Traded

by Rebecca Brooke

Reaching out, he curled his body around mine. “As much as I want to strip you naked, there’ll be time for that later. You can get in the shower first.”

  “Okay.” I sat up and looked at him. “Any clues as to what I should put on?”

  “Something casual. I’m wearing a pair of cargo shorts. Not sure if you’ll be cold later on tonight.”

  What does he have up his sleeve this time?

  “I’m guessing we’ll be outside again?”

  “You guessed right. Just throw on a tank top for now. I have something for you to wear.”

  “Another surprise? You’re spoiling me.”

  His hand came up to caress my face. “You deserve to be spoiled, and I like doing it.”

  “I like that it’s you spoiling me,” I said, not looking at him. Truth was, I was a little embarrassed about just how much he was doing. I didn’t lie—I loved that he wanted to spoil me. I just didn’t quite understand why.

  I wondered how it was going to feel when I left. Ashton hadn’t mentioned me staying and no matter how connected I thought we were, I’d never assume that he’d want me there. It would be very easy to get used to all the trappings of this lifestyle.

  I grabbed a white tank and a pair of jean shorts and closed myself in the bathroom, the whole time feeling Ashton’s gaze on my body. Whatever he had planned, I was sure it included naked time together.

  After my shower, I dressed quickly and finished drying my hair before stepping out of the bathroom. In the first week or so after leaving Dominic, it felt weird to care about my appearance. Even taking more than ten minutes to get dressed caught me off guard. I’d learned that I enjoyed taking the time to look nice, not for anyone else, but for myself. It made me feel more confident.

  Ashton sat on the edge of the bed, a box in his hands. He wore a pair of khaki cargo shorts and a simple white T-shirt. Not what I expected. He lifted the box up.

  “I want you to wear this tonight.”

  Curious, I took the box from him and removed the bow holding it closed. Inside the box sat a purple Rockies T-shirt. Taking the shirt from the box, thoughts of the last time I stepped foot into the stadium flashed before me. Without a word, I pulled the tank top over my head and switched it for the T-shirt. It fit perfectly. I noticed Ashton had also pulled on a jersey.

  “Ready?” he asked, watching me.

  “I guess.”

  Did I want to go back to place where everything I knew got turned on its head? It might have been for the better, but that didn’t mean I wanted to remember the things that were said in that room. Things I’d worked really hard in the last two months to overcome.

  “You’re nervous,” he muttered.

  “Kind of.” I stared off into the corner of the room.

  “Would it make you feel better if I told you we’re not going to the box tonight?”

  My eyes snapped to his.

  “Because we’re not.”

  My stomach settled and filled with excitement; the same excitement I’d felt the first night I thought I’d get to see a game. I pushed those thoughts aside. Had it not been for that night I wouldn’t be with Ashton now.

  “Then, I’m very ready.”

  He held his hand out for me. “Let’s go.”

  The entire ride to the stadium, my knee bounced up and down, only stopping when Ashton lay his hand on my thigh, sliding it up to the hem of my shorts. The air was still hot, and my body grew even hotter with each one of Ashton’s caresses.

  Walking into the stadium was even more nerve-racking than I’d expected. Even knowing we were heading to different seats, I couldn’t stop the slight tremble of my hand. Ashton gave my hand a reassuring squeeze as he led us down the stairs.

  He led me passed rows and rows of seats until I finally realized where he was taking me.

  “We’re sitting behind the dugout?”

  The corners of his mouth curved up. “I figured if you’ve never been to a game then you needed to have the perfect view.”

  We took our seats directly behind the dugout on the first base line, or at least that was how Ashton described it to me. For me, someone who didn’t really understand baseball, they were just seats but Ashton went out of his way to explain things.

  As great a view as we had, I was having more fun watching the Jumbotron; at least, until the kiss cam started. Not in a million years did I expect the camera to end up on us, but with the way Ashton made sure to lean toward me the entire night, I should have.

  The second our faces appeared on the big screen, Ashton ran his hand up around my nape, bringing my lips to his. The moment his tongue slipped into my mouth the stadium around us fell away. His thumb lightly tickled my neck, sending sparks everywhere. It wasn’t until the catcalls started around us that we finally broke the kiss.

  Ashton’s face didn’t move far from mine. “Now the whole world knows how badly I want you.”

  Emotions I didn’t want to acknowledge filled me. How I wished that Ashton felt more than a desire to have me in his bed. In reality, it was a pipe dream. I wouldn’t let it ruin what happened to be the best day of my life. Ashton had planned the perfect date. Smiling, I stole a brief kiss and cuddled into the crook of his arm to watch the game.

  After the seventh inning stretch, I excused myself to head to the ladies room. The Rockies were only ahead by one run and I didn’t want to miss too much of the game. Dodging the people heading for beer and food, I was a few steps away from the restroom when someone grabbed my arm, jerking me to a stop.

  “When I said you should spread your legs for Ashton, I didn’t mean you should practically fuck him in public,” a familiar voice snarled in my ear.

  My head snapped around.

  “Dominic?” I squeaked. It pissed me off that I let him affect me like this, but the shock of seeing him sent my mind into a frenzy. He yanked my arm and I was trapped, caught in his gaze. His eyes were cold. “Maybe I need to remind you who you belong to.”

  Before I had a chance to respond, his mouth came down on mine in a bruising kiss. It might have been the first time Dominic had kissed me in at least five years, but it wasn’t done out of love. That kiss was meant to punish and degrade me. Shock held me immobile, until he tried to stick his tongue in my mouth. Shoving at him with all my strength, I managed to push him off of me.

  “What are you doing?” I wiped my hand across my lips, trying to get rid of his touch.

  He sneered. “Reminding you who you’ll be coming home to in two weeks.”

  I shook my head, taking a step back. “No.”

  “No, what?” he snapped.

  Wrapping my arms around myself, I took another step back. “I’m filing for divorce.”

  “What?” he shouted, a vein pulsing at his temple.

  The sight of his hands clenched into fists kicked in my fight or flight response, but when I tried to move I couldn’t because I was backed into the wall; the sound of cheers erupting in the stadium drowned out by the sound of the pounding of my heart.

  Dominic grabbed my arms, pulling me toward the exit.

  “You’re mine. There will be no divorce.” His voice sent chills down my spine and everything instinct I’d fought so hard to quash during the two months I’d been away returned in full force.

  “What are you doing?” someone yelled from behind me.

  “We’re not done,” he snarled, giving me a shove and I fell backward, hitting the ground awkwardly. I wrapped my arms around myself, watching him take off as two guys ran over.

  “Are you okay,” the taller one asked.

  “I am,” I answered, carefully hiding my trembling hands. “Just an ex who doesn’t understand he’s an ex.”

  “Do you need us to walk you back to your seat?” the other chimed in.

  I shook my head. All I wanted was to get back to Ashton as quick as possible. “No. I’m pretty sure you guys scared him away. Thank you.” I forced a smile, hoping to make it more convincing.

  The tall one looked around, scanning th
e crowd. “If you’re sure. Can I at least walk you to your section?”

  “I’m right across the concourse.”

  Forgetting about the ladies room, I let them lead me across the way to my section, my eyes darting everywhere, wondering if Dominic had really left, or if he was somewhere nearby, watching me.

  “Be careful,” they said and I nodded before walking through the entry and down the stairs toward my seat.

  “You missed—” Ashton looked over at me and froze. “What happened?” His eyes searched mine.

  “Nothing.” I linked my fingers through his. “Let’s watch the game.”

  “Don’t pull that shit, Elena. Look at you—you’re shaking. Something happened and I want to know what it is.” His tone left no room for argument.

  I swallowed and my voice shook as I said, “I ran into Dominic.”

  “Jesus Christ.”

  He lifted his hands to touch me and I couldn’t help it; I flinched.

  “Fuck.”

  His hands dropped to his sides but I could see the tension in his body. He took a deep breath then asked, “Are you okay?”

  I shook my head.

  “Okay,” he said, but his voice was so low I knew he wasn’t talking to me. “I’ve dealt with him enough to know that you don’t just run into Dominic without him saying something stupid. Want to tell me what he said?”

  “He . . . umm . . .”

  Ashton reached up and pushed the stray hair out of my face and behind my ear. I wasn’t entirely comfortable but I allowed it, knowing that he wouldn’t hurt me.

  “Elena, it’s okay. I’m right here. I won’t let him get to you again.”

  Needing the comfort, I leaned into his side. “At first he yelled at me for kissing you on screen, then he kissed me.”

  Ashton was out of his seat and halfway up the stairs before I could stop him. Leaving our things by our seats, I raced after him. He beat me to the concourse.

  “Ashton!”

  He stood about ten feet in front of me. The reflection on his glasses from the lights above was not enough to mask the cold determination in his eyes. Needing to be close to him, I ran over and slipped my hand in his.

  “Don’t leave me,” I begged. I didn’t care how desperate I sounded. I didn’t want to be alone. And I definitely didn’t want him doing anything stupid.

  When he turned to me his features softened. “I won’t leave you, but I also won’t stand by and let that prick put his lips on you.”

  “I told him I was filing for divorce.”

  “You did?” Ashton’s face was a mixture of confusion and wonder. He paused for a second, thinking something over before he asked, “How did he take it?”

  “He said he wouldn’t allow that and pushed me up against the wall near the ladies’ room.”

  He ground his teeth together. “I’m going to kill that bastard when I get my hands on him.”

  I was still freaked out and just wanted to push it out of my mind. Focusing on the fun we’d had would help. “It’s been a perfect day. Can we just watch the game and worry about Dominic later?”

  Ashton took my face in his hands, placing the sweetest, softest kiss ever on my lips. “Okay. Let’s go.” He took my hand and walked me back to our seats. I could see the tension in his shoulders, but knew he was trying to hide it—for me.

  The second we sat down, Ashton pulled out his phone. His fingers flew across the keys as he sent text after text. A few minutes later, he put it away and sighed.

  “We’re getting you self-defense lessons.”

  I thought about arguing, but it couldn’t hurt. Even if I never had to use the skills I’d learn, knowing that I’d be able to overpower Dominic if he ever came at me again would give me some comfort. Ashton wouldn’t be around forever. It was the smart thing to do.

  I nodded and Ashton turned his head back to the game.

  There was only one inning left so it ended pretty quickly. Since it had been such a close game, people stayed all the way through, it took longer to get out of there. Once we reached the exit gate, I noticed Brock standing there waiting for us.

  “Ashton. Elena. I hear you had some trouble tonight.”

  “A bit,” I answered.

  “Brock will drive us home. In case we have to deal with Dominic again, I don’t want you left alone.”

  All of it sounded so possessive and protective. Ashton and I climbed into the backseat of the car and waited for Brock to pull out of the lot. Ashton sat so rigidly that it made me want to scream in frustration. I couldn’t let my problems ruin an absolutely wonderful day. I knew talking wouldn’t solve anything, but there was one thing that would help ease the tension.

  I ran my hand up his leg, knee to thigh, my palm coming to rest over his zipper. His sharp intake of breath told me I was doing something right and I let my fingers slide down his other leg, then retraced my path. His hand covered mine.

  “If you keep that up, we’ll give Brock a show,” he whispered in my ear.

  The heat rose to my cheeks but was quickly forgotten as Ashton cupped my jaw and took possession of my lips. Opening my mouth, he slid his tongue inside, tasting every square inch. Absorbed in the kiss, I didn’t notice when we pulled up in front of the house until Ashton released my seatbelt and lifted me out of the car.

  We made our way into the house and up the stairs. Heat blazed in his eyes when he finally set me down and I knew I’d succeeded in making him forget about Dominic, if only for the moment. Ashton’s mouth returned to mine as he lowered me to the bed.

  The perfect end to the perfect day.

  CHAPTER 23

  Elena

  Ashton made sure to come out and show me to the table himself, and it was obvious it was the best table in the house. Secluded for private conversation, but still in the midst of everything. I looked down at my watch.

  Fifteen minutes.

  Fifteen minutes until Gretchen arrived.

  I was excited to finally see her again. We’d exchanged text messages after Ashton got me the phone, but neither replaced the face-to-face conversations we used to have. So many things had changed since I last saw her; some good, while others . . . well, let’s just say the jury was still out on those.

  “Elena.” Her voice was so loud, almost every head in the restaurant turned to stare. Thank God it was only the lunch crowd.

  “Gretchen.” I waved, hoping to calm her until she got to the table.

  But that was Gretchen. She didn’t apologize for who she was. It was often said that opposites attract, and this was true in the sense the Gretchen was everything I wished I could be. She was strong to my weak, confident to my cowardice. In the past, when she’d spoken about me leaving Dominic, she’d made it sound so easy, and every time I left after one of those conversations, I’d be full of good intentions; wanting to head home and let him know how unhappy I was, and ask him to change. Then I see him and all my fire would die. Yet, even though this to and fro happened often, she never despaired of me. She was always there in the background helping me, keeping me sane. And for that I’d be forever grateful.

  Ashton was nowhere in sight, then again, I had a feeling he wasn’t faraway because he’d promised to come over and meet Gretchen at some point during lunch, and help set her mind at ease.

  “Oh my God.”

  Suddenly I was yanked from my seat into a crushing embrace, squeezed to the point where I couldn’t draw breath. “I missed you so much, you had me so worried.”

  “I text you all the time,” I forced out.

  She let go. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to squish you.”

  “It’s okay,” I laughed. My stomach settled and I felt myself relax.

  “I was just so worried,” she rambled, taking her seat. “You sent me texts but anyone could have the phone, claiming they’re you. And you could have been tied up in some creepy basement dungeon with whips and canes and God only knows what else.”

  A throat cleared behind me. Gretchen’s eyes snapped up an
d her mouth dropped open. Then a warm hand curled over my shoulder and blood rushed to my face.

  “Elena.” There was a hint of amusement in his voice. Oh God, how much of that had he heard?

  “Ashton.”

  He squeezed my shoulder then stepped into view. Reaching out, he offered his hand.

  “And you must be Gretchen.” Slowly, she lifted her hand and took his. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “It’s a . . . a . . . a—” Gretchen swallowed hard. “Nice to meet you too.”

  He brought her hand to his lips and her cheeks went pink.

  “Excuse me, ladies, I need to take care of something, but I’ll be back. I just wanted to introduce myself.”

  He placed a soft kiss to my lips and stepped away. Gretchen sat there, nodding dumbly. I snapped my fingers in her face, trying to get her attention. When her eyes returned to mine, I couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped my lips.

  Her expression. Not often was Gretchen speechless. Her eyes were practically popping out of her head when she looked back at me.

  “That’s him?”

  “Yeah, that’s Ashton.”

  She gave her head a quick shake. “Holy shit. It’s about time you found someone like him.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’m glad you approve, but he’s not exactly mine.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” She watched me for a moment. “Although, I’m kinda liking this new snarky attitude you’ve got going on.”

  Watching my finger trace patterns on the tablecloth, I said, “I’ve learned a lot in the last two months.”

  “Hey.” I looked up into soft, understanding eyes. “It’s never easy to see what’s wrong when we want it to be right.”

  Tears blurred my vision. “I’m so sorry I didn’t listen to you.”

  She shook her head. “It’s not your fault. That jerk had your mind so warped and twisted with his bullshit and lies that you couldn’t see what I was saying. What matters now is that you finally see the truth.”

  “I do. Ashton helped.”

  Gretchen peeked over at him and smiled. “Now I’ve seen for myself that he’s not abusing you in some underground room of pain, I want to know what you’ve been up to. You have so much time now that you don’t have to take shifts at the diner—what do you do all day?”