The minute the door closed, Ashton became the relaxed, sweet man who’d stolen my heart. “What are you thinking about?” Ashton asked, searching my face for answers.
“I’ll tell you later.” I winked at him and watched as the tension left his shoulders and the creases around his eyes smoothed out.
“Well then, eat your dinner so we can leave. You can tell me on the ride home.”
Desire coursed through me. Like water, it found its way to every part of me, and my body thrummed with anticipation. I’d wanted dessert, but the look in Ashton’s eyes told me there would be something much more delicious at home.
So I ate my dinner.
Fast.
CHAPTER 30
Elena
We were halfway home when Ashton glanced over at me. “It’s later.”
I knew exactly what he wanted but I decided to play coy anyway. “I guess that happens when time passes.”
He chuckled. “When did you become a smartass?”
“Let’s just say I had a great teacher.” I took a deep breath, letting my voice take on a serious tone. “I did learn something about you tonight.”
His hands twisted around the steering wheel, waiting to hear what I had to say. “And that is?”
“That your clients are lucky to deal with you, instead of your brother or father.” He glanced over like he wanted to say something, but I continued before he got the chance. “Don’t get me wrong, both of them have been wonderful to me since I met them. But I know there’s no way they would have let that man out of the box without injury for not having the money. You’re willing to give people a second chance when they truly deserve one.” I reached over and covered his thigh with my hand. “It may not be the ideal situation, but I understand.”
A deep sigh escaped his lips and his grip loosened, the corners of his mouth turning up into a grin. “You make me sound like some kind of knight.”
I giggled. “A dark, sexy knight maybe.”
“You think I’m sexy?”
Déjà vu made me answer the question the same way he did what seemed like forever ago. “Fuck yes, I think you’re sexy.”
He groaned. “God, I love it when you curse at me.”
Ashton leaned on the accelerator and my back was pushed against the seat. He seemed anxious to get home; but so was I. I could only imagine what he had in store for me when we got home.
Whatever it might be, I was more than ready.
A week had passed and there was no sign of Dominic. The divorce papers had been served, and Arthur assured me that he’d already asked for a court date for a contested divorce in case Dominic refused to sign them. Either way, I didn’t have to stay married to him.
“Elena, where are you?”
“In your room.”
I was getting my things together for the day’s shows. Saturdays were hectic because there was a matinee as well as an evening performance.
“How many times do I need to remind you—this is our bedroom, not mine.”
“Sorry. I’m still trying to get used to it. It’s still a little weird for me.”
He smiled and wound his arms around my waist. “I wanted to tell you to break a leg tonight. I’m not happy I’m missing both shows.”
I still couldn’t believe he’d been to every single performance, despite being ridiculously busy with the restaurants and work for Malcolm. Somehow, he always managed to buy the same seat so I knew where to look for him. Even though I didn’t mind that he had to work, it was going to be weird looking over to see someone else in “his” seat.
“I know, but missing one isn’t a big deal. We still have five weeks of shows left. Besides, you need to deal with that wedding tonight.”
“Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“No, it doesn’t, but I’ll have Brock and Lewis bring me to you when I’m done and we can go get something to eat.”
“I think that’s a great idea. Are you still okay with Brock and Lewis going with you?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I think Dominic might have skipped town.”
“The fucker still owes me money, but losing the money is worth it if it means he stays away from you.”
“Everything will be fine. Now go, before you’re late. I’ll see you tonight.”
Ashton gave me more than a quick peck to remember him by before leaving for the restaurant. I threw the last few pieces into my bag and headed out.
When we arrived at the theater, I told Brock and Lewis they didn’t need to sit through both performances today. I’d be back stage with security. They could come back around nine, which should be a little after intermission.