"Good morning," I said, not quite meeting his eyes. "I hope you're hungry. I've got eggs and bacon here."
"Smells great," Ashton said, his smile widening. "I didn't expect a full breakfast."
I shrugged, plating the food. "I rarely do this for guests, but" — I paused, my gaze finally locking with his—"you're the only one here." And you’re hot.
Yeah, I left that last but unsaid.
"Thanks. That's very kind of you." He accepted the plate I offered and poured himself a cup of coffee, leaning against the counter while the rest of the bacon cooked.
I asked, "So, what are your plans for today?"
"Actually, I'm going to visit my sister," Ashton said between bites. "I haven't seen her in a while. Need to catch up on everything I missed while I was out of town."
"Sounds like a nice day," I said, sipping my coffee slowly, the steam warming my face. What was his sister like? I'd met her briefly last night, but she didn't stick around long.
"Yeah, it's been too long," Ashton said, his voice tinged with something that sounded like anticipation. His eyes seemed to brighten at the mention of his family. It was clear, even through the simple exchange, that these were moments he treasured.
"Family's important," I said simply, acknowledging his sentiment.
Mine had been ripped away too soon. My parents had died when I was in college, hit by a drunk driver, a senseless tragedy that still echoed in the quiet corners of my life. I missed them every day, a constant, dull ache beneath the surface, a reminder of the void they'd left behind.,
"I couldn't agree more," he said, and we fell into a comfortable silence punctuated only by the clinking of cutlery and the soft hum of the refrigerator.
I slid onto the chair opposite Ashton, my hands cradling a steaming mug of coffee. He was a striking man, with dark, slightly tousled hair and dark brown eyes that seemed to absorb the light around them. I watched him eat, each forkful of scrambled eggs he lifted to his mouth somehow hypnotizing. The way his lips parted, the subtle movement of his jaw as he chewed, there was an unexpected grace to it that ignited something unfamiliar within me. A desire to lean across the table and taste the salt on his skin. I shook my head slightly, bewildered by the intensity of my own thoughts.
"Everything okay?" Ashton asked, looking up with those piercing chocolate brown eyes.
"Uh, yeah, everything's great." I forced myself to tear my gaze away and focus on my coffee. This wasn't like me, notat all.
Footsteps thudded softly up the basement stairs, and Laurie emerged into the kitchen with her hair disheveled from sleep. She made a beeline for the coffee pot, oblivious to the tension she'd walked into. Without asking, she scooped bacon onto her plate and shoveled eggs after it, which was okay because I usually made extras for her. She did the same when she cooked.
"Morning," she said, still half asleep.
"Morning, Laurie." I nodded toward Ashton.
"Hi, Ashton," Laurie said, offering a sleepy smile before taking a seat and focusing on her plate like it was the most interesting thing in the world.
"Nice to see you again," Ashton said, his voice warm.
Breakfast continued with a comfortable silence, punctuated by the occasional clink of cutlery on plates. Ashton finished his meal first, pushing the plate away with a contented sigh. "That was delicious, thank you," he said, meeting my eyes with genuine appreciation.
"No problem. Glad you enjoyed it." I tried to sound casual despite the fluttering in my stomach.
"Guess I should get going. My sister is expecting me," Ashton said, standing up from the table. He ran a hand through his still-damp hair.
"Of course," I nodded, rising to my feet as well. "It's nice having you here."
That was lame. I really didn't know what to say.
"Same here. Thanks again for the hospitality," Ashton said, offering one last smile before heading toward the door. As he left, I watched him go, the door closing behind him with a soft click that seemed far too final.
"See ya'," Laurie said after him, a touch too late, her attention now fully back on her breakfast.
I stood there a while longer, the absence of Ashton suddenly tangible in the quiet kitchen.
The clatter of dishes filled the silence Ashton left behind as Laurie and I began clearing the table. The warm water rushed over my hands, a comforting contrast to the odd chill that had settled in my chest.
"Hot guy for breakfast, huh?" Laurie's voice held a tease as she dried a plate with a flourish. "How are you holding up from last night?"
