feeling?” Margaret asked as Sophie sat down.
“I’m okay now, just needed to get some air.” Sophie said reassuringly, which seemed to appease Margaret. Dessert was served moments after she sat down. Blueberry turnovers were beautifully plated to look like exotic desserts.
“They’re Ashton’s favorite.” Margaret looked at her grandson adoringly. “He eats them like they’re going out of style.”
Ashton was looking at Sophie when she glanced at him. “Funny, huh?” He raised his eyebrow. Picking up his turnover he took a bite. “Mmmm…so delicious.”
Sophie’s face erupted in red with the memory of the first time he kissed her.
When he finished his, he pointed toward Sophie’s untouched plate. “Are you gonna eat that?” Sophie only shook her head. “Too bad. These are really good.” There was no denying that Ashton was using her words from that day. “I think this is actually the best thing I have ever tasted.” His gaze was piercing as he stared at her. She was relieved when someone stood up to the podium and called everyone’s attention.
Sophie found it hard to focus on the auction; sitting so close to Ashton she found it hard to relax. She didn’t want to feel something as terrifying as the emotions that Ashton produced in her. There were so many beautiful items presented to the crowd and the amount of money being offered surprised her. People laid down thousands of dollars like it was change for coffee. There was sculptures, paintings, vacation packages, designer purses, jewelry. The list of items went on and each one of them were purchased at a steep price. When Sophie’s paintings came up, she nervously sat up straighter, leaning forward in her chair.
Margaret reached over and patted Sophie’s hand, which was gripping the edge of the table so hard that her knuckles were white. “So exciting.” Sophie was too nervous to respond.
The set of paintings were a colorful collage of abstract flowers flowing over the three separate canvases in a rendition of an endless field of summer. The sunlight flowed down like liquid, spilling around the blooms like a river washing the color throughout its entirety.
The auctioneer set the starting price at five thousand dollars and Sophie’s hand went up to her mouth to stifle the sound of shock that escaped her lips. Sophie jumped when Ashton lifted his hand and made his bid. “What are you doing?”
“Bidding,” he said flatly.
“Don’t,” she argued.
“Try and stop me.” He raised his hand again and the bidding continued to rise. Sophie watched in a daze as the bidding flowed through the room. When the price was up to twelve thousand, Ashton went to raise his hand again. Sophie reached over and took his hand in hers.