Page 88 of The VIP Package

“You can stop groveling now.” I swipe at another warm tear. “You had me atlabia.”

“Really?”

“Maybe evenfrenulum.”

Ash darts a look at the bird. “You mean I could have just sent McFly?”

Hearing his name, the bird squawks again.“Clitoris.”

“Later,” I say, holding a hand out to Ash. “How about you stand up?”

His icy blue eyes fill with hope as he places his hand in mine. “Does this mean I’m forgiven?”

“You’re forgiven.” I wait ‘til he’s upright to say the next part. “I love you, too. And not for the grand gesture, though that was a nice touch.”

Almost on cue, Whitney Houston hits the crescendo of the song, wailing from Ash’s phone speaker. When I wince, he grabs it and turns down the volume.

“As I was saying,” I continue, “I love you. I know it’s nuts. We haven’t known each other very long, but I’ve never met anyone with a bigger?—”

“Penis!”squawks McFly.

“Shhh.” I glare at the bird, then soften my gaze back to Ash. “Heart. You have a big heart, even if you don’t always show it. You’re kind and you’re funny and I feel like the best version of me when I’m around you.”

“Same.” Ash’s throat bobs as he swallows. “I’ve loved you almost from the first moment we met. You barged right in and turned my life upside down and I’ve never felt so fucking grateful. Because without you, Camille, my world was an awfullygray place. You reminded me there’s a great big universe out there full of laughter and love and light and?—”

“Lube!”shouts the bird.

“And lube.” Ash’s mouth twitches. “Never forget lube.”

“I won’t.” Lust fills my veins as I glance at the long, thick, cylinder that trails down the leg of his loose linen pants. “Hey, Ash Hole?”

“Yes?”

“Is that a can of Pringles in your pocket, or are you happy to see me?”

A broad smile spreads over his face. “I am very happy to see you.” He drops a hand to his pocket and pulls out the familiar red can. “And also, I brought Pringles.”

“Did I mention I love you?”

“You did.” He places the can of potato chips on the seat, then pulls me into his arms. “Can you forgive me?”

“Already done.”

“Will you come home with me?”

“To your house or the resort?” I’m not even sure which I’d want.

“Wherever you like. As long as we’re together.” He brushes the hair from my face. “There’s one more item on my grand gesture itinerary. Something that’s probably best performed at the resort.”

“Performed? I’m intrigued.”

“You should be.” He kisses me softly, so slow and sweet.

Clutching his shoulders, I get lost in the heat of his arms. The glide of his tongue, the sea-salt scent of his skin, the way his hand trails down to cup my ass. All of it adds up toAsh.

When we break apart, he looks into my eyes. “Come home with me, Camille.”

“Anytime, Ash Hole.”

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