“He’s been through a lot with Taylor and the accident. Maybe it’s made him realize what’s really important.”
“Yeah, maybe. Do you mind if I go and check on him? I’ll be quick.”
“Sure.”
“I’ll be right back.”
I go to leave, and he takes my hand. I turn back to look at him. “Can I get a kiss first?”
I smile and wrap my arms around his neck. He dips his head, and our lips meet in a soft brush. It quickly deepens, and with his body pressed against mine, I can feel his erection growing against my stomach. I moan softly as his tongue finds mine, his fingers tangling in my hair. After a minute or so, I pull away reluctantly, resting my forehead against his.
“God, Ash. You have no idea what you do to me.”
I smile, my voice teasing. “I have a pretty good idea,” I reply, feeling his rock-hard arousal pressing into me.
“Go check on Seb and then get your cute ass back here.”
I untangle myself from his embrace, and he swats my ass as I walk away feeling like I’m floating after that mind-blowing kiss.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Ashlyn
Ileave Ben and head toward the bar, but I don’t see Seb anywhere, so I make my way to his office out back. Knocking on the door, I step in without waiting for a response. Seb is sitting behind his desk, his head in his hands. I rush over and kneel beside his chair.
“Seb, what’s wrong?” I ask softly.
He looks up, his voice barely above a whisper. “I almost lost her, Ash,” he says, his voice breaking. “What if she never woke up like Ben’s wife?”
“But she did wake up. She’s going to be fine,” I reassure him.
He shakes his head, his eyes full of guilt. “I was so stupid, hiding my feelings for Sophie from her. I should’ve been honest. Maybe none of this would’ve happened.”
“Hey, look at me,” I say, waiting until his tortured eyes meet mine. “You need to let this go. It was an accident. Have you and Taylor talked?”
He nods. “Yeah, and things are good, I think.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You think?”
“No, they are. They’re good. I told her what an idiot I was and how much I love her. She believes me. I think Sophie spoke to her too.”
“Then you need to stop beating yourself up. When can she come home?”
“Tomorrow,” he says with a relieved sigh. “I can’t wait to get her back here. I’m moving in with her for a while. I don’t want to be apart from her again.”
“I’m sure she feels the same way, Seb.”
“I hope so.”
I stand and walk around to the front of his desk. “Thanks for not being an ass with Ben. I know Nash and Cade aren’t exactly thrilled about me dating him.”
He sighs. “I’m not ecstatic that he’s older than you–” Before I can say anything, he holds up his hand. “Let me finish.” He stands, walks over to me, and takes my hand. “But he really seems to care about you, Ash. I know I was barely conscious after the accident, but I remember that he showed up for you. After everything that’s happened and how close I came to losing everything, the little things like an age gap don’t matter as much. I just want you to be happy.”
“He does make me happy. So far, at least.”
He smiles. “Good, but I meant what I said. If he hurts you...”
“I know you do. Thank you for having my back,” I say, standing on my tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek.
