Drake and Ashley: The Complete Story

by Noelle Stevens

  Mock-confusion clouds his face. “I wasn’t sure you were going to be there.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “How else was I going to get you to talk to me?” he says. “You wouldn’t answer my texts, and when I went to your apartment, your roommate said you were out on a date with that other guy.”

  “You mean Jonathan?” I know he knows his name, but I want to tease him a little.

  “Yes. Him.”

  I laugh. “I have to admit, I’m impressed that you got Emily to come around.” I look at him. “You know, she couldn’t stand you at first. She thought you were only after one thing.”

  He glances at me with a smile. “When it comes to you, I’m after multiple things.”

  “Have you gotten those things?”

  His arm tightens around my shoulders. “Yes.”

  I relish his closeness for several moments, then ask, “How did you convince Emily to be in on your little secret to take me to the cabin, anyway?”

  He softly chuckles, but doesn’t answer. “That’s between Emily and me.”

  “Okay, fine. I’ll just ask her.”

  “It’s not that I don’t want to tell you. It’s just a little embarrassing for me.”

  I grin. “Then I’ll definitely ask Emily.”

  “I’m sure she’ll be glad to tell you all about it.”

  I turn in my seat as best I can with the seatbelt across my hips and look at Drake’s face, then reach up and stroke his cheek. “It doesn’t matter what you said to her. The important thing is that between the two of you, you managed to convince me to come on a drive with you.” I touch his lips with a finger. “That drive turned into a weekend, but I’m not complaining.”

  He kisses my finger, and I slide it across his lower lip.

  “You’d better stop that,” he says, “or I might have to pull over right here and . . .”

  “And what?”

  He glances at me with a smile, then looks past me out the rear window, and a moment later he stops his truck on a wide part of the shoulder. “This,” he says, then he unlatches my seatbelt and pulls me onto his lap.

  I giggle as his arms go around me and he pulls me against his chest. My mouth finds his as I place my hands on either side of his head. He kisses me with passion and I find myself becoming breathless. I pull back slightly and murmur, “Drake.”

  “Mmm,” he says as he places one of his hands at the back of my head and presses his lips against mine again.

  Cars rush by, occasionally making the truck shudder. I pull away again. “Should we be stopped here?”

  His eyes meet mine as a smile slowly takes shape on his mouth. “Why? Don’t you like this?”

  I plant a quick kiss on his mouth. “You know I like this very much, but maybe we should go where cars aren’t flying by inches from us.”

  He glances out his window. “They’re at least eight feet away.”

  “Okay. Ninety six inches from us.”

  He laughs. “If you feel unsafe, then yes, let’s go somewhere else.”

  I slide off of his lap. “Thank you.”

  He runs a hand through the hair on the side of my head. “Anything for you, Ashley.” A moment later we’re back on the road, and half an hour later Drake asks if I want to stop for dinner.

  I realize I’m hungry. “Sure.”

  When we get to Reno, Drake takes us to a restaurant, and after we get out of his truck, I place my hand in his as we walk towards the door of the restaurant.

  Two

  DRAKE

  When Ashley slides her hand into mine, the feel of her soft skin and small hand inside my larger one makes my protective instincts kick in. Compared to me, she’s so petite—I’m nearly a foot taller than she is. I smile as I think about the way I pulled her onto my lap on the drive back. I wanted to do so much more than kiss her, but I know we’ll have time to be together.

  Marveling at how quickly I’d decided that I wanted more than a casual relationship with her, I admit that I have the tiniest bit of reluctance to commit fully to her. Being with only one woman is so new to me, it’s an idea I will have to adjust to. If I’m honest with myself, I know it will take some time.

  Right now though, as I open the door to the restaurant for her then walk with her to our table, I have no urge to be with anyone but her. Hardly noticing the other women sitting at the tables we pass, my mind is on Ashley and what will make her happy.

  “You look deep in thought,” she says as we sit across from each other in a booth.

  I smile at her, my gaze sliding to her mouth, then back to her eyes. I want that lovely mouth on mine, and as I think about our time at my cabin, my desire for her grows until I want to take her by the hand and run out of the restaurant. But I behave myself and focus on her. Focusing on someone besides myself is new to me, but I find I like it. Especially when I see happiness radiating from her eyes. “I’m just thinking about the way the weekend turned out.”

  “Oh? How did you think it would turn out?”

  I laugh softly. “When you got in my truck on Friday evening and asked what I was doing, I started getting nervous that you would demand that I turn around and take you home.”

  “I was getting a little annoyed that I had no idea what was going on.” She smiles at me. “But I’m glad you didn’t tell me. I’m not so sure I would have agreed to go all the way to your cabin. I mean, what if it hadn’t worked out? I would have been trapped with you on the drive back for two hours. How awkward would that be?”

  I smile sheepishly. “That was kind of the plan.”

  Ashley looks surprised by my admission. “What do you mean?”

  “If you’d demanded that I take you home, I would have had two hours to try to change your mind.”

  “Oh,” she says. “I see how it is.” She points at me as she narrows her eyes. “You are a conniving one, aren’t you?”

  I laugh self-consciously, but inside I wonder if she really will come to believe that about me. I can be kind of calculating, but I don’t want to be that way with her, and I silently vow to always be honest with her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be.”

  She reaches across the table and takes my hand. “I was just kidding, Drake.”

  The touch of her skin warms my heart, and I place my other hand on top of hers. We order our food, and while we wait we talk about her new job. I can see how much she is loving it and I’m happy for her, but I’m also a bit jealous of her co-workers who get to spend the entire day with her, everyday.

  But she’ll be mine on the weekends. I smile at the thought.

  Halfway through our meal, a woman stops by our table.

  “Hello, Drake,” she says with a sexy smile.

  “Andrea,” I say, immediately recognizing the woman I’d dated off and on for several months last year. “How are you?”

  “I’m well.”

  Her gaze goes to Ashley, who is watching us. “This is Ashley,” I say, not sure if I’m supposed to introduce her as my girlfriend or what. I’ve never introduced a woman that way before, so it feels unnatural to me. Ashley briefly frowns. “Ashley, this is Andrea.”

  “Hello,” Andrea says, oozing the confidence I remember.

  Three

  ASHLEY

  “Hi,” I say to the stunning brunette standing beside our table. I wonder if this is one of the many women Drake dated in the past, then suddenly I’m sure of it. She reminds me of Rachel—aka The Witch—cool, confident, haughty. Just his type. I wonder if he’s slept with her, then wonder how many times he’s slept with her. How long did he date her? How long did it take for him to tire of her?

  Don’t compare yourself to her, Ashley. Besides the fact that she’s gorgeous, you have nothing to worry about. You’re the one Drake loves. Not her.

  My self-talk doesn’t do much to boost my confidence and I try to not think about the fact that Drake didn’t tell this woman that the two of us are dating exclusively. Maybe he forgot. I mean, we’ve only considered ourselves se
riously dating for two days now.

  Compared to her stylish slacks and blouse, I feel drab in my jeans and sweater. I wonder if she thinks I’m a pity date for Drake, and suddenly I hate her.

  “What are you up to,” Andrea asks Drake, ignoring me.

  “Mostly working. What about you? Did you ever settle that case you were stressed over?”

  Oh, so she’s an attorney. Gorgeous and smart. He sure knows how to pick ‘em. I take out my cell phone and text Emily as I wait for them to finish their reunion.

  Ashley: I’ll be home soon. I had a wonderful weekend, but right now I’m at a restaurant with Drake. An old girlfriend stopped by to chat.

  Thankfully, Emily responds right away.

  Emily: Kick her in the shins and tell her to go away.

  I can’t hold back a giggle and I glance up to see Drake and the brunette staring at me. I smile, and they go back to their conversation.

  Ashley: You made me lol, for real.

  Emily: Good. Seriously though, tell her to beat it.

  I bite the inside of my cheek to hold in the laughter, then I reach across the table and place my hand on Drake’s. He looks away from the brunette and meets my gaze with a smile. The woman notices, and finally excuses herself.

  “Nice meeting you,” I say to her retreating back. She glances over her shoulder at me with a frown. I’ll bet she doesn’t think I’m Drake’s pity date anymore.

  “Sorry about that,” he says.

  I shrug. “It was bound to happen.”

  “What was?”

  “Running into old girlfriends.” I can’t help it. Seeing the way the woman almost instantly dismissed me makes me snarky. “I mean, as many women as you’ve dated in this town—which really isn’t all that big—we were bound to run into one of them.” I smile sweetly. “I’m sure it won’t be the last time.”

  He sighs, like my comment is offensive, and I immediately regret making it.

  “I’m sorry, Drake. It’s not your fault she showed up.”

  “No,” he says. “No, you’re right. Chances are we’ll run into people I know. And by people, I mean women I’ve dated.”

  Right. And I’m sure it’s a long list. I’m just surprised he seems to understand that it might bother me, although he doesn’t offer a solution to the problem. I’ve thought of one though—if I’m with him, tell them I’m his girlfriend. That should send them packing a little sooner.

  I consider making this suggestion, but know it wouldn’t be as meaningful if I have to point out our relationship status. Then the unpleasant idea forms in my mind that maybe he doesn’t consider me his girlfriend. But if that term is wrong, then what do you call the person you’re seriously dating?

  I decide not to get worked up about it just then as we’re so new at this dating seriously gig that maybe neither one of us knows what the hell we’re doing yet.

  “Are you okay?” he asks, and I wonder how many emotions have flitted across my face in the last thirty seconds.

  “Yeah.” I smile to show I mean it, and he seems to relax as he picks up his fork and continues eating.

  “So,” he says after a moment. “I was wondering if you want to meet for lunch sometime this week.”

  I know how busy he can be, so I’m flattered by his invitation. “Sure. I’d love to.” We decide Tuesday would be the best day, and he says he’ll come by my office to pick me up.

  “I want to see where you work,” he says.

  I’m excited to show him, and I nod with enthusiasm. “Yes, that would be great.”

  We finish our meal and Drake drives me to the apartment I share with my bestie, Emily. Drake takes my suitcase out of the back of his truck and carries it in one hand while holding my hand with the other.

  When we reach the apartment, I open the door and Drake follows me in. Emily is sprawled on the couch, but when she sees us, she sits up with a smile.

  “I hear it went well,” she says to Drake, ignoring me.

  He grins. “Yes, thanks to your help.”

  Suddenly Drake and Emily are buddies? When did this happen? “Hi, Em,” I say.

  She jumps up from the couch and pulls me into a warm embrace, taking me by surprise. It’s not like I’ve been gone that long.

  “I’m glad you’re back,” she says out loud, then in my ear she whispers, “I want to hear everything.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I’d better get going,” Drake says. “I have some things to do before work tomorrow.”

  Emily releases me and I go to Drake. “Don’t work too hard.” I smile at him and he grins in return—I think because he knows I know he’ll work as hard as he always does.

  He slides his arms around my waist and draws me against him, then whispers in my ear. “I love you, Ashley.”

  Being pressed up against him while hearing him say those words makes my whole body tingle, and I want to tell him we need to go back to his cabin for a few more days. Instead I pull away and meet his gaze. “I love you.”

  He presses his lips to mine, and my arms go around his neck. I remember that Emily is standing right there, and though I want to kiss him with more intensity, I control myself and gently pull away. “I’ll see you on Tuesday.”

  “Yes.” Never taking his eyes from mine, he takes a step backwards, then finally turns and lets himself out of our apartment.

  The moment the front door closes, I spin towards Emily. “Okay. Tell me what you know.”

  Four

  ASHLEY

  Emily laughs. “What I know? What do you mean?”

  I shove her arm. “You know what I mean. How did he convince you to help him?”

  “Oh, that.” She smiles, like she has a great secret, then she plops onto the couch and pats the cushion next to her.

  Like an obedient puppy, I sit beside her and stare at her with curiosity.

  “Bee, stop looking at me like that.”

  I smile at the nickname she gave me. “Yes, I’m a bee and he’s my honey. Now tell me what I want to know.”

  “Okay, fine.” She pauses dramatically. “When I got home from work on Friday he was sitting on the top step outside our door looking like a lost little boy.”

  The image of Drake looking so forlorn makes me sad, and now that I know the reason why he had The Witch in his office, I feel bad all over again for doubting him.

  “When he saw me,” she continues, “he asked if you were still at work. I wanted to tell him that you’d gone off with Jonathan for the weekend, but I decided I should be honest.”

  “For a change,” I say with a smirk, remembering how she told Drake that Jonathan and I were getting serious when that wasn’t true at all.

  She smiles. “So anyway . . . I told him that yes, you were still at work as far as I knew. He stood up and stared at me a moment, then asked me how you’d been that week. I told him you’d been better.” She paused. “Then he asked if I thought you were happy with him. Well, I know you’ve been super happy with him, so I said yes.”

  The thought of Drake trying to discover how I feel about him makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. And to know that he came looking for me because he was so concerned about my happiness makes me slightly giddy.

  “Then what?” I ask.

  “Then he begged me to help him convince you to come with him to his cabin—without actually letting you know that he was taking you there, of course.”

  “He actually begged you?” That’s an image I find hard to picture.

  “Well, maybe it wasn’t actual begging, but he did ask nicely.”

  That sounds more accurate, and I laugh. “And you agreed right away, huh?”

  “Not on your life, Bee. I asked him why I should help him, especially after he made you so upset by having his former girlfriend in his office after you both had committed to only date each other.” She smiles. “That’s when he explained why he had her there.” Rolling her eyes, she says, “I think it was kind of lame to do what he did, but there’s no accounting for what a m
an will do.”

  Wanting to defend my honey, I say, “I thought it was kind of sweet.”

  Emily laughs. “You would.”

  I purse my lips in mock indignation. “You must have bought it at some point, because when he asked me to come with him on some mystery drive and I looked at you, you seemed to be telling me with your eyes that I should go.”

  Laughter bursts from her lips. “I told you with my eyes?”

  I laugh along with her. “Okay, maybe you gave me a tiny nod. But your eyes were saying Do it, Ash. Do it.”

  “Whatever, Bee.” She pauses. “Anyway, he seemed so earnest that I decided to help him out. Besides, I know how crazy you are about him.”

  My smile grows. “Yes, I am. And guess what? We both said the L word.”

  Her eyes widen. “Really?” Then her eyes narrow. “Who said it first?”

  With a smug smile, I say, “He did.”

  “Was it in the middle of sex?”

  I remember how I’d been pretending to be sleeping when Drake had confessed his love for me, and I smile. “No. He thought I was asleep. So I know he meant it.”

  Skepticism is still written on her face. “So it was right after sex.”

  I laugh. “No. As a matter of fact we were still following our agreement to not sleep together until we were dating seriously.”

  The surprise on her face is genuine. “Wow.”

  I nod. “Uh-huh. I know.”

  “Well, congrats, bee-girl.”

  “It’s all thanks to you, Em.”

  “I think you’re giving me a little too much credit.”

  I shake my head. “Not at all. If I’d thought you were against me going with him, I probably would have said no.”

  “Oh really?”

  “Yes. And to thank you for giving Drake a chance, which made me give him another chance, I want to take you out to dinner tomorrow night.”

  “I accept,” she says.