I can use Zuri in my life, even if all we ever become is friends.
*
Zuri
I never expectedto fall for someone in college the way I’ve fallen for Ash. We started as just friends, but I was interested in her from the start.
I’d always told myself I wouldn’t get serious with anyone in college, though. That’s not why I’m here. I came here to get an education and become a doctor, but from the first conversation I had with her, I knew she was different.
We’ve been talking for a few months now, and what started as a friendship has grown to cuddling, kissing, touching, and exploring each other’s bodies.
And tonight, she’s taking me on a date.
Things have been a little hectic lately; between school and Ash’s family, it feels like something is always going on.
We did hang out at her brother Tiernan’s house a couple of weeks ago. It was the first time I’d really gotten to spend much time with all of them. Ash is really protective of her family. It’s clear there are some secrets there, secrets she can’t or isn’t ready to share with me, but partying and then sleeping over at Tiernan’s house feels like a step in the right direction.
“Where are we going?” I ask when we drive toward the other side of Ashford. The destination soon becomes clear. “Ash…” I say when we pull up in front of the Mexican restaurant.
I’d mentioned it to her once, how it’s been in Ashford since my father came here for college; that he used to tell me how it was his favorite place to eat in town; that he would sit in a booth and do homework while eating chips and queso.
One time. I told her thatonce, but she remembered.
While Ash and her family have secrets, she’s good at things like this.
“I thought we could come here together and make some memories of our own,” she tells me.
Reaching over, I cup her cheek, pulling her close, and kiss her soft lips. “I like that idea. I want all the memories with you.”
“Good. Because I want all of them with you, too.”
I’ve come here one other time since moving to Ashford, but it feels like a whole new level being here with Ash.
As soon as they take our drink orders, she asks for chips and queso, which couldn’t be more perfect.
The food is good, but the company is better. And the only thing I can think the whole time we’re laughing and eating together is how much I like her, how much I want to be with her, how lucky I am to have found her.
Ash gets tacos while I get enchiladas, but really, we just end up sharing our food—some of mine on her plate and some of hers on mine.
We talk about school and life.
When dinner is done, Ash insists on paying, and I let her know that I’m getting it next time. She agrees before taking me to our next stop, which is an ice cream parlor—despite the fact that it’s winter and cold as hell in Ashford.
“Are you going to give me all my favorite things tonight?” I ask. She knows that ice cream is my favorite dessert.
“I’ll always give you your favorite things, baby,” she says, before offering a dramatic wink, then the two of us dissolve into laughter.
“That was so bad,” I tease.
“I think you secretly liked it.”
She’s right. I secretly like everything about her.
And I hope like hell I never have to lose her.
I could easily fall in love with Aislin O’Shea…if I’m not already there.
CHAPTER ONE
