Too much space separated us, and I felt like I was standing all alone. Alone in the entire world.
Until he spoke. “I do.” A deep breath shook through his chest. “I don’t want to, but I do.”
He sounded regretful.
“You don’t want to see me again.” My gaze fell, studying the color of the crisp white carpet at his feet, and my arms crossed slowly over my chest.
Hesitant steps brought him closer to me. The warmth of his palm pushed across my forearm until he untangled my arms, pulling my hand into his.
He held it sweetly. “People are quiet around me, mostly. Aside from Ashton and Brock. Maybe they’re intimidated. I don’t know. I’ve always been treated a little different. A little bit on the outskirts of groups. Even at work. My own fucking company and I still can’t sit with the cool kids.” He breathed out a laugh. “I can’t imagine the loneliness you’ve lived.” His voice was a low rumbling sound that I felt all through me. “But I’m smart enough to know you need help.” He stepped closer, his body brushing mine. His head dipped low but stopped as if he was considering his actions. Then his lips skimmed across the corner of my jaw in the sweetest of kisses.
I leaned into that affection. My lashes fluttered closed, and for a few seconds, I just enjoyed being near someone who understood me.
Not another question was asked. He led me to the couch and pulled me down. His arm cradled around me, and I was so relieved for the first time in days that I fell asleep before our food ever arrived.
***
Rumbling laughter woke me. A dark piece of cloth met my lashes before they could even open. Warm and gentle hands were on either side of my face. It felt sensual, but I also hated every part of it.
It was too dark. I was aware of the world around me, but I couldn’t see it. It was like being in the box all over again.
My fingers pulled restlessly at the dark material as my heartbeat began to pound in my ears. Then he spoke. “Hope, it’s okay.” Ashton’s breath fanned against my neck. I sat up unsteadily and his palms settled against my arms to guide me. His closeness did seem to settle my nerves. My fingers wrapped around his smooth forearms, needing to reassure myself. “I—I may have had too much to drink.”
A dim hue of deep blue clung to the edges of my vision where the cloth revealed the moonlight through the windows.
“Are you playing a game of sorts?” My voice was hesitant.
“Kind of.” His timbre was low and hummed with happiness.
It was a game. I took the opportunity of my lack of sight to push my palms up his corded arms. The muscle tensed beneath my touch. I leaned closer to find he was kneeling between my thighs. They pushed against his bare chest, wanting badly to wrap around his lean hips.
Mmm, what I wouldn’t have given to have Ashton St. James between my thighs.
Feeling bolder without seeing his reaction, I skimmed my fingers over his shoulders and down his pecs before I finally pulled my hands away.
He stepped carefully away from me. No rules were stated about this game. When the couch dipped, and his hand pulled at mine, I blindly followed. My body shifted at his will and my thighs settled over his. He guided me until my center was pressed firmly against the hard bulge in his jeans.
I wish I could have seen him. But touch was all I was allowed. My palms pushed up the etched lines of his hard abdomen. When my fingertips skimmed over his nipples he leaned into me. Big palms pushed slowly up my thighs. He pushed at the soft cotton of my dress until his warm hands were against my body. He didn’t stop until he was gripping my ass.
My breaths became heavy. I wanted him. I wanted him entirely. Gods knew I wanted to see that piercing more than I wanted my next breath.
But for some reason, guilt lay heavy at the bottom of my stomach.
“I-—I don’t think this is working.”
Quiet laughter shook through his chest, but he didn’t speak.
“I’m sorry. I like you, I do. But I could never hurt Zavier.”
A short silence settled in between us, and he never released his hold on me. His chest pushed against my palms as he leaned into me. I couldn’t move. What would I do if he kissed me right now?
You can’t slap a rockstar, can you?
“That’s really sweet of you.” Zavier’s voice startled me as he spoke against my lips.
My mouth parted with a surprised gasp.
Slow movements guided my hands as I pushed my fingertips lightly across the sharp angle of his jaw. Short hair met my touch before I skimmed higher to trace the bow of his lip. The same sweet lips I kissed earlier today. The same sweet lips which promised to help me.
