Page 53 of Use Me

“She’ll be here in a few minutes. She’s just walking in.” I chuckled.

Mom turned her gaze toward the front doors, and my girl walked in wearing a black dress that showed her bare shoulders. Bare shoulders that I’d kissed the first night I met her.

“She’s even more beautiful in person.”

I nodded my agreement and watched as Ashtyn scanned the crowd in our direction. When her gaze met mine, we both smiled. She said something to her friend and then started toward us. My smile hadn’t faltered one bit in the time it took her to walk across the room.

“Cupcake,” I greeted, kissing her lips softly. “You know what your shoulders do to me.”

She shoved me playfully and hissed, “Be good.”

“I am being good or I could—”

“You must be Mrs. Cole.” Ashtyn reached out her hand to my mother.

Mom waved off the handshake and moved to Ashtyn with opened arms. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. And please, call me Claire.”

“Right. So, Mom, this is Ashtyn. Ashtyn, this is my mother, Claire,” I introduced them sarcastically. I meant to do the introductions before they hugged but seeing Ashtyn in a tight dress that showed a lot of skin was killing me. It was causing me to have thoughts of dragging her in the restroom and having my way with her.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” Ashtyn smiled.

“You want something to drink, Cupcake?”

“Cupcake? That’s a cute term of endearment,” Mother cooed.

Ashtyn’s gaze flicked to mine, and I smirked at my mother’s words.Yeah, I wanted to lick Ashtyn’s cupcake right about now.

“I’ll have what your mom’s having.”

I turned to the bar and ordered a Rosé for Ashtyn while she and my mother chatted about God knew what. Mother was probably asking her how she felt about a spring wedding. They were both laughing, and it struck me that it was the first time my mother had laughed with one of my girlfriends.

The bartender placed the pink wine in front of me, and after tipping him, I turned and moved back to the ladies. “Where did your co-worker go?” I asked, handing Ashtyn her drink.

“To mingle with some people.”

“You know who I’d also like to meet?” Mother asked.

“Who?” I questioned.

“Barbara from the evening news. She’s been on for years, and I’d like to just meet her once.”

“I can introduce you,” Ashtyn offered.

“Really? I’d love that.”

Ashtyn scanned the room. “She’s over there. Want me to do it now?”

Mom looked at me, and I shrugged. “I don’t mind. In fact, I need to visit the little boy’s room.” The women started to move away, but I grabbed Ashtyn’s wrist, halting her. “After you introduce them, meet me by the men’s room.”

“And leave your mother?” she asked in a whisper.

I nodded. “Trust me. She’ll talk Barbara’s ear off, and I want to show you something.”

Ashtyn’s eyes brightened. “I’m intrigued.”

We parted ways, and I walked out the door in the direction where I assumed the restrooms were. I actually didn’t care. I was going to find a quiet place where I could finally kiss her and not the sweet-hello-how-ya-doing one I gave her earlier.

I found the restroom, and instead of going inside, I waited against the wall for Ashtyn. I hadn’t seen anyone go in or out, and when I saw her walking down the hall, I smiled.