Page 9 of Walk of Shame

“And how does it work?”

She rolls her eyes. “I admit this is an unfortunate coincidence that appears to be my fault, but you can go your way, and I’ll go mine. I’m not here for you and have no intention of repeating the other night.”

While I’d like to dispute her claim, I decide against it, choosing instead to focus on the more interesting part of this predicament. Because her actions are clearly a spontaneous decision made hours after she’d left me. The question is, why? “What are you here for, Ashley?”

She sucks in a breath. “I’m here for me.”

“What does that mean?”

“It’s none of your business.”

I fall silent, mulling over my options since she’s on the run and not at all happy to see me. Finally, I say softly, “You’re wrong, I was going to call you. If you hadn’t left, I would have asked you to breakfast that morning and then to dinner as soon as I got back to town. Since you snuck away, I’d planned on asking Ruby for your number. But make no mistake, you would have heard from me.”

She blinks those clear blue eyes at me. “I don’t believe you.”

“Fair enough, why?”

She looks out to the ocean before she shrugs.

I have a feeling I know why. There had been something a bit too desperate about that night, a touch too intense and hungry. There was something embarrassing about doing things people who’d known each other for years were afraid even to discuss. I’d felt the same way, but instead of wanting to walk away, all it did was make me want more. I decide to probe a bit and see where it leads me. I meet her gaze. “Things got a little too dirty between us, didn’t they?”

She sucks in a breath. “Everyone knows one-night stands like that aren’t meant for anything more.”

“True.” I’m not going to pretend she’s not right, because she is. Crazy, dirty sex with a stranger is supposed to be a one-shot deal. Only, when I’d been introduced to Ashley I hadn’t been thinking about one night. I hadn’t even planned on sleeping with her. I’d been instantly attracted to her. Captivated by her smile, and quick wit, I’d set my mind to pursue her. I’d intended on a proper courtship, only we’d had too much to drink, our flirting had turned sexual and hot, and I’d had to get my mouth on her. It’s not an excuse, but it’s still the truth.

I try my best to explain. “The second I met you I wanted to ask you out, but since I’m five years younger than you, I knew I’d have to convince you. I got a little carried away.”

Okay, a lot carried away.

She turns to look at me—and I catch it—a second before it disappears. Hope. “It doesn’t matter. I’m too old for you.”

“Five years is nothing.”

“It is to me.” She frowns. “Besides that’s not the point.”

“What’s the point?”

She blows out a breath. “It doesn’t matter.”

She doesn’t have one. I meet her gaze. “Can I take you to dinner tonight?”

She jerks, and I see the surprise in her expression before she starts shaking her head. “No. I’m here by myself for a reason.”

“And what reason is that?”

She seems to find some sort of hidden reserve and squares her shoulders. “I’ve decided it’s time to find myself. I’ve sworn off all men, dating and sex for a year.”

Well shit. Celibacy definitely puts a crimp in my plans.

Ashley

How couldI have let this happen?

Christopher stares at me, his butterscotch hair blowing in the breeze, his light brown eyes narrowed and assessing.

Only me. That’s all I can think. What kind of an idiot plans a week of solitude and conveniently forgets the guy she slutted it up with is going to that exact resort for a medical conference? Who does that?

I sigh. Me! That’s who.

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