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“That’s a great sign. It means it’s important to you and you like him.” She pushes me through the staff room door.
“I do.” I barely know him, but I like everything I’ve seen, and kissed, so far.
Kourtney turns to head back into the coffeehouse, but before she leaves she says, “Great. Now go fuck his brains out and knock his skates off.” With a loud laugh, she slams the door shut, leaving me staring at an employee health and safety sign on the back of it.
“I’m so screwed.” Nerves flutter low in my belly.
I lift the ransom letter that’s clutched in my hand and read it again.
I can’t stop the smile spreading across my lips.
Before I give it a second thought, I’ve changed back into my dress I wore for my day job at High Octane Events today, slipped my high heels on, grabbed my stuff and I’m running in the direction of the main arena entrance.
If exciting surprises are Ash’s love language, I want him to keep surprising me every day.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Ash
Creeping up behind Lily, she lets out a gasp of shock when I whisper in her ear, “Now Ms. Murphy, follow my instructions, and your scarf won’t come to any harm.”
“Okay, Mr. Serial Scarf-napper.” She chuckles, but I can hear she’s nervous when her voice cracks on her last word.
I slip her bag off her shoulder and take it from her. “Turn around slowly and follow me.”
“This is ridiculous,” she mutters under her breath, and I have to stop myself from agreeing with her. It is ridiculous, but also a date I never want her to forget.
Approaching the main door, it opens for us, just as I had planned with Sam from security.
I wink as I pass and slip him a tip as a thank you for granting me access to the rink tonight, something we aren’t supposed to ask for. The installation team has been working hard preparing the ice for the new season which starts on Saturday. But I know Sam. He knew my father, and he’s worked here for twenty years. He’s more like a family friend than a work colleague. And this is the one and only time I have ever asked for a favor.
Lily’s high heels click against the entrance floor as she follows me.
Curiosity gets the better of her. “Why are you carrying my bag?”
“In case you have a hidden camera in it. This could be a set up.” I stop in my tracks and spin to face her. “Are you wearing a wire?” Getting into character, I narrow my eyes suspiciously.
She’s so beautiful and I’m struck by how much power she has over me; I’m so attracted to her. It’s almost overwhelming. The need to grab her and kiss her until she’s moaning my name has consumed me since last night.
Having never seriously dated, or wanted to before, she has me imagining her walking into this arena to watch all the games as my girl. Celebrating my wins alongside my mom and sister, and spending Sundays with her, lazing on the sofa, watching shitty movies while my body recovers.
I dislike people encroaching on my personal space, so this is a huge shift in mindset for me. I can’t understand why I am so drawn to Lily. I’ve never wanted to invite a woman back to my apartment before. However, I want her in my space; I want to see her every day. It’s only been twenty-four hours since I saw her last. It’s been far too long. It’s almost been painful.
Looking up at me, she bats her eyelashes innocently, then whispers, “Would you like to do a full body check to make sure I’m not wearing a wire?” She steps back and unties her cream wool coat, then holds both sides wide open, exposing a baby pink dress that kisses her curves and fits in all the right places.
Shit, I should have told her to keep the jeans on she was wearing at the coffeehouse for what I have planned.
“How did you magic up a dress in thirty minutes?” I ask, confused, dropping my gaze to the heels she wasn’t wearing earlier, either. My imagination runs wild as I picture them wrapped around my ears while I fuck her in that sexy little dress.
Chewing the side of her mouth, she replies, “I work two jobs.” Her shyness is endearing.
“Two?” I hold up two fingers, double checking I heard her correctly.
She nods her head slowly. “I’m an events assistant for a company called High Octane Events.” Playing with the woolen waist tie of her coat, she continues, “And in the evenings, I work at the coffeehouse. I have student loans, I want to pay them off quicker and I want a house to call my own so, I’m saving for a deposit.” She keeps on sharing. “And I have a dream of owning my own wedding planner business one day.”
She’s book smart and dedicated and I love how independent she is. It shouldn’t be, but it’s sexy to know she strives for more and will do anything to achieve her goals. Deep down, I know she would understand my drive and ambition. We’d be the perfect team.
I knew it from the day we met. The energy I feel between us, the alignment of us banging into one another, and how we both have determination to achieve our dreams.
