Page 43 of Dirty Desires
Chapter Nineteen
Nina
The week went by and everything was going great. Better than great. But that Friday, things were about to get even better.
Ashton came to my office and walked right in. “Hey, you.”
I looked up from my computer. “Hi there.”
It was nearly noon, and I figured he was there to walk with me to the studio to do the afternoon newscast. So, I got up to leave with him.
But his hands on my shoulders stopped me. “Where do you think you’re going, Nina?”
“Um, to the studio. Isn’t that what you’re here for?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No. You’re off for the weekend, starting right now.”
“And why is that?” I asked, as a thrill ran through me.
He looked over his shoulder then kicked the door closed. His eyes ran over me before settling back on my own. “I want to ask you something. And please be honest.”
“Of course.”
“I’m not one hundred percent over things. But Dr. Patel tells me that waiting to be perfect is a mistake. So I’m not going to wait anymore.” His eyes closed, and my heart raced. When he opened them, he asked, “Can we start dating?”
“Yes!” flew out of my mouth without me even thinking about it for a second. And I was ready for the kiss I had been waiting for too.
“Good.” He did kiss me, but only on the cheek. “I’ve set up a pretty great date for us tonight. But your part of it will start now. I’ve booked you a spa day. Artimus has been gracious enough to let us use his driver and town car. They’ll take you to the spa, where you’ll get the full treatment. There are a couple of packages in the trunk of that car for you too. Those are my gifts to you, and I would like for you to wear them to dinner.”
“You’re treating me like a princess, Ashton.” I was in awe. But I didn’t want him to think I was that kind of girl who had to be spoiled and pampered. “You don’t have to do all this.”
“I know I don’t have to.” He kissed my other cheek. “I want to. Let me do this.”
Who was I to argue?
“Okay. So, what time should I be ready for dinner?” I asked, as my mind raced ahead of me.
“Eight. We have an eight-thirty reservation at The River Café in Brooklyn.” His smile was huge, knowing that he had really pulled out all the stops.
“Wow. A spa day and a meal at a prestigious restaurant?” I was on cloud nine as he walked me to the waiting car outside the station.
A quick kiss to my forehead and I was on my way to one remarkable day.
After being soaked and scrubbed in various things and massaged into a blissful state, I came home and put on the little black dress he’d bought for me. Matching pumps came with it. And a smaller box held a set of diamond earrings and a necklace.
Standing in front of my full-length mirror, I barely recognized myself. And when I went out into the living room to wait for Ashton, I found Sandy, Sloan, and Ty having themselves a few beers before heading out for their night of fun.
Ty looked me up and down as he whistled. “Do you clean up nice or what, Nina?”
Sandy’s mouth was hanging open. “Where did you get all that, Nina? And are those real diamonds?”
“They are,” I said with a nod. “Ashton gave them to me. We’re going on our first date—finally. He’s taking me out to The River Café in Brooklyn for dinner tonight. And he sent me to the spa today too.”
Ty sounded a little grumpy as he said, “So, this guy’s got a shit-ton of money, then. I never stood a chance in hell.”
Shaking my head, I corrected him, “No, you didn’t stand a chance. But not because Ashton is rich. I mean, he’s doing well for himself, but that’s not why you never stood a chance against him. I’ve got it bad for him. I told you that. And now, he’s finally showing me how bad he’s got it for me too.”
Ty smiled then and came to kiss my cheek. “He’s one lucky SOB.”
