Page 21 of Switched At Birth

He answers my question before I can ask. It still seems odd, but we’re essentially strangers with an immense chemistry I can’t explain. And frankly, I’d meet him on the moon if I could have five more minutes with him.

Me:Sure. What time?

His text is quicker than the last few.

Ash:Give me an hour. See you then.

Ash:And thanks for being understanding.

I stare at the picnic basket I scoured the stores for today. It’s not picnic season, but I found something. I think a picnic is quite special, and romantic. He’s special, and it’s time to show him that.Shit, I really sound like Liam.

* * *

He’s south of me,and I leave shortly after his text. I’m parked in front of the double doors for the drug store when he walks past me, and I press gently on my horn, giving it a little toot, and he jumps about a foot in the air.

I’m laughing, but he seems caught off guard. He points to the doors and raises his index finger, telling me he’ll be a minute. Asthma. I know asthma attacks can be serious, because of my years playing football. Athletes can have it, and the coaching staff is careful with them, but you can lead a healthy and full life. That said, I’ve seen a couple of scary situations and wonder how serious Ashton’s is.

He reappears through the doors and walks straight to my car. Fuck, he looks good enough to eat. He’s in a hoodie and track pants, with a pair of worn-out Jordan’s. He slides into my car, placing the brown bag on the floor at his feet.

“You get what you needed?” I ask.

“Yeah, and fuck, you scared the life out of me.”

My eyes fall on his face, and it’s game over. Good thing the car is already in park. I unfasten my seat belt and lean over and pull his body to meet mine. The center console is the only thing separating us. But, it’s not a problem, as it’s apparent we’re both hungry for the other.

I open up my mouth to take him and begin nibbling on his lower lip. I said he was good enough to eat, and fuck, I didn’t lie.

My hands cross over the console and land immediately in his lap. He lifts his hips, grinding against my touch.

“Fuck,” I groan into his mouth. “We can’t make out in my car all night. I mean, we can, but we’ll both come in our pants if this persists.” I pull my lips from his but don’t move my fingers from his groin.

“You. Shit. That was a greeting.” He smiles against my face, his words tickling my skin.

“Yeah, I walked around with a semi all day. Barely got any work done, and jacked off a couple times because I was just so fucking horny for you.”

“That was quite descriptive.” He rests his head on mine. “Are we gonna sit here all night and give the pharmacy a show?”

“No, we’re not. But I have a feeling I’m going to come undone when it’s just you and me.”

“And we’re going by ourselves, no one else?”

I let loose a devilish smile and leave him to decipher the answer on his own.

Leaning back into the driver’s seat, I buckle my seat belt. “How can you look better than yesterday?” I ask.

“Me? I’m spent after catering to the most high-maintenance coffee drinkers on Earth all day.”

I move my arm over and reverse the car, touching his shoulder.

“You didn’t mention a job yesterday. I guess I can’t find out everything about you in two days, but I’m assuming it’s a means to an end, yeah?”

“It’s my hope, anyway. I’d rather spend my days creating art than creating people’s coffees. And get this shit—one person wantedsaltin his coffee. A quarter of a teaspoon. Pretty specific and not at all an inconvenience.”

I don’t have to know someone to interpret sarcasm.

“Yeah, but it pays the bills, I assume.” He shrugs as an answer, and I won’t push. Finances are as personal as they come, up there with politics and religion.

“So, where are you taking me?” he asks again.

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