My anger wasn’t directed at her, so I choked it down and focused on the empathy.
“I’ll stay as long as you want.”
Chapter 32
Ashley
Asking Nathan to my room felt risky, but I felt safer with him close by. I promised myself I wouldn’t sleep with him with my grandmother across the hall. Especially not with my emotions running so high.No matter how badly I want to.
I blushed as he surveyed my still pastel pink and green room, his eyes lingering on the boy band posters.
“Gran didn’t redecorate after I left for college.”
“You liked pretty-boys.” Nathan nodded absentmindedly while pointing at a poster.
“I did, but I grew out of it.”
Once again, he nodded. This time erasing the distance between us before saying, “Good.” His warmth wrapped around me like a hug. He lifted my chin with his hand until I had no choice but to make eye contact. “Because I’m not a pretty boy.”
His lips crushing mine cut off my reply.
It didn’t last long, but when he pulled away, I could barely stand.
“Come on, Slick, let’s get you to bed.”
I scooted back to lean against my white headboard and asked him to sit with me. “I’m not ready to fall asleep yet.”
He put his laptop and gun on the table beside my bed before sitting. The mattress sagged as he scooted up beside me, his long, muscular, black cargo pant clad legs stretched out in front of him.
“Are the tats on your arms your only ones?” I asked, thinking it was a safe topic. I’d seen the art on his forearms but figured he’d have more.
“No.”
“How many?”
“Hard to say.”
Why was he being so difficult? “Are you seriously playing Mr. Mysterious with your body art?” I asked.
He shrugged. “Do you have any?”
“I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.” I meant to tease him, but he had two polar opposite reactions. His pupils dilated two seconds before his shoulders tensed, and his teeth clenched.
“That’s not a good idea.”
Shit. “Because of your scars?”
“Yes.” I could see him warring to control his emotions as he turned towards me. “And because I can see most of your skin. For me to see your tattoo, you’d have to remove what little you’re wearing.” His heated gaze roamed down my body and back up.
“Nathan?”
“Ashley.”
“Please?”
“Please, what?”
“Please don’t hide from me.” I repeated his words back to him.
