Page 27 of Ash

I narrowed my eyes and shook my head. “It’s way too soon to be talking about getting married.”

“Not if you’re spending the entire night out with him,” she chided, wagging her finger. “Remember…men won’t want to buy the cow if you’re giving them the milk for free.”

Was it any wonder that I’d still been a virgin when I got advice like that from her since I was twelve?

As soon as she trotted back out of my room, I grabbed my cell and typed out a text. I had no idea if Eli would see it anytime soon, but I was desperate.

Me

I really wish I’d waited for you at the clubhouse. No matter how long you’re gone.

It was a while before he responded, but at least I’d been able to avoid my mother and finish my book during that time.

Eli

Head to my house, and I’ll meet you there soon.

His offer was a big deal, especially coming from the man who’d told me that he’d never brought a woman there before.

Me

I don’t remember how to get there and wouldn’t be able to get in.

He sent me a pin with the address, followed by another text.

Eli

Door has an electronic lock. Added a code for you. 0720 followed by the # symbol.

That was a number I could easily remember since it was my birthday. I didn’t know how he knew when it was, same as I never found out how he got my phone number. But I was impressed by the thought he’d put into choosing a code that meant something to me.

Me

Thank you.

Those two words weren’t enough to express my gratitude, so I’d just have to come up with a better way when I saw him.Preferably one that involved me stripping that sexy suit from his even sexier body.

After tossing a few things into a weekender bag, I grabbed my purse, keys, and phone. Then I headed out the door, calling, “I’m going to see the man you’re hoping will propose soon, Mom.”

“If you spend the night again, be sure to set an alarm so you can put on your face before he wakes up.”

Since I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen her without makeup, I wasn’t surprised by the suggestion. But I was stunned that she didn’t lecture me about being home at a decent hour—probably because she was holding out hope that Eli would reconcile with his parents and give her something to brag about at the country club.

Whatever the reason, I took the win. And right on its heels came another since Eli pulled into his driveway right behind me in a Mercedes my father would appreciate. He shot me a sexy smile when he climbed out of the driver’s side and flung his suit coat over his shoulder. “Hey, baby girl. Thought for sure you’d beat me here. Seems I forgot to account for how long it’d take you to drive over.”

“Considering the little show you’re putting on for me.” I gestured down the length of his tall body. “I think my timing was perfect.”

He prowled toward me, his hazel eyes filled with heat. “Only thing that woulda been better was if you were waiting for me in my bed. Naked.”

“That can be arranged.”

The last word ended on a yelp when he crouched low enough to press his shoulder against my belly and lift me high into the air. Then he marched to the front door, punched in a code, tossed his suit coat onto a rack against the wall, and headed deeper into the house.

I hadn’t come inside when we followed Eli here to pick up his truck for our first date, so I was curious about the place he called home. But I didn’t get the chance to see much before he dumped me onto the mattress in what I assumed was the primary bedroom.

Pressing my elbows into the plush surface beneath me, I levered up just enough to cast him a playful look. “You’re not going to give me the full tour?”

“After,” he growled, kicking off his shoes before undoing the buckle on his belt.

---