But he showed up. Eventually. That has to mean something, right? Maybe I’m too forgiving, but this connection is something I’ve never felt with anyone before, and I don’t want to give up on it just because the road ahead might get messy.
So, even though my stomach is in knots and a hundred questions roll around my head, I let myself believe in this.
Even if it scares me too.
CHAPTER FOUR
Ashlyn
It’s Wednesday night, and Ben’s coming over for dinner. Well, takeout. I’ve only managed one cooking class so far, so I’m definitely not ready to impress him in the kitchen just yet. It’s the first time we’re seeing each other outside of work since deciding to give this thing between us a shot. We’ve been stealing every spare moment together at school, but somehow, it still doesn’t feel like enough. I’m a little nervous, but mostly, I’m just looking forward to spending some proper time with him.
I left school over an hour ago, and Ben headed home to get changed before picking up the food and coming over. I’ve just stepped out of the shower when my phone starts ringing on the nightstand. Wrapping a towel around myself, I walk into the bedroom and smile when I see Ivy’s name on the screen.
Answering the call, I bring the phone to my ear and sit on the edge of the bed.
“Hi, Ivy.”
“Hey, Ash,” she says. “I’m meeting Paisley in Eden for a drink later. Want to come?”
I wince slightly. After I filled Ivy in on what Ben told me earlier this week, and why he bailed on me that night, she’s definitely not on his side. She thinks I let him off the hook too easily. And maybe she’s right. I know she’s only trying to protect me, and I love her for it, but I need to give him a chance… even if it ends up blowing up in my face.
“Ben’s coming over for dinner,” I say quietly.
She’s silent for a beat. “Okay,” she says, her tone cautious.
“I know you’re not his biggest fan–”
“I don’t know him well enough to like or dislike him,” Ivy cuts in gently. Her voice softens. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt, Ash.”
I let out a slow breath. “I don’t want to get hurt either. But if I don’t give this a chance, I’ll always wonder what could have been.”
“I get it,” she says softly, pausing for a moment. “Just know I’m here, no matter what.”
A smile tugs at my lips. “I know. Thanks, Ivy.”
“Enjoy your night.”
“You too. Give Paisley a hug from me.”
I end the call and quickly dry my hair, straightening it, and pinning the front sections up and out of my face. Standing in front of my closet, I hesitate for a moment, debating what to wear. It’s only takeout, but I still want to feel good. I settle on a pair of black skinny jeans and a lace button-up top that hints at the white bra beneath. A quick swipe of lip gloss and a spritz of perfume, and I’m good to go.
As I walk into the kitchen and catch sight of the clock, a flutter of nerves and anticipation twists in my stomach. He should be here any minute. I reach for a glass and pour myselfsome wine, hoping it’ll take the edge off. Just as I lift the glass to my lips, the sudden chime of the intercom startles me, making me jump and spill wine onto the tiled floor.
“Shit,” I mutter, grabbing a cloth to wipe up the small puddle. Tossing the cloth into the sink, I hurry to the intercom and pick up the receiver.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Ash. It’s me.” Ben’s voice comes through the speaker.
“Hi. Come on up.”
I press the button to buzz him in and replace the receiver. Taking one last look in the mirror on the wall in the entryway, I smooth my hands down my lace top and take in a deep breath.
A second later, a knock sounds at the door, and my heart leaps. I pull it open, and suddenly, I can’t breathe. Ben stands in the hallway, dressed in dark jeans and a Henley that hugs his frame just right. His hair is slightly messy, and when our eyes meet, he flashes that easy, heart-stopping smile.
“Hey, Ash. You look beautiful,” he says, stepping forward to brush a soft kiss against my cheek.
“Thank you,” I manage, stepping aside. “Come on in.”
