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Dean

After dropping Ashlynoff at home, I headed to a little grocery store nearby to pick up food for our picnic. A smile curved my lips as I looked down at the bags in my hands. I’d made sure to ask Stella before I left for Ashlyn’s favorite foods and which wine she liked.

I dropped into the driver’s seat and placed the bags in the cooler on the floor of the passenger side as my phone rang. The number flashing on the screen was one I didn’t recognize.

“Dean Prince.”

“Hello, handsome.”

I outwardly groaned. “Simone, what do you want?”

“I’m home now and ready to see you again.”

“I’ve thought about it, and I’m all set.”

“What do you mean ... you’re all set?” She stuttered. Clearly, not believing I would ever turn her down.

“I think our relationship should stay in the past. There’s no reason for us to dredge it back up at this point.”

“We were good together, Dean. Don’t throw away the possibility for us to be even better.” Her voice took on a cajoling tone.

I gripped the steering wheel. “We might have been at one point, but you ruined anything happening again. I wish you well.”

“But I thought you needed me to print a retraction,” she yelled, her sexy voice changing as soon as she realized she wasn’t getting her way.

“You’re still welcome to do that, but I’m okay if you don’t.” Hoping to end the conversation soon, I sat in my car. I didn’t want to be late for my date with Ashlyn.

“You don’t mean that. Dean, I don’t understand. You’re still angry with me, aren’t you?” I envisioned the pout I knew would be gracing her lips.

“I do mean it. Listen, good luck with everything. I have to go.” I hung up to the sound of her sputtering in the background.

Grinning, I started the car, put on my sunglasses, and drove out onto the main road. It felt damn good knowing I didn’t need to rely on Simone now. There was no way I’d let my ex ruin my day. After an explosive night, I looked forward to seeing Ashlyn again.

I parked in front of her apartment building to find her waiting for me outside. She looked beautiful in her flowered sundress, jean jacket, strappy sandals, and a wide-brimmed hat. I stopped the car beside her and rolled down the passenger window. “Hey there, Hollywood. Want a ride?”

She drew her sunglasses down her nose and smirked at me. “Hmm, I’m waiting for my boyfriend. I don’t think he’d like it if I left with someone else.”

Hearing her say boyfriend had me grinning like the Cheshire Cat. It stunned me that I didn’t feel the need to run the other way. Maybe knowing this was fake helped keep my fast feet in place. “Oh really? Well, I don’t see him anywhere. I promise to show you a good time.”

Ashlyn sauntered over to the car. Her steps slow and seductive.

Oh fuck.

Having her play along was making me hard. Watching her being overtly sexy was hot. I was about to tell her to forget our plans and head back to my place instead.

She rested her elbow on the edge of the window and leaned in, giving me the perfect view of her ample breasts. I swallowed, trying to keep my cock from bursting free as it strained against my zipper.

“Hmmm, really.” Then she turned her head casually, left to right. “Well, he is late, and youareright here.”

She licked her lips, and I thought I’d combust.

“I’ll hold you to your promise. Or I’ll beverydisappointed.”

All thought left my head. “Promise?” As much as I tried, I couldn't remember the last thing I’d said.

“To make it worth my while, stud.” She winked and pushed her sunglasses up her nose.

I nodded and gulped out a faint response that probably didn’t sound like English.