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“I should have asked you this earlier, but is he nice?” Instinctually, I pull my arm in closer to me. Ash frowns at the move.
“Yes, he’s the biggest ninety-pound marshmallow you’ll ever meet. Loyal and extremely obedient, except when he takes off chasing. He loves to chase.” His eyes meet mine, filled with remorse.
Silence fills the truck and Ash runs his hand through his hair.
“I’m so sorry about what he did to you, and I’m sorry you’re afraid of him—you really don’t need to be.” His eyes are pleading with me for me to forgive the dog. I find it endearing and think about how he asked me to trust him. I know this is just a small instance, but I’m going to.
“Okay.”
A huge smile splits his face and I’m rewarded with those dimples. My heart starts racing at the sight of them. He really is too handsome for his own good.
“Come on, let’s get you settled.” He climbs out of the truck, sneezes again, and grabs my things along with Tank from the back seat. “Should we let her out?” His eyes find mine over the seats.
“Sure, why not?” Quickly getting out of the truck, I walk around to see Tank and Whiskey circling each other with excitement and curiosity. In an instant, they tear off together and disappear around the side of the house.
“She won’t run off, will she?” he asks, glancing back at me as he walks toward the front door.
Following him, I breathe in the air and say, “No, she’ll be fine.” Part of me wonders if I’m talking about Tank or me.
The first thing I notice once inside are the floor-to-ceiling windows on the back of the house. The view of the lake is spectacular and I gasp at the sight.
“Wow! It’s gorgeous!”
“I know, right? I love it.” Ash’s back is to me as he moves to the hallway where the bedrooms are to drop my stuff.
Standing alone in the living room, I look around his house, and just like with the outside, I can’t believe how unaware I was of everything around me earlier. There’s country music playing over the surround sound and I smile to myself because it seems so much like him. A little bit rugged, good ol’ country, and in general, calming. To me, country music has always been about telling a story—a story with an ending I’d like.
I’m surprised by how well-decorated it is. He must have hired someone, because it looks beautiful, yet simple, manly, and clean. Cream-colored walls, leather furniture with throw pillows, huge fluffy rugs, photographs instead of paintings for artwork, a large rustic dining table, a fireplace, a giant TV, and a superb state-of-the-art kitchen.
“What do you think?” He holds his arm out and waves it around the room. Over the couch, there are four guitars vertically hanging side by side. Hmm, are they art or does he play them?
“I think it’s amazing. Do you always rent this place when you come up here?” It’s funny because we’ve been coming here for years and of all the times I’ve run around the lake, I’ve never noticed it.
“Rent? Ah, this is my house.” He runs his hand over his face and takes a look around like he’s seeing it for the first time. “I bought it a year and a half ago and just finished putting a little facelift on it.”
What?This house is not small and looks expensive. Not that I care what kind of house he has, but this one is so much more than Emma’s. “Oh, I didn't realize you owned it. What did you say you do again?” I’m curious.
He grins at me. “I didn't actually. I dabble in several things. Mostly, I've done well with some investments.” His answer is evasive, but given that I’m hiding my profession from him, I let it go.
“Do you live here year-round?” If this were my house, I’m not sure that I’d ever leave.
“No, it's just a place to visit when I need some time to regroup and think.” He runs his hand through his hair and walks past me over to the large window. With his back to me and the lake in front of him, I’m certain this image will forever be etched in my mind, and there’s a good possibility that after these next couple of days are over, I’ll never be able to think about this lake without him again.
Moving to stand next to him, I scan the back, looking for the dogs. “So where do you live? I remember Clay mentioning something about leaving yesterday.”
He props himself against the glass and faces me. “Nashville.”
I love Nashville. Mona’s conversation flashes back to me and although I’m getting a little ahead of myself, I’m wondering if I’ll be able to see him when we’re there next month.
“This seems a little far from home.” Thoughtful blue eyes blink back at me.
“Yeah, it is, but it’s worth it. It takes me about four and a half hours to get here.”
“That’s not too bad. I love this lake; if we were closer, I’d drive here too. Maybe one day I’ll buy a house here and we can be neighbors.”
He smiles at me and takes a step closer. He’s so close, heat from his body is radiating my way. Slowly, his fingers brush against my cheekbone as he swipes the hair off my face and tucks it behind my ear. Nervous flutters sweep through me, the good kind.
“Listen, you get settled in. I’m going to run back into town, get your prescription filled, and pick up some food. What are you in the mood for?” He drops his hand and reaches into his pocket for his keys.
