Page 11 of Maple Sugar Mix-Up
I reached forward to grab his water for him, at the same time he did. Our hands brushed and I remembered how warm it had been walking together, holding hands. My breath caught in my throat and I turned to look at him. Ashton blinked at me and his tongue darted out, briefly swiping over his lower lip.
This still counted as a single date, right?
“Thanks for letting me wait here.” I intended to speak at a normal volume, but somehow my voice sounded quiet, hushed.
“Yeah… No problem,” Ashton practically whispered in reply.
Had he leaned closer to me?
Or was I the one leaning in?
I decided it didn’t matter. I reached up and put a hand on his cheek. Ashton leaned into it and took a deep breath, eyes boring into mine.
His lips were as soft as they looked.
My hand slid from his cheek into his hair and I felt him press a hand to my chest. For a moment I was worried he was going to push me away, but instead he grabbed a fistful of my shirt and pulled me closer.
I let my lips part and his tongue darted inside my mouth. My tongue tangled with his, teasing, tasting. Ashton tasted like coffee and spices and I wanted more.
His other hand tangled in my hair and I realized that maybe I was being a dick after all, leading him on like this.
“I’m not… I’m not looking for anything serious,” I murmured against his lips. “Actually, I wasn’t planning on seeing you again after tonight…”
Ashton pulled back, just far enough to study me. “Honestly, me neither.”
I didn’t expect it to hurt, but it did. “Then why bid at the auction?” I asked in surprise.
“I wanted the maple candy,” he laughed. “It was just like Nana used to make… I just wanted to have a quick date and then cut and run. And I wanted to support the hospital that saved my daughter. And me. Why make it in the first place, if you don’t want to date?”
“To support the hospital,” I said. Well, since I was being honest. “A friend of mine promised he’d place the winning bid. There wasn’t supposed to be a date at all. Guess you went over his budget.” I winced as I said it; of course Ashtonmusthave been doing quite well for himself. He’d have to be if he was able to win something from the fundraiser. Some of the people I saw looked like they were ready for the Oscars or something, not to mention the venue itself was the nicest place in town.
“Sorry,” Ashton said. “I didn’t mean to ruin your plans.”
“Don’t be,” I said, still feeling more than honest. “I really had good time.”
“Me too. I… The thing is, I’m kind of happy being a single dad…” Ashton cleared his throat nervously. “I’ve had a few um… bad boyfriends recently. I kind of swore off dating.”
“I haven’t had much luck either,” I confessed. “And yet, I feel like…”
“What?” he prompted when I fell silent.
The truth was, I would have been totally open to a second date with him. But I couldn’t. Bad enoughIhadn’t wanted to date, I wasn’t about to try and convince Ashton to go on another, when he straight up said he was happy single. Nowthatwould be an asshole move.
“Just that… this still counts as one date, right?” I said instead.
To my relief, he grinned. “Yeah.”
“No strings. Just one good night?” I said.
“Sounds perfect.”
With that, we started kissing again.
I had to say, Ashton was a great kisser. His shirt had hitched up on one side and I slipped a hand under it, running my fingers along his bare skin. He shivered as my hand trailed up his side, then let out an adorable giggle just before I reached his armpit.
“Ticklish?” I teased, inching my fingers up higher.
Ashton actually squealed against my lips and wiggled in protest. “Anywhere but there!” he gasped.
