Josh appeared, carrying a tray. “I’ve made you a cup of tea. Should I run the bath for you?”
“That sounds heavenly,” Ashley said.
“I’ll leave the tray in the bedroom.”
In her room, Ashley kicked off her shoes and wriggled her toes. As much as she hated heels, they were a part of her political uniform. They turned her height into an asset and stopped any male patting-of-the-head ideas.
She poured a cup of tea and closed her eyes to savor the scent. She had a thing for the ginger and quince tea and loved the surprising aroma that reminded her of a bazaar with its Turkish delight fragrance. While she waited for the tea to cool a fraction, she removed her jacket and unbuttoned her blouse to reveal the red bra Josh had purchased.
Apart from thanking him for doing the shopping, they hadn’t discussed the contents.
Although red wasn’t a color she’d have purchased herself, she’d adored the vibrant ruby color of the lingerie set at first sight.
Josh pushed the door open. “The bath is almost—” He turned away to close the door with a loud click and leaned against the wood to study her with greater intensity.
Ashley swore she felt his touch as his gaze roved her curves.
“You are more beautiful than I imagined.” His gaze slid to half-mast. “Are you wearing the matching panties?”
“Of course.”
“Can I see? Please.”
“What do I get in return?” she asked.
“I’ll strip for your viewing pleasure any time you want, sweetheart.”
“Matt wouldn’t approve. I had him lecture me this morning.”
“Fuck, Frog.” Josh grimaced. “He harangued me too. My sister also warned me not to play fast and loose with your heart.”
“We’re not five-year-olds,” Ashley said. “Have they forgotten we’re adults?”
“You don’t look like any five-year-old of my acquaintance.” Josh pushed away from the door to stalk closer.
Her heart gave one hard thump before jumping into a frenzied race. She held her ground.Just. “W-what are you going to do?”
“Ireallywant to see the full effect of your sexy red lingerie.”
“It’s ruby, not red.”
Josh shrugged. “Please.”
Her mouth grew dry, and she licked her lips. Once. Twice. With his gaze caressing her all over, she decided to do as he requested. But she had to remember. Josh was no tamed cat to put outside whenever it suited her. If she opened this door…
Aware of the passing time and the fact she’d need to strip anyway, Ashley unfastened her skirt zipper. With the zipper spread, she did her regular careful shimmy to peel the fabric over her hips. This time, she had the added challenge of leaving her panties in place and not taking them off with her gyrations to remove the skirt.
“Do that shimmy thing again.” His voice was low, gritty while his electric blue gaze held her captive.
A blast of exhilaration stole her breath, tightened her chest. Her mouth grew dry as she stared at Josh. She stood with her skirt still caught on her backside, her bravery abandoning her. What was she doing?
“I. Dare. You.”
Her gaze flew to his, and she rocked her hips, gave a tiny twist, and her skirt pooled at her feet. She stepped out of the green fabric.
“You’re gorgeous, sweetheart. All that creamy skin. Your curves. You hide them.”
“I don’t want the voters distracted from business.”
