Page 42 of Ash
“You’re having surgery tomorrow?” he asks, his voice full of worry.
“Yeah,” I say, trying to get past the whiplash of emotions. “It’s minor. They’re just removing the VNS here.” I point to the light scar near my armpit.
“Why didn’t you say anything? Where is Wade? Do you need me to hang out with him?” Oh… my fucking heart.He doesn’t want you like that Sunday, stop it.
I give him a weak smile and shake my head. “Thanks, but he’s at Ren and At’s place. I didn’t want to bother you.”
“It wouldn’t have been a bother,” he says quietly, almost as if he’s hurt or offended.
“Well, I knew Ren would be home tomorrow. I figured with tomorrow being Friday, you would have Hel’s and then you know, whatever.” It’s getting too fucking warm in here. I need to leave, like now.
“Sunshine,” Ash calls before I can walk out of his room. I turn around to face him.
“Here.” He grabs my hand and before I can jerk it away, he puts a little baggy of orange Starbursts in it.
“What is this?” I laugh lightly as he shrugs.
“I never paid you the fee for being my date.” He winks before patting my shoulder. I give him a small smile.
“Well, thanks. At least I have something to look forward to eating once I get home.”
“And, Sunday? For what it’s worth, you are the only girl I’ve been with that I’ve tattooed.” I feel a blush heating up my face.
“Oh? Not from what I saw yesterday.” Shit, way to go, big mouth. I see his smirk grow wider as he raises a brow.
“You stalking me, Sunshine? You didn’t mention this last night.”
“Shut up. I was with Luca and saw you outside with a woman.” He chuckles and nods his head.
“Well, Sweetheart. That was Mari, Neil’s daughter. She is in town to see Neil and Mom. And to get a tattoo from Fox. Also, you would have better luck getting her into bed than I would.” I am now most definitely resembling a tomato.
“I am just going to go die now.”I head out the door again. “Have a good night, Charming. Sorry again for being an asshole.”
Ash leans against the door frame and smirks. “I’ll take you as an asshole as long as I get you.” He winks before walking back into his room. “Have a good night, pretty girl. Give me a knock when you’re back in bed.” I stare at him as he goes to his bed and pulls it from against the wall before continuing his work out.
I head out the hallway, in almost a daze.
“Sunday?” Indy’s small voice grabs my attention.
“Hm?” I acknowledge while walking to the front door.
“Is everything alright?” No. Everything isn’t alright. Everything is shit and all I want is for Ash to like me.
“Yeah,” I say quickly. “Just tired. I’ll talk to you later.”
Once I’m back in my apartment, I stare down at the bag as I set it on the counter. It’s just a clear sandwich bag tied shut with a red piece of yarn.
“You know, Sunshine, I kind of feel like this is destiny. Like the red string of fate.”
I sigh and look up at the ceiling. “Why? Fucking why?”
Chapter18
Ash
“I’m going to kill him, Fox.” Derek warns, causing Fox to let out an exasperated sigh.
“Ash!” He turns to me. “Knock it off. You’re driving everyone crazy.” I lift my hand off my metal station where I have been tapping my pencil for five–maybe fifty minutes–I have no idea.
