Page 12 of Ash

I breathed a deep sigh of relief when his message came through.

Eli

Thanks for finally going out with me, baby girl. Meant it when I said I’d pick you up tomorrow.

My lips curved into a satisfied grin as my fingertips flew over the keyboard on my screen.

Me

Looking forward to it.

Eli

You like Italian? If so, I know the perfect place. Not fancy but fucking fantastic food.

I loved all kinds of pasta, so I licked my lips in anticipation.

Me

Sounds amazing! Now I’m even more excited for tomorrow night.

Eli

Is dinner all you’re looking forward to?

I bit my bottom lip as I wondered how forward I should be. Deciding that my father was right about fortune favoring the bold, I went for it.

Me

And maybe some more of your kisses.

I waited with bated breath as those three little dots popped up, the eagerness building until his next message finally came through.

Eli

How about getting another date closer to me doling out the sweet punishment you earned for ignoring me?

My eyes widened at the question. I should’ve known Eli wasn’t the kind of guy who’d let those sensual threats drop just because I’d accepted his apology for having to cancel our first date at the last minute. His boldness was probably a trait that made him a good lawyer…and was also one I found incredibly attractive. Even when I was angry with him.

But that didn’t stop me from sending him a sassy reply.

Me

Too bad none of the etiquette classes my mom forced on me had any rules about when that would be appropriate. You might be stuck waiting a lot longer than you think.

Eli

Adding that to your tab, baby girl. Sweet dreams.

Another message popped up only a moment later.

Eli

Of me.

Once again, my thoughts were all about Eli as I drifted off. But this time, I was filled with anticipation instead of frustration.

4

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