Page 19 of Dirty Desires
Chapter Eight
Artimus
“There’s a balcony off my bedroom,” Nina said, with a sexy little smile curving her pink lips. “I noticed that your room didn’t have one when I walked out on mine earlier today.”
I had the idea that she wanted to get me into her bedroom, and that sat pretty well with me. “You noticed that, did ya?”
“I did,” she nodded, “and I thought you might like to come up to my bedroom and hang out on it with me. The stars are sure to be shining bright tonight.”
Unsure if I was really ready for what was about to happen, I got up and reached out for her hand anyway. “Sure, let’s go do a little stargazing, Nina.”
“Good.” She came along right behind me as I led her up to her room.
I opened her door, finding the room dark. The thought crossed my mind to pull her inside with me, close the door, and pin her against it. Our breaths would mingle in a warm cloud, then our lips would touch, and it would be one of the most magical things I had ever felt.
I knew that without a doubt.
But she foiled my plan when she reached in and pushed the switch to turn on the overhead lights. Silently, I padded toward the balcony doors and thought that I might give the kissing idea a try once we got under the stars.
Pulling the doors open, I felt her hand leave mine. “Go on out there. I’ve got to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.”
Foiled again!
Watching her walk away from me, I admired her round backside as I leaned on the doorframe. “Not bad at all,” I whispered.
She closed the door behind her, and I turned to check out the balcony. Two chairs were on either side of a small table. Glancing over my shoulder to make sure she wasn’t out yet, I hurried to move the chairs away from the table. Placing them side by side, I took a seat and waited for her to join me.
The stars were bright, the night air was cool, and I was up for something different tonight. It was time to make some changes in my life, and this would be the turning point.
Pepping myself up, I told myself that Nina was perfect for me. She had all the qualities I admired in people. She was honest, nice, polite, and it didn’t hurt that she was one of the most beautiful young woman I’d ever met.
Knowing that there was no such thing as a perfect person, I tried to think of anything I didn’t like about Nina.
Leaning back in my chair, I tapped my chin with my forefinger and thought as hard as I could. “Nope, nothing.”
“Who are you talking to, Ashton?” Nina came out and took the seat next to me with a silly grin on her face.
“Um … Uh …” I’d been caught. “No one.”
With a sweet light laugh that sent me into a daze, she said, “They say only highly intelligent people talk to themselves. Did you know that?”
“I must have. Since I must be highly intelligent.” With a chuckle, I put my hands behind my head and leaned back to look up at the night sky. “It’s a beautiful night. You were right; sitting out here is a good idea.”
Leaning back in her chair, she agreed, “I think so too.” She took in a deep breath of the fresh air then turned her head to look at me. “Ashton, what kind of future do you see for yourself?”
So, right to the hard questions, I see.
“Oh, I don’t know, Nina.” I really didn’t. I hadn’t thought about my future—well, since the accident. I cut my eyes off to the side as that thought filled my head, the images coming back to the forefront of my mind.
Flames, screams, sirens.
Her hand touched mine, bringing me back to reality. “Ashton. I know you probably haven’t let yourself think about the future for a while. Before that terrible thing happened, what kind of future did you see for yourself?”
Looking into her green eyes, I had to ask, “Can you read my mind? I know I’ve asked you that before, but you’re just so spot on, Nina.”
“It’s in your eyes, Ashton.” The pad of her thumb ran back and forth over the top of my hand, making me feel comfortable and relaxed. “And your body language too. So, what were your ideas for the future?”
“A nice home, a wife, and a family.” I turned the question back on her. “And what about you, Nina?”
