“Me too.”
Just then, the server arrives with our drinks, and Ashlyn uses her free hand to take a sip from her wine glass. As she drinks, my attention lands on the other side of the restaurant, where a group of women keeps glancing over and whispering to each other. I groan internally when I recognize them as parents of kids in Ashlyn’s class. The gossip that circulates among the moms during school drop-off is legendary, and I’m already certain that Ash and I will be the hot topic of conversation by tomorrow. A few weeks ago, I would have been bothered by it, especially with the age difference, but after almost losing her, I couldn’t care less. I’m here with her, and if anyone has a problem with that, it’s their issue, not ours.
“Everything okay?” Ash asks, noticing where my gaze is fixed. “Oh, God,” she groans as she realizes what I’m looking at. “By recess tomorrow, everyone will know about us.”
“I don’t care if the whole world knows, Ash.”
Her eyes widen in surprise. “You don’t?”
“Nope. I don’t care what anyone thinks.” I smile at her and give her hand a reassuring squeeze. “How about we really give them something to talk about?”
“What do you mean?”
I stand from my seat and walk over to her, lowering myself to her level. She looks up at me, and I lean down, pressing my lips to hers. The kiss is soft and brief before I pull back.
“I’m going to the restroom, baby. I’ll be right back.”
She giggles, and I glance over at the table of women, who are all staring at us with wide eyes. I smile and nod toward them before winking at Ashlyn and heading toward the bathroom. As I look back, I see her smiling brightly, and I smile in return. What I said was true. I don’t care who knows about us. Let the gossip begin.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Ashlyn
Igiggle and take another sip of my wine as I watch Ben make his way across the restaurant toward the bathroom. My eyes can't help but linger on his ass, which looks amazing in his tight black jeans. I still can’t believe he might actually be mine.
I don’t mind that some of the school parents are here, but living and working in the same town has its downsides, especially as a teacher. I’m always bumping into parents at the grocery store or the gym. What I didn’t consider was the chance of being spotted on a date with Ben.
Just as I take another sip, the server arrives with our food, and Ben comes back from the bathroom.
“This looks great,” he says as he sits down and grabs his beer, taking a long swig.
“Wait until you taste it,” I reply, fork in hand. I take a bite of my steak, moaning a little as it practically melts on my tongue.
“Damn, Ashlyn,” Ben murmurs with a teasing grin. “You’re really gonna make me jealous. OnlyI’msupposed to get those kinds of sounds out of you.”
I smirk. “You think you can compete with this steak?” I ask, my voice playful.
“Baby,” he whispers, his eyes locking onto mine. “I know I can.”
My eyes widen slightly. “That sounds like a challenge.”
He flashes a grin. “Challenge accepted.”
I bite my bottom lip, my gaze lingering on him. “I’m going to hold you to that later.”
“Shit, Ash,” he groans. “We should just go back to your place now.”
I can’t help but giggle. “You should probably eat your steak,” I tease, pointing to his plate with my fork.
“Spoilsport.” He chuckles, cutting a piece and bringing it to his mouth.
“Good?” I ask.
“The best,” he replies with a satisfied grin.
“So,” I say, taking a sip of my drink. “I know you have a sister, the one cheering you on to fundraise.”
He laughs. “Yeah, Kirsten. She’s a pediatrician at Phoenix General.”
