Page 72 of The VIP Package

Fear fills his eyes, or maybe confusion, but two seconds later, a raw, ragged roar rattles out of him. He squeezes his eyes shut as I drag my nails down his back. I’m dizzy and dreamy as my eyes go unfocused. A bright haze of images plays through my head. The two of us together on his boat. A kiss on the beach, a hike in the forest near Portland. The two of us saying our vows, which is nuts.

We’ve known each other a week.

But that’s what I feel in that moment; connected to Ash like I’ve never felt anywhere, ever, with anyone. Both of us tremble, coming apart in each other’s arms.

“Holy shit.” I cling to him fiercely, aware that what’s happened here isn’t just sex. This is something else. Something precious and rare and so unlike what I expected when I came here.

Is he feeling it, too?

It takes a while for Ash to open his eyes. He withdraws and zips up, turning to grab me a hand towel from a shelf behind him. I take it in silence, doing my best not to panic. That was intense for us both. We all have different ways of processing.

He’s still not meeting my eyes. “Ash?”

“Yes?” His gaze lifts to mine, and before I can ask, he reads the question in my face. “Yes, I heard what you said.”

My shoulders tense. Dropping my gaze, I mop up with the towel he’s handed me. Taking my time, I slide off the washer and pull on my still-warm dress. Maybe there’s no cause for alarm.

Carefully, casually, I probe. “I take it we’re not on the same page?”

“It’s not that.” His jaw clenches tight as he does up his shirt. “You just caught me by surprise. I need a moment to process.”

I can’t fault him for that. Swallowing hard, I watch his fingers work the buttons. “That’s an impressively healthy response to what I said.”

“Thanks.” He takes back the towel, tossing it in a bin by the washer. Then he draws a deep breath and turns back to face me. “I’m sorry. I’m—not very good at this.”

“It’s okay.” My heartbeat drums in my head. “Whatever you’re feeling, just say it.”

“That’s just it.” Gaze holding mine, he shakes his head slowly. “I’m—not entirely sure.”

“That’s all right, Ash.” I feel like I’m coaxing a timid forest creature who’s likely to startle. “Hey. We don’t need to rush anything.” Maybe I’ve spoken too soon.

Then a warmth fills his eyes and his arms go around me. He hugs me so tight as relief sluices through me.

“I’m afraid,” he says softly.

“Afraid of what?”

“Of feeling.” He squeezes me tightly, then draws back to look in my eyes. “I know it’s not very manly to admit that.”

“It is actually the manliest thing you’ve ever said to me.” I cup a hand to his cheek, hoping he grasps how deeply I mean that. “I’m serious. It takes a big man to admit he’s afraid. Enormous.Huge. Gargantuan.”

His mouth twitches. “I adore you, Camille, in case it wasn’t obvious. You’ve shaken me up in ways I wasn’t expecting. I’ve come to care for you a great deal, and that’s terrifying, to be honest. I just need a little time to think about this.”

“Understood.” I push aside the ache in my chest. This isn’t bad news. It’s good that he’s not freaking out. That he’s taking the time to be thoughtful. To sit with his feelings instead offleeing or stuffing them back in a trunk. “I’m not in a hurry for answers. I just needed to tell you.”

“I appreciate that.” He kisses me softly, lips brushing mine as his hands tumble over my back. “And I truly am enamored with you, even if I don’t know what the future holds.”

It’s all I can ask for. The most anyone could ask of a man who’s been hurt the way Ashton Holyfield has.

As he kisses me softly, I lose track of worry and fear. I let go of my own insecurities and let myself feel. I bask in the pleasure and joy and steady connection with this man in my arms.

But a mean little niggle of worry wriggles around in my brain. It’s pesky and cruel and I struggle to push it aside. Even as I try, one question squirms to the surface.

What is Ash feeling?

CHAPTER 14

ASHTON

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