Chapter 35
Logan had massaged my foot not too long ago. I’d felt touched then, but nothing like this. Maybe it was just different technique.
As Ashton finished up, I heard Chloe yelling outside, “Listen up everybody! Anyone who messes with my people better watch out! I won’t let it slide!”
“What’s happening?” I asked quietly.
Ashton lifted my foot off his knee and propped it on another bench. Standing up, his face looked flushed. I figured he was hot until he said, “Try not to wear dresses around here anymore.”
I glanced down at my sapphire blue silk dress. It hugged my curves and had a high slit that, in my current position, had ridden up pretty high on my thighs.
He must’ve gotten an eyeful while working on my ankle.
I felt my face heat up but refused to lose my cool. Playing it casual, I asked, “What’s wrong? Does my dress make you uncomfortable?”
Ashton’s Adam’s apple jumped twice before he practically bolted from the courtyard. Chloe’s shouting stopped moments later.
Curious, I hobbled to the door and saw Ashton’s back facing me, squaring off with Synthia.
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“This is assault. Report it to the police and you’ll face charges,” Ashton said, pointing at an oil slick on the ground – right where I’d slipped. So my fall wasn’t an accident after all.
“Got proof it was me? You see me do it?” Synthia shot back.
Chloe jumped in, “Someone saw you pour it there.”
Synthia clammed up. She gave Ashton these puppy–dog eyes, but her words were pure venom. “She’s seducing you…”
Me? Seducing Ashton? Classic move, blaming the victim.
Seeing Chloe and Ashton defend me, I figured I should step up too.
I hopped over, using the wall for support, and casually took Ashton’s arm. Flashing Synthia a sweet smile, I said, “Thanks for this little incident. Really showed me what a catch Ashton is.”
The color drained from Synthia’s face.
I squeezed Ashton’s arm, feeling those rock–solid muscles. “Come on, let’s go cut that watermelon.”
My voice came out syrupy sweet – gave myself goosebumps. I’d never talked like that, not even with Logan.
Ashton looked at me, his eyes going dark. Next thing I knew, he’d scooped me up again, lifting me like I weighed nothing.
*See that?” Chloe couldn’t resist twisting the knife. “When he carries her, it’s into the house. When it was you, it was straight out the door.”
Synthia’s plan to trip me had totally backfired. Three against one, and all she got for her trouble was wasted cooking oil.
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Chapter 35
Back in the courtyard, Ashton’s cool voice came from above. “Your room or out here?”
“Out here. Want some watermelon,” I nodded toward my previous s spot.
As he set me down, his chin brushed my nose, making it tingle.
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When I saw him swallow hard again, I blurted out, “Ashton, are you trying to seduce me?”
