Page 54 of Fake Dating Mr. Prince
“Wait until I tell Henri that you recognized who he was before me. He’s going to love you.”
She laughed and I felt the ice around my heart melt just a little. I was saved from anything further as our server brought our meal.
The silence was comfortable as we ate.
“What would you do if I said no?” Ashlyn asked, breaking through the quiet.
“I’m honestly not sure. Simone is not an option, and there isn’t really anyone else I’d ask to do this.” I shuddered at the thought.
“How much time are you thinking?”
“A solid four weeks at least. My dad is looking to step down soon, and the board just needs to see that my old life is behind me.”
“That makes sense.” She took another bite. “If you invested in my business, could I count on you to endorse my products? You know, stand behind them if anyone should try to tear it down?”
I stared at her trying to understand what she was saying. “Yes, I would help promote your business. As for anyone starting shit, there’s always someone who will want to tear you down, but I’d be there to back you up.”
Ashlyn nodded, pleased with my answer. “Okay. If I can count on you for that I’ll do it.”
“What happened to needing time to think about it?” I gently teased her.
“I don’t need it.” She captured my hand with her own. “You are kind and sweet even though you don’t want people, especially women, to see that. My gut is saying I can trust you. So my answer is yes.”
I lifted her hand and kissed the center of her palm. My cock hardened at the slight shiver that ran through her body. No matter how much I wanted her, I would never push her for more. It had to be her decision. “You won’t regret this.”
Not wanting the night to end after dinner, we walked across the street to see WaterFire in the middle of downtown Providence. The flicker of the fires set ablaze within each metal stand danced back and forth along the water. The sound of crackling logs and music filled the air as we passed by living statues of the Oracle and gargoyles, performing for the public, and watched the gondolas glide through the water below.
While we walked together, I found myself enjoying this casual part of our date. Not only was I physically attracted to Ashlyn, but I genuinely enjoyed her company. Our simple, yet perfect night, reminded me that the last time I’d had a date like this was most likely in my teens or early twenties. No expectations, just enjoying each other’s company.
Ashlyn’s hand was firmly wrapped around my arm, and her head often rested just above it while we ambled along the waterfront. The scent of cedarwood and pine permeated the air, cocooning us as though we were the only ones there, despite the hundreds of people wandering nearby.
We stopped and leaned against the metal railing of the Venetian-style pedestrian bridge, staring at the fires. The hypnotic sway of the flames mesmerized both of us. I glanced at her, watching the moonlight and the glow from the fires caress her face.
Being with her was easy.
Ashlyn’s body trembled, and her hands rubbed at her arms. Even with the light cardigan she brought, the air had a chill to it.
“You cold?” I took off my coat and settled it around her shoulders. Her sweet smile of thanks had me smiling back and laying a gentle kiss on top of her head.
Her fingers curled around the edges of the coat as she buried herself into its warmth. She brought the collar to her nose and inhaled deeply before letting it settle around her shoulders.
“Did you just sniff my coat?”
“Uh, yes.” She ducked her head. “I’m sorry. That was weird. You smell so good, and I—I don’t know why I did that.”
Her slightly awkward, honest answer caused a shift in my chest. I thought of how easy it would be to make my proposal of a fake relationship, real. I held her tighter against me, ignoring the sporadic flight of butterflies that had taken up residence in my stomach, and embraced the rush of desire that surged through me instead.
She turned to me, her gaze so intent on mine I dared not move, afraid to break whatever spell she was weaving. Her small hand brushed against my cheek then curled around the side of my jaw. The scruff of day-old whiskers rubbed against the softness of her hand. She tugged my face down just as she rose up on her toes. Her eyes fluttered closed as I leaned forward to meet her halfway.
My lips moved across hers. Ashlyn’s head tilted, and her lips parted, granting me access. My tongue, greedy for her taste, swept inside, reaching for hers. Our tongues tangled, and my hands roamed up the sides of her torso, resting just under her breasts. Only the thought that we were out in public with people close by stopped me from running my hands over and cupping them.
I pulled my lips away and rested my forehead against hers. It was a losing battle to control my breathing. My chest rose and fell in jerky movements, matching the lift and fall of hers. Satisfaction from our shared response had my cock hard and my arms tight around her. I needed to respect the boundaries I had set at dinner. My body wanted to claim her once again, but it had to be her choice.
“I want you,” Ashlyn whispered and ran a finger down the front of my shirt. The move was reminiscent of the ball and her teasing words about my ruffles. This light touch had me ready to scoop her up and whisk her back to my place.
“Are you sure?”
“I’ve thought of nothing but you since that night.”
