Filed to story: Swallow Me Whole (Sadie & Ashton) Book Free
Before I lose my nerve, I dig out my phone and shoot him a text.
Me: I’ve got a proposition for you.
Since it’s mid-day, and he’s likely out in the woods somewhere eating lunch with Bambi, I don’t anticipate having to wait long, unless he’s out of service.
Ashton: I’m intrigued, Sawyer.
My heart skips behind my breastbone. Twenty-five days seems like a lifetime to spend without seeing him. We’ve exchanged texts every few days since the morning after the
Corinne Situation imploded, but he’s honored my wish for time and space.
My head tells me we needed this cooling period. My heart tells me I’m still running from what I feel for him.
Me: I met up with Mandy for lunch today.
Ashton: Yeah? I bet you talked about me.
I roll my eyes.
Me: Why? Were your ears ringing?
Ashton: Like crazy.
A few seconds pass, and then he replies again.
Ashton: Seriously, what’s on your mind? You’ve got me on my toes here.
Me: Mandy had an idea.
Ashton: I’m almost afraid to ask.
Me: I think it could be a good thing.
Ashton: I’m open to good things. What are we talking about here?
Me: She thinks you and I should date, but with rules.
Ashton: More rules again? You’re killing me.
I suck in a breath then let it out. I don’t want rules. I want to give in to the intensity of being with him, skin to skin, losing myself in his touch, finding myself in his kiss.
But I need to know this is real, that it’ll last and I won’t end up another disillusioned girl on the roster of Ashton’s flings.
Ashton: Lay your rules on me. You know you’ve got me wrapped.
Me: We go on several dates, but no touching or kissing or anything else involving my mouth.
Ashton: How about mine? Does using my tongue constitute touching?
Holy hell, he’s fighting dirty.
Me: Yes. No touching means no touching.
Ashton: This was Mandy’s idea?
Me: Yeah.
Ashton: So basically my sister’s being a cock-blocker. You can tell her I said that.
I bite back a smile.
Me: Do we have a deal?
Ashton: That depends.
My heart thuds to the bottom of my gut, and my thumbs tremble as I type out the next message.
Me: On what?
Ashton: If I’m allowed to fall in love with you all over again.
I’m certain my cheeks are pink, and every person in the building can sense the huge grin on my face, but I don’t care because something low in my belly is fluttering, growing warmer, siphoning the doubt and fear from my veins.
Me: I kinda hope you do.
Ashton: I’m kinda certain I will.
Me: So we’re going to do this?
Ashton: Fuck yes. Can I pick you up tomorrow night?
Me: What time?
Ashton: 10pm.
Me: Why so late?
Ashton: It’s a surprise. Don’t wear a dress or skirt.
I furrow my brows.
Me: Why not?
Ashton: I’ve only got so much willpower.
Shit, he’s not the only one. I’m about to needle him again about what he has in mind for tomorrow night when he sends another message.
Ashton: Besides, you need to dress warm for this.
Me: You won’t even give me a hint?