Page 104 of Pulse
“How long have you had it?”
“A week.”
“Ash,” I said, annoyance starting to bubble in my stomach like acid. If he was keeping something this big from me, were there other things he wasn’t telling me? “You promised me. You promised no more secrets…”
“I know Spitfire…”
“Then why didn’t you tell me? I’m not pissed off...at least I’m trying not to be.” I mean, it hurt that he didn’t tell me, but it felt like he was falling back into old habits.
“Ren, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. It took me by surprise. I mean, fuck, I thought that was a door that was closed forever.”
I narrowed my eyes, not sure how I was supposed to react. “So, they really want you to compete again?”
He nodded, his lips thin. If he thought I was going to be pissed because I withdrew...
I sighed. “If going back to pro is what you want-”
He stepped forward and placed a hand over my mouth, stifling my complaints. My gaze locked with his and my heart did a little flip-flop.
“I don’t know what I want,” he murmured.
“Do you want to go back?” I whispered as his hand fell away.
“I don’t know,” he replied, cupping my face in his big paws. “The only thing I’m certain of is you. I’d follow you to hell and back.”
“I think we’ve already been there,” I said with a smile. “I’d like to go someplace else now.”
“You and me both Spitfire.”
“But-”
“No buts. We’ve got shit to do first.” He sighed, running his thumbs back and forth across my cheeks. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It threw me Spitfire. I just...I didn’t know what to do.”
I pressed forward, wrapping my arms around his waist and his hands dropped away. “If it’s what you want, then I’m with you.”
He pressed his cheek against the top of my head, caging me against him with his thick arms. “Let’s worry about that later. I still want to smash this Championship. I owe it to you and Violet...”
“And to yourself,” I whispered.
“Yeah,” he agreed and I swore there was more sadness than anything in his voice. “One life changing decision at a time Spitfire. I don’t think I could take anymore than that.”
Fuck, it was getting so morose in here I had to say something to make him crack a smile. “How life changing would it be to pick up your dirty clothes every once in a while?”
Ash laughed and pinched me on the ass. “I think I can manage it.”
