“It doesn’t work that way,” Ashton mumbles, and his hands tease my hips, playing with the waistband of my jeans.
He knows exactly what he’s doing, stirring desire within me as I’m situated on his lap.
Damn, he’s good.
My cheeks heat up, and my body succumbs to the warmth, relaxing against him.
“Not a wish, but I want you to go tell Liam you’re dating me. We’re in a relationship. And then proclaim to him how much you care about me.”
Ashton’s face scrunches. “Do I have to?”
“If you want me to forgive you, yes.”
Ashton sighs and rests his hands on my hips. He gently guides me back to my seat on the mattress. He stands, and I do the same, wanting to watch.
“Where are you going?” Ashton glances back at me, surprised that I got up from the bed.
“Oh, I’m one hundred percent here for the show.” I follow him out of my bedroom, wanting to witness his grand gesture to Liam about dating me.
As we step out into the hallway, I lean into him, so only he can hear me. “Don’t screw this up or you’ll be dating your hand indefinitely.”
“Harsh.” He glares playfully at me and then pinches my butt.
My mouth drops, and he chuckles, striding out into the living room where Liam has perched himself on the couch in front of the television.
“Ashton has something he wants to say,” I announce to Liam.
Liam reaches for the remote and hits the button on the television, muting the screen. “I’m listening.” He raises an eyebrow, clearly amused and delighted to hear whatever Ashton has to say.
“Nova and I are dating. We’re in a relationship, so don’t be a dick and call it a situationship. I care about her a lot. She’s not just some girl I’m sleeping with; she’s my best friend and my girlfriend. Don’t ever insult her like that again. She deserves better from you.”
Liam’s eyes widen. “Got it.” He holds up his hand. “Sorry, didn’t mean to offend you, Nova.”
“It’s okay.”
“It’s not,” Ashton says protectively. “No one should be referring to our relationship as anything less than what it is. I care about her, and I want everyone to know that.”
Liam watches with curiosity. “Even Luca?” He can’t help himself, trying to add more drama.
“Stay out of my relationship, Liam. You don’t see me butting into your friends with benefits shit with that girl at Great Falls.”
Liam bites his bottom lip and glances at the television. “We broke up.”
“Shit. I’m sorry, man.” Ashton keeps hold of my hand as he leads me to the sofa.
A heavy sigh parts from Liam’s lips as we sit, Ashton beside him and me on the end of the couch.
I’m still without any pillows. Damn, but I’m also not stretching out. “I’m sorry to hear things didn’t work out with you and Iris.”
He laughs under his breath. “I actually broke it off with her.”
“Oh?” Ashton and I both wait for Liam to elaborate, but he doesn’t.
Silence fills the air between us.
“What happened?” I finally ask, cutting the tension.
Ashton rests a hand on my thigh, his touch gentle yet firm. It’s comforting.
