Page 57 of All Too Well
Ainsley takes the seat across from me, her eyes full of worry. “I think we should get married.”
I choke on my coffee.“What?”
“Married. We should get married. I mean, I’m ruined now. You owe me as a gentleman. I’m spoiled goods, and you have to marry me. We were caught, and my reputation is at stake.”
My head is spinning, and I’m not even sure what conversation we’re having. “Ainsley ...”
“I’m serious, Lachlan. I’m a lady, and you totally took advantageof me. That comes with consequences. We’ll marry quickly and it’ll all be fine.”
I stare at her, my jaw slack, and then I rub my temples. She’s got to be joking.
She starts again. “I told the Admiral and Caspian this morning that I’ve been compromised and there’s no other way to fix this other than marriage. They both agreed. Caspian will be here today to give his blessing, and the Admiral will be here tomorrow for the wedding.”
“Tomorrow? What?” I stand, pushing the chair out behind me.
Ainsley places both hands on the table, entwining her fingers. “It’s the only way. You kissed me. You almost touched a boob, that’s ... marriage, buddy.”
I wait for the punch line, or maybe I’m just waiting for her brother to come punch me because ...
A loud, long laugh falls from her lips. “You should see your face! Ha!”
I’m going to kill her. “What is wrong with you?”
“Me? You’re the one who looks like you might pass out. Relax, Lachlan. I’m well aware that last night was something you regret, or whatever you’ve convinced yourself of. I’m completely fine. We’re fine. You don’t need to be worried that I have some grand ideas about what last night was. I’m not doodling your name in my notebook or hoping for anything. It was just a kiss.”
“It was.”
She nods. “Yes, and don’t worry, my dad won’t be coming. He has no idea how many boys I’ve kissed or hooked up with.”
The idea of other men anywhere near her makes my jaw clench. “Right.”
“I mean, we’re not in the eighteen hundreds. It’s fine.”
“Sure.”
It’s completely not fine that other guys took advantage of her. None of that is fine. It’s not fine that I did it, either, but at least I love her. I would fucking lay down my life for her, even if we can never be together.
Ainsley leans back in her seat. “Now, let’s talk about practice today. Is it the last one before the big game?”
The fact that she just changed topics like that has my brain unable to keep up. However, this is Ainsley, and she’s always been this way. Although it’s probably a good thing we don’t talk about other men kissing her, because my ego can’t take it.
“Yes.”
“Okay. I’ll observe. I talked to Everett, and he said after practice we can grab coffee and talk, so I’ll take my car.”
The fuck she is going with Everett for coffee—alone. “I’ll drive us both.”
“Why?”
“It’s better for the environment.” I give the absolute worst excuse.
Ainsley’s brows furrow. “Umm, I drive a hybrid and you’re in a pickup. I’m pretty sure your car is the offender here.”
“Doesn’t matter. No need to double it.”
I really should slam my head against the wall to hopefully knock some sense into it. Seriously, I look like a babbling idiot.
She opens her mouth to say something and then stops. “Okay then. Maybe while we’re doing the interview, you can chime in with your one-word answers, and that’ll really add to the conversation.”
