Page 88 of Redeeming Heart

“How many pizzas will be enough to feed all of your guests?” She asked looking at me and I couldn’t let her pay for things that were my priority. Besides she was working at her aunt’s pub, I know she wasn’t making any kind of big form of income.

“I can’t let you pay for those,” I argued, pulling out my wallet.

“I don’t mind because I will probably end up eating most of it.” She said with a playful, but serious grin.

We agreed on splitting the total amount and I at least got a way to convince her that I would be tipping the person who would be delivering our big order.

She helped me carry the bowls of snacks and some drinks outside and handed them out.

Jake handed me a drink he mixed and I didn’t think twice about taking it from him as he is good at mixing drinks. We agreed to make him our barman once I got my bar installed because that was seriously his other talent.

I caught Sasha giving me a curious look. “What is that?” She asked, pointing at the glass that had different layers of alcohol mixed.

“You should ask Jake. He is the creator.” I said taking a sip.

She pulled a face and wrinkled her nose when I took a sip—afraid that it would taste bad but she was in for a real surprise.

“It’s surprisingly good. Jake knows a thing or two when it comes to mixing drinks.” She arched an eyebrow and I offered her to take a sip.

“Don’t judge me, but I’ve never had one sip of alcohol in my life. Not even that horrible and cheap wines at weddings.” She said holding up her hand.

“How would you know they are horrible if you have never had a taste?” I questioned.

Her forehead creased and I almost laughed at how she had no comeback. She was right though, some people at weddings don’t care or have the budget to order an expensive variety of wines.

The offer was open for her to take a sip from my drink, but I wasn’t going to force her into anything. I had her back if she decided to take a sip and won’t let her go running off by herself.

“I’m so going to regret this, but heck, my whole life is filled with regrets.” She took the drink from my hands and took a big sip.

The drink took her breath away for a moment as she had to get used to it, but she looked seriously impressed when she took another sip.

“Good?” I asked, smiling at her and reaching for a small glass to pour some of my drink into the glass for her.

“It’s almost sweet, compared to a normal soda but it’s good at the same time when you get the alcohol cuts through all of that sweetness.” She explained, accepting the small glass from me.

I looked after her for the rest of the night and made sure she got her big slices of pizza when they arrived, but soon the alcohol was taking over. She wasn’t used to it and instead of turning into a party girl she became sleepy.

I didn’t want her to fall asleep on the couch where everyone can get to her.

Without making a scene I picked her up in my arms and carried her upstairs to my room where I had to chase out a couple. I completely forgot to lock my room after she got dressed.

She didn’t even move in my arms or fight me when I placed her down on my bed and pushed a pillow under her chest and head. Without controlling my actions, I found myself pushing my fingers through the soft locks of her hair and down the side of her face.

She only hummed in her sleep, snuggling her face into the pillow making me smile.

I stood up and noticed her shirt soaking in the sink. I drained the water and went downstairs to help her get out the stains making sure to lock the door after me.

I placed her shirt in the washing machine and went back out to find Ashley waiting for me.

“For five years I waited for you to show me an ounce of emotion what you are expressing for her.” She said with a disapproving and hurt tone.

“We had this conversation months ago, Ashley.” I reminded her—not in the mood to deal with this again.

“Why her?” She asked.

I shrugged. It’s always been, Sasha. For years I have fantasized about getting close to her and nothing else satisfied my desire.

My mom taught me that attraction fades over time and it won’t comfort you through your toughest moments in life. The so-called sparks flying are only temporary and they burn out after a while.

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