Page 6 of Booked Solid

We spent a lovely few hours at the Cove, taking numerous pictures of each other, with and without the sea lions. A nice fellow even offered to take a couple of Ashton and I together, which we couldn’t agree to fast enough.

Following that, we hit the March Air Field Museum, sharing a smile at the planes, remembering what led to us meeting. Lunch was had, and enjoyed, at Kimchichanga, a place known for its chimichanga filled with kimchi. Hence the clever name, a statement I said to Ashton with a wink.

Stops were also made at Calico Ghost Town, Cabazon Dinosaurs, and the Joshua Tree National Park where we watched a beautiful sunset together. Each was, admittedly, a lengthy delay in our journey, but Ashton didn’t seem upset by any of it. Rather happy whenever I suggested another idea.

Like me, I think she’s reluctant to reach our final destination. We did, however, drive straight through following that in an attempt to make up some time. While Ashton is clearly having a ball, she doesn’t want to shirk her responsibilities at home. Which I admire. If she didn’t care about honoring them, she wouldn’t be the woman I thought she was.

The woman I’m falling hopelessly in love with.

Scratch that. I don’t like the idea of labeling it hopeless. That implies only a sad ending is in store for us, and I refuse to accept that outcome.

Ashton is mine.

**Ashton**

I’m his. I know it and I think he does, too. Our bodies said as much when we came together during a quick stop for a power nap. One that never happened as we were too preoccupied with getting naked.

Which is how both of us stayed for a few hours until we forced ourselves out of bed, got dressed, and bid farewell to the room that helped us express what was happening between us.

Fanciful thinking, I know, yet that’s exactly how it felt.

Or perhaps I read way too much?

Nah, there’s no such thing.

We haven’t broached the subject of what occurs once we reach Sweetville, but I fully intend to coax him into staying there. With me.

I know, I know. It’s fast. A truth I acknowledge. Another is that being with him feels right. The two can exist simultaneously. The first doesn’t preclude the other. It can, however,includeit.

This is our last day together before reality intrudes and, truthfully, that makes me sad. Wyatt has decisions to make and I can tell they’re weighing on him. I don’t want to burden him with my wishes, my hopes for us, yet I don’t think it’s fair to keep them from him either. He should have all the facts before choosing.

“I want you to move in with me. It’ll give you time to figure out what you want to do without any pressure—” Are you sure you can be unbiased, Ash? “—and a place to reside while doing so.”

“And if I decide to stay there?”

“In Sweetville or with me?”

“Both.”

“I’ll be ecstatic. More so with the second reason.”

“I love the idea of being the cause of that.” With that, he takes my hand and we cross the county line welcoming me home.

I can only hope Wyatt is as well.

If not, if he’ll let me, I believe I just might follow him to wherever he discovers that to be.

Chapter Five

Wyatt

October 20th…

We’ve been in Sweetville for almost twenty-four hours, and Ashton’s bed for the majority of it. There have been some knocks on her door, along with the jiggling of a knob, and one or two demands to “open this damn thing.”

She scoffed at the order, then delivered her own by telling me to make love to her. I did without hesitation, numerous times. I’m ready to do so again the instant my eyes open to the sun streaming through the windows.

But I know she can no longer hide here with me. She needs to see her brother, get to work, which will also accomplish the first step, and I have to meet up with Kellan.

---