“If you’re free.”
“Shit, I’ve got rehearsals again and anyway, you said you wanted to catch up with Angie.”
“She couldn’t make it; she said something came up.”
“Ahh, so I’m your sloppy second?”
“Don’t be daft,” I laugh while his hand folds around my shoulder.
“I’m joking.” Ash nuzzles into my neck. “You know I’d spend time with you in a heartbeat if I could.” We straighten up and carry on walking arm in arm. “We’ve got rehearsal time booked again tonight, which we need now, more than ever.”
“Why is that? Do you have a gig booked?” I say, looking up towards him.
“I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet, but we have a signing date and the label want to make a big deal out of it.”
“That’s fantastic!” I stop him in his tracks; my fingers hook around his neck and I stand on my tiptoes to reach his lips. “Things are really moving for you now.”
“It’s probably time. Bernie’s been pretty patient.” His lips brush mine, and there’s a moment where perhaps both of us realise, our time together is precious.
“So, since you’re free tonight, you could come and watch.”
“Yeah, sure.” I blink. “I’d love to. I can make us something quick to eat instead, then we can go.” Selfishly, I’d prefer it if we could have a night alone, but I don’t let on. I’ve never wanted to be one of those girls who got all huffy about her man doing his own thing, especially when I was meant to be out doing my own thing too. However, tonight was different; I needed him to be there for me. Of course, I knew his music would come first, which I’m on board with. It is, after all, his future; but something inside me has changed. I need him like I’ve never needed anyone before. I want him to tell me everything will be okay.
I better snap out of whatever funk this is. I don’t know what’s wrong, this is not me.
Ash holds me close, my chest just below his and I take in his smile while his thumb brushes the line of my jaw. His offer should be just what I need—time to relax and watch my man in action. This is the way I have to look at it.
We carry on our walk and Ash says, “I’m glad you’re coming tonight. I love it when you watch me on stage. I want to give it my all, you know?”
“Me too… I mean, I love watching you. It’s like you’re singing just to me.” I giggle. “But I wish it wasn’t getting so hard for us to spend time on our own, especially with us both working.”
“Yeah, it is difficult, but we knew it would happen.” I look up into his eyes, acknowledging his words when we stop outside my house. I lose myself there for a moment before turning towards my old front door, and Ash’s hands fall to myshoulders behind me. “The best thing we can do is make the most of every minute.”
“I’m all for that.” I rummage in my pockets, finding my key, then slip into the lock—it’s a moment Ash takes to kiss down my neck. His favourite place it seems.
“Fuck, you smell incredible,” he says against my skin.
“I didn’t realise Eau de fry-up was your favourite smell.”
“No, this is something else. This is all you. I want to bottle it and take it with me when we’re apart.”
“Why would you want to do that?” I ask, closing my eyes and enjoying his touch.
“I miss you.” His voice is soft and calming, his kisses cause sweet tingles through my body, and my heart beats so fast, my chest hurts.
“Same,” I hum, enjoying every minute of his attention. I’ve definitely missed the warmth of his skin next to mine.
“I haven’t been able to focus on the music properly, I hate it when you’re not around.” His hands continue to rest against my hips as we walk into the hallway.
“I don’t want to affect your performance, Ash. Never let me get in the way of your music.” He releases me briefly, and I turn to face him, looping my hands around his neck and interlinking my fingers to hold me there.
“I can’t help the way I feel about you, Cal. You’re fast becoming my favourite distraction.”
“And you mine.” I mouth the words so close to his lips, enjoying the warmth of his hands against my back. Gradually, he smooths them down towards my bum again, bringing me flush against him. I can already feel how hard he is through his jeans. The urge to have Ash inside me takes over and I don’t contemplate my next move until it’s already done. My fingers break their grip and go their separate ways. The fingers of one hand stay curled around his neck while theother lays flat against the hard wall of his toned chest. I draw a slow line down his body until I reach the button on his jeans. I take a moment to look in the deep blue eyes I’m in love with, then drop my focus to his lips which curve upwards on one side. Dinner can wait. Everything can wait. There is no better feast than Ashton Chambers.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
ASH
