Paisley:God, Ash, I’m so sorry about Nash. I can’t believe how he acted tonight. I’m so mad at him. Are you okay? xx
Taylor:Hey Ash, just checking in. Nash was a total jerk tonight. Even Seb agrees. I’ll ask him to talk to Nash. Xx
Mom:I’m so sorry about tonight, sweetheart. I wish you and Ben had stayed, but I understand why you left. I really like Ben. Dad does too. I think Nash feels bad, and honestly, he should. Call me tomorrow. Love you. xx
Sophie:God, these Brookes brothers are pains in the ass! Seb was the only one behaving! I’ll be having words with Cade later, and Nash next time I see him. Ben seemed great. Hang in there. It’ll be okay. xx
I exhale slowly, absorbing their words. At least I’m not the only one who thought Nash was out of line tonight. With a sigh, I toss my phone onto the coffee table. I’ll reply later. Right now, I just want to forget everything and focus on the gorgeous man beside me; the one who wants to watch a cheesy rom-com and make out with me.
“I don’t mind if you want to reply, baby,” Ben says, glancing at my discarded phone.
I shake my head. “I’ll answer them later. I don’t want to think about my brothers right now. What movie did you pick?”
His gaze lingers on me before he offers a small smile. “Amy Schumer’s latest. That okay?”
“Sounds perfect.”
The movie starts, and he opens his arms. “Come here.”
I set my drink down and scoot closer, nestling against him. His arms wrap around me, and I rest my head on his chest, letting out a contented sigh. Our legs tangle together, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under my ear soothes me.
I told him I wanted to forget about everything tonight, but my mind has other plans. No matter how hard I try to focus on the movie, my thoughts keep circling back to the night’s events. My eyes are on the screen, but I barely register what’s happening.
“I can practically hear your mind running a mile a minute, Ash,” Ben murmurs into my hair. “Maybe I can help take your mind off things.”
In one swift move, he shifts me onto my back, hovering over me on the sofa. Any lingering thoughts of my brothers disappear the moment his lips find mine. The kiss starts off slow, and I wind my arms around his neck, my fingers threading through the hair at his nape. As the kiss deepens, that familiar, all-consuming heat stirs low in my stomach, bubbling up like lava. It’s a feeling I never want to lose.
He bites my bottom lip, and I part my lips for him, our tongues colliding. When I rock my hips against his, his low moan vibrates through me, sending a shiver down my spine.
“God, Ash,” he groans, trailing heated kisses along my jaw and down my neck. His touch is fire against my skin, and I cling to him, never wanting him to stop. But when he reaches my collarbone, he suddenly pulls back, leaving me breathless.
“You’re wearing too many clothes,” he rasps, his gaze dark with desire.
He tugs my tank top over my head and slowly peels my yoga pants down my legs, discarding them onto the floor. If he looked hungry before, now, he looks absolutely ravenous as his eyes roam over my body, taking me in.
“You’re staring,” I whisper, my cheeks flushing with heat.
His lips curve into a sheepish smile. “Sorry. I can’t help it.”
I reach for him, my own smile forming. “Don’t apologize. I love the way you look at me.”
His expression softens. “Get used to it, baby. I’ll always look at you like this. I still can’t believe you’re mine.”
I smile at his words. It feels like it’s taken forever to get here.
I wriggle out from beneath him, and he furrows his brow.
“You okay?”
I nod, my lips curving into a playful smile. “I’m perfect. But now it’s you who’s wearing too many clothes.”
Taking his hand, I pull him up to stand and guide him through my apartment to my bedroom.
“You’re sure about this?” he murmurs, his voice husky.
“I’m sure,” I whisper, walking backward until the back of my legs meet the bed.
My fingers find the hem of his shirt, and I drag it over his head, my gaze sweeping over his toned chest. My throat goes dry, and I swallow hard.
