Page 10 of Ash

“I didn’t need more reasons to like you, Elias Prescott III.”

“My full name? That’s a surefire way to get a cherry-red ass, darlin’,” I said, adopting my smooth Texas accent again.

Nora’s cheeks turned pink, and she bit her bottom lip.

I inhaled deeply, then realized what a mistake it was when the scent of cinnamon and coffee hit my nose. “Need to get you home, baby girl,” I grunted.

Disappointment flashed on her face before she gave me a fake smile.

Taking hold of her chin, I locked eyes with her. “Ending our date is the last thing I want to do. But I don’t think you’re ready for what would happen if I took you to my house.”

Nora’s lips curved into a sweet smile, and happiness twinkled in her bright blue orbs. “Oh,” she replied softly. “I guess that makes sense.”

With a frustrated growl, I slid out of the booth and grabbed her hand to pull her out and up beside me. Quickly, I retrieved my wallet from my back pocket and tossed some bills on the table.

The drive to her house was a new kind of torture, and I almost turned the truck around to take her home half a dozen times. But I’d messed up, and this was about proving how important she was to me beyond sex.

When I came to a stop in the circle drive of her house—a colonial, two-story brick house with a water fountain…yeah, a fucking water fountain in the center. I took in one last breath, savoring her smell. Then I cupped the back of her neck and brought her closer for a deep kiss that had my heart racing and my cock dripping with need.

“What time do you get done tomorrow?” I rasped.

“Um…three.”

“Be ready for me to pick you up at six.”

She beamed at me, then leaned in to give me a peck on the lips.

“That is not how you kiss your man, baby girl,” I scolded. “But if I give you a demonstration, you won’t make it outta this car. Stay here while I come get you.”

I started to exit the truck when she laid her hand on my arm. “My parents are…” She sighed, looking frustrated and a little contrite. “I just need a little time to ease them into this.”

I frowned but eventually relented. “I get it. Not gonna wait long, though.”

“You won’t have to.”

I grunted in reply, then jumped out of my truck and jogged around to help her down from her seat. “See you tomorrow, baby girl,” I murmured before giving her a searing kiss, then patting her on the ass to get her moving.

Climbing back into my vehicle, I watched until she was inside before forcing myself to drive away.

3

NORA

“You’re home late,” my mother called as I shut the front door behind me.

Unfortunately, my parents’ disapproval of my job didn’t stop them from always sticking their nose into my business. More like the opposite since they didn’t want me to mess up even more than I’d already done, as far as they were concerned.

My life would probably be much less stressful if I moved out, but I worried that it would ruin my relationship with them. Staying in my childhood home was just about the only decision I’d made since I turned eighteen that they actually agreed with. I wasn’t quite ready to burn that bridge yet, but if they reacted negatively to Eli being in my life, that might be what pushed me to find a place of my own. We were just starting to get to know each other, but based on my strong reaction to him, I could easily see him quickly becoming an important part of my life.

Bracing myself for her reaction, I replied, “I went on a date after work.“

“A date?” Mom shrieked.

I hadn’t even finished hanging my bag in the front closet before she came running from the kitchen on the other side ofthe house, a miraculous feat considering the height of her heels. Even while home alone, she was dressed to the nines. Like always.

As she slid to a stop, I shook my head with a laugh. “Yes, Mom. A date… you know, the thing you’ve been trying to talk me into doing for years?”

“Only with someone eligible.” She pressed her hand over her heart with an exaggerated gasp. “Preferably with a nice young gentleman who I set you up with. So many of my friends have sons who would be your perfect match. Unlike whomever you met while at that job of yours, I’m sure.”

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