Page 37 of Fractured Mind
Lost in thought, I remain quiet. There’s no denying that moving here and spending time with him has made me happy, but what’s the use of trying to be anything more when he’s most likely moving away with his friends or doing something else with his life after school and I’ll probably be going back home with Mom? It will only make it harder to say goodbye.
“No.”
His grin fades, but the burn within his gaze turns into a fire. I gulp hard.
“Do you know what I think?” he asks. “I think you’re scared.”
“You know nothing about me,” I say defensively. Is there some truth in what he’s saying? Maybe. But there’s no way I’m telling him that.
Ashton moves his water to the side and leans toward me. As he gets closer, his eyes latch on to my lips. I know I should move away, but I’m paralyzed.
“I do like a challenge.” His half-teasing, half-serious voice vibrates through me, sending a ripple through my body as my breathing speeds up.
Ruby was right . . .I’m so screwed!
Just when I think he might inch closer to kiss me, he slides my drink over to him, closes his full lips over my straw, and takes a sip. I sit there wide-eyed with my mind spinning.What just happened?
My gaze darts around when reality hits that we’re in a public place. The girls at the table near us have their chins on the floor. And I swear I spot some dribble too. I scoff. “You’re good.”
He cocks his head. “I’m what?”
“Is this how you act around all the girls?” It hurts me to say it, even though it sounds like I’m teasing him, but I want the truth.
He stares at me like I’m crazy. “I don’t need to flirt, because they come to me.”
I have no doubt they do. “Why don’tyouhave a girlfriend?” I’m imprisoned by his stare.
“I didn’t want one . . . until now.”
I drum my fingers on the tabletop. “I’d better get going.” I’m not used to someone being so direct. Part of me wants to jump into his arms and tell him I want to be with him as well, but this is all new to me.
“You’re not going to finish your drink?” he asks in a cocky tone.
“No, I’m all good,” I’m quick to respond.
He smirks and follows me out with his hand on my lower back.
We jog back to Nana’s. I speak when spoken to, but I’m trapped in my mind, analyzing everything from today’s conversations.
Later that night, I toss and turn in bed. Ashton and I were once close friends. Is he joking, or am I just another conquest? I hope not, because I have feelings for him, and I want some part of him, even if that’s just being friends. I’d like to savor the remainder of my time with him before one of us has to leave, but I worry that the more time I spend with him, the harder it will be to say goodbye.
CHAPTER
TWELVE
MIA
Ashton’shard body presses against mine. His lips meet my neck. He places delicate kisses down my throat, sending a tingle rippling through me. When his head rises, there’s hunger in his eyes. He leans in, bringing his lips to mine, stealing my breath along with it. Reality shifts, and all I can feel is his tongue sliding with mine, his hands on my back, pulling me closer as his tongue delves deeper into my mouth. A guttural groan rips from his chest as my hands run along his hardened shaft through his jeans. The kiss becomes desperate and needy. One of his hands bunches up my dress as the other one goes to my...
“Mia, Mia.”
A shake to my shoulder makes my eyes snap open. Ruby’s face is above me. Startled, I jolt back on the bed, my heart racing wildly.
“We’re going to be late for school.”
I moan and drag my hands down my face, aware that I was dreaming.
With a quizzical smile, she asks, “What’s going on with you this morning?”