Page 84 of Paradise & Vodka
The job I hadn't been able to do.
The job I didn't want to do.
The only job I knew how to do.
"What do I do?" I asked as I stood at Seth's front door.
He crossed his arms over his chest. "What do you want to do?"
Even though all of my friends were happy and in love, Seth had been in love with Cat the longest. He had literally wanted to be with her since they were kids, and he would know what I should do.
"Honestly," I started to whisper, "I want what all of you have but withher."
"Then tell her."
"What if she doesn't want me?"
"Something is going on, man. Trust your gut."
"My gut." I chuckled.
"I saw you two together on the plane ride home. It didn't seem like you were having a client/escort relationship."
I started to argue that we were putting on a front because her family was on the plane, but thinking about it, I hadn’t been putting on a charade at that point. How I’d been acting toward her, by giving her kisses and whatever, was all genuine. I’d wanted to do it, and I wanted to keep doing it.
Seth continued. "Just get your ass inside and see what happens."
"Okay." I took a deep breath. He stepped aside, and I entered, looking around immediately for Ashleigh, but I didn't see her—or anyone for that matter.
"Everyone is out by the pool."
"Right." I set the bag down with the rest of the gifts and then headed outside. A bar was set up just outside the door, and I made myself a drink as I listened to the laughter and chatter. When I looked up, my gaze landed on Ashleigh and her tan legs and ample rack. Fuck, I'd missed her tits and her legs wrapped around me, even though it had only happened that one time—the one time we made love. Needless to say, I missed her, and my reaction to her proved it.
Taking a big gulp of the vodka and grapefruit juice, I started toward her. It felt like I was walking for miles and everyone was staring at me. Everyonewasstaring at me, and before I got to her, I gave Cat a hug and then moved to Ashleigh. She looked up at me, and I saw her take a deep breath as though she were nervous too.
"Snookums," I greeted her with a grin.
She smiled warmly. "We're back to that one?"
I chuckled. "I don't know. What do you prefer, snookums or baby?" As I waited for her answer, I still felt all eyes on me. Everyone was quiet or whispering, except for Gabe's son, Liam, and Vinny's boy, Colton, who were playing in the pool with Gabe and Vin.
Ashleigh broke her stare, glancing at who I assumed was Adriane sitting next to her and then back up at me. "What do you want to call me?"
I leaned down and whispered into her ear, "Mine."
My heart hammered rapidly in my chest as I waited for her to respond, our gazes locked, my nose inches from hers. The seconds felt like hours.
"Kiss her already!" I heard Paul shout behind me.
I flipped him off without breaking eye contact with Ashleigh.
Finally, she spoke. "I like that one the best."
"Yeah?" I beamed.
She nodded. "Yeah."
I set my glass down on the table beside us and reached for her, pulling her up out of the chair. Cupping her cheeks with both of my hands, I didn't hesitate to kiss the lips I had been dreaming about for a week. I didn't care that all of my friends were around, her best friend, or even the children. Nothing mattered except Ashleigh.
