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“I see that.”

“It’s not what it looks like. I wasn’t …”

He pushes me against the wall and dips his head to get in my face, his arm resting above my head. “I’m not accusing you of anything. I’ve been watching you since you pulled in the driveway.”

“Oh.” I blink at him, and he chuckles.

“Do you want to go to my room?”

My stomach flips at his invitation. His tongue runs along his bottom lip, and I almost pass out.

He chuckles again as he pulls away from me.

When we get to his room, and he shuts the door behind us, my nervousness amps higher than the music that’s still pulsing outside. He walks over and closes the window. “I like to listen to the excitement downstairs, but I haven’t really been up to joining them quite yet.”

I nod, understanding exactly what he’s saying. “I used to live for a party, but I’ll admit I was a bit overwhelmed.”

He smiles at me and sits down on the end of the bed. “I know. I saw the look on your face. That’s when I decided to intervene.”

“It seems you’re always around to rescue me,” I say quietly while I take in his space. His room is spotless, and everything is in its place.

There’s a picture of him and Willow with their parents on his dresser. I walk over to get a better look. They look so happy. My fingers trail lightly over the books stacked beside it.

“I’m glad you came over. I was missing you.”

I glance at him over my shoulder. He pats the mattress.

Slowly, I move closer and lower myself beside him.

“We could watch a movie,” he says, pointing to the TV hanging on the wall.

“We could.” I pinch my bottom lip between my teeth, drawing his eyes there.

He reaches up and gently strokes my cheek. “You’re nervous.”

I don’t think I can find the right verb to describe how good his touch makes me feel. Who needs alcohol or drugs when you have a man who has magical hands?

“You don’t want to watch a movie, do you?”

I shake my head, evidently unable to find any words at the moment.

The vibration of his deep chuckle sends me over the edge. “I’m going to need you to tell me what you want.” His hand slides down to the side of my neck.

“I just want to be close to you,” I whisper.

“Good, because I want that too.”

He leans in and kisses me until the room becomes so hot that he’s reaching behind him to pull his shirt over his head. I don’t know if I can explain to you how sculpted this man is. Ash doesn’t even know how hot he is, which makes him even hotter.

“How far do you want to go?” he asks, pulling me from my stupor.

My mouth snaps shut, and I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

He goes for his pants next, but his fingers pause on the button.

Reluctantly, I pull my eyes away from his hands to meet his gaze. If I stopped him right now, he would accept it. He’s so kind and safe. I may never understand what he sees in me, but I will forever be grateful for it. He’s slowly filling the hole in my heart.

“I want to go as far as you’re willing to take us.”