I hesitate but give a reluctant nod.
He chuckles. “I don’t mind answering. My mother was British. My father was Filipino. They met at a…convention, fell in love, got mat—married, then had me.”
The way he fumbles is odd, but I decide to ignore it. “What kind of convention did they meet at?”
He glances at me and lightly tugs a strand of hair. “A work one.”
“Very descriptive.”
He laughs. “Aren’t we supposed to be watching?”
I bite my lip and face the TV. Ash brought five different movies but made me choose. I picked the superhero one because it was the only one I recognized. You would think my eyes would be glued to the screen since I rarely watch movies, but I’m more intrigued with the man beside me. And the dark-blue t-shirt he’s wearing shouldn’t look so good on him. My nerves spike in awareness just at the thought.
His arm brushes against me as he reaches for the bag of candy on the coffee table and plops it on my lap. “Indulge, Ellie darling.” His deep voice sends a shiver through me.
I open it and give him a side-eye. “You sure you know what you’re asking? I’m not sure I’m willing to share.”
His smile grows. “Not even one?”
“Hmm.” I tilt my head back and forth in mock thought. “Maybe just one.”
“Such a sacrifice you’ll be making.”
“I may share more...but only because I don’t want a stomachache.”
He throws his head back with a laugh, and I can’t hold back my smile any longer. “Noted,” he says, leaning closer to me, lightly pressing his body against mine, his heat seeping into me. “I want you to try this one.” He reaches into the bag and grabs one of the Filipino candies. He removes his other hand from behind me and rips the wrapper off. “Open your mouth,” he says softly. My heart skips a beat when he holds it close to my lips.
Trying not to squirm, I open my mouth, and he plops it in. He brushes his fingertips against my lips as he pulls his hand away, sending a little thrill through me.
I swirl the hard candy around with my tongue. It reminds me of strawberries and cream. Sweet enough that it makes me squirm in my seat as giddiness bubbles up.
“What?” He chuckles.
“Candy makes me a bit giddy.”
Mirth twinkles in his eyes as his smile grows. “So you like candy.”
I shrug and grab another, but before I can place it in my mouth, Ash blocks it with his hand.
I meet his eyes with raised brows.
“I better help you space these out—to save you from that stomachache, of course.”
A grin forms as I ask, “And you’re choosing this to be your one?”
He shrugs, dropping his hand. “If I only get one, I want it to be this one.”
“Alright.” I hold it up, but instead of taking it he parts his lips. Not thinking much of it, I slip the hard candy inside, feeling his warm breath and smooth lips against my fingers. Soft. Hot. My mind seems to short circuit when his tongue flickers out and licks my fingertips.
My eyes flash to his, finding his heated gaze already on me. I realize my hand is still touching his lips when he flicks his tongue out again. I snatch it back and stare at him with wide eyes.
He gives me a wink, then leans back against the couch to watch the movie again. A grin plays across his lips when he notices my mouth gaping open and chucks my chin to close it. “Get comfortable, Ellie, this is only the first movie.”
“Ellie darling,” whispers a soft but distinguishably male voice. There’s a light probing on my head.
“Hmm?” I turn on my back. The probing actually feels really nice, more like a massage. I could stay like this for a while.
“It sounds like Emma is home.”
My eyes pop open, and the first thing I see is the blue of Ash’s eyes as he looks down on me with a soft smile. He has one hand in my hair, lightly massaging my scalp. And it’s heavenly.
I jerk up.
I fell asleep on his lap.
Hastily, I wipe my mouth, praying I didn’t drool, and glance at his jeans, sighing in relief when I don’t see any wet spots.
I turn an ear toward the door when I remember what he said. But I don’t hear anything.
“You sure?”
He nods. “They’ll be in soon.”
I turn and look at the movie, but nothing is playing anymore. “How long was I out?”
“About forty-five minutes.”
My eyes widen in horror as I meet his gaze. I can’t believe I fell asleep on him. “I’m so sorry.”
“Why are you sorry?” he asks.
“For falling asleep on you.”
“Oh, I didn’t mind. I’m glad you felt comfortable enough to fall asleep, but I should be the one to say sorry.”
“Why?”
He chuckles. “Well, for one, I didn’t mean to bore you.”
“What? You didn’t bore me,” I say. “I just haven’t been sleeping well.”
“I didn’t realize…” His eyes soften. “I shouldn’t have woken you, yet another reason I need to apologize.”
“Ash.”
His lips curl into a slow, sensual smile. “I like the sound of my name on your lips.”
My breath hitches just as I hear the door open, then close. Emma walks in, beaming, and sits on the other couch with a content sigh.
A corner of Ash’s mouth twitches. “Seems someone had a good night.”
Emma grins. “We made it official.”
“You’re a couple now?” I ask as a slow grin takes over.
She nods enthusiastically.
“Good.” Ash squeezes my shoulder before getting up. “Walk me out?” He offers me his hand up.
“What about all your food and movies?”
“Keep them. I bought them for you.”
“You’re just trying to sweeten her up,” Emma says.
Ash grins. “Is it working?” He meets my gaze.
When we pause at the door, Emma shouts from the other room, “You’re supposed to walk him all the way out.”
My face heats as I follow him out, closing the door behind me. “I guess I’ll walk you to your car.”
He chuckles and stops near the steps. “That’s not necessary, the porch is fine.”
“Oh. Well—” I wrap my arms around myself, trying to fight the chill in the air. “Thank you for coming over and keeping me company.”
Ash takes a step closer, my eyes level with his chest, his body heat radiating. “Are you single, Ellie?”
My lips part in shock. “W-what?” My eyes jump to his.
“Is there someone waiting for you back on the mainland?”
“Mainland?” Brain, work.
His proximity is making my hormones go haywire.
He smiles. “That’s what we call the rest of the states.”
“Oh, no.”
He arches a brow. “No, as in you aren’t single, or no, as in you don’t have someone waiting for you?”
“Yes—I mean, no, I don’t have someone waiting for me.”
“So, you’re single.”
“Yes.”
He grins. “Good,” he says softly as he draws nearer. “Can I?” he asks, his lips hover close to my cheek. I give a small nod before his lips just barely brush my cheek, and he pulls away. “Thank you for tonight.” He caresses my cheek as he pushes a strand of hair behind my ear. “I hope to see you again soon.”
“Me too,” I say, my voice coming out in a whisper.
His lips curve up. “Goodnight, Ellie.” He drops his hand and walks down the steps.
My eyes scan the area. “Wait, where’s your car?”
He slightly turns his body toward me. “I planned on walking home.”
“But it’s so far.” And cold. He doesn’t even have a jacket on.
My entire body stiffens as I realize my mistake. But instead of questioning how I know where his place is, he shrugs. “I’ll be fine. I’ve done it before.”
I bite my lip.
He walks back up the steps to me, then lightly grabs my chin, smoothing his thumb over my bottom lip until I release it from my teeth. “Really, I’ll be fine. I’m just going to run home. The cold doesn’t bother me much.”
I sigh, letting the tension leave from my body, then nod. He removes his hand from my chin.
“Okay. I’m just worried.”
“Well,” he says. “I could text you once I make it home safe.”
I perk up. “Yeah?”
He nods as he pulls out his phone and offers it to me. “Could I get your number?” he asks, palming the back of his neck with one hand.
“Sure.” I pray my shaking hands don’t give me away as I take his phone. I swipe it open, finding no password blocking me. I open the contact app, but then I get stuck. How do I add a new one? I’ve never had a smartphone before.
“What’s wrong?”
Gnawing on my lip, I glance up at him through my lashes. “I don’t know how to add my number.”
My eyes zero in on his lips as his mouth slightly parts. “Right.” He draws closer, his side brushing up against mine. I get a whiff of his cologne—or is that just his natural scent?—with pine undertones. No one should be allowed to smell this good. “Alright, now you can add your info.”
I blink. He opened a new contact without me realizing it. I add my number and name, then hand it back to him. He smiles down at it before tucking it back in his pocket.
He reaches out, hesitates, then drops his arms. “Is it okay if I gave you a hug?”
My mouth parts in shock. “Uh, y-yes. Thank you for asking.”
He smiles shyly as he steps toward me again. I’m stiff as he leans down, enveloping me in a hug. I try to calm my racing heart and relax against him. Why can’t I just be normal? Why does every touch send me close to the edge? I let out a pent-up breath and wrap my arms around him. The longer he holds me, the calmer I feel. My knotted stomach slowly ebbs away, and I relish in the contrast of my soft body to his hard. This isn’t so bad. This…this actually feels good. When was the last time I hugged someone? I grip the back of his shirt and take everything in. The warmth and happiness that comes as all my senses are consumed by him.
I pause.
“Are you sniffing me?” I ask.
His chest rumbles through me as he chuckles. “I am, but you’re doing the same.”
I squirm against him in embarrassment, but he doesn’t let me loose. “Just a little longer,” he says softly into my hair as he grips me tighter, but not painfully.
Placing my head on his chest, I relax against him. “Why did you ask permission to hug me, just to refuse to let go when I want?” My thoughts spill from my mouth without thinking and I instantly regret it when he tenses and moves to release me. I grip him tighter, refusing to let go.
“I’m sorry,” he mumbles. “You can let me go.”
“I don’t want to.” And when I don’t let go, his arms wrap around me once more.
“Why did you ask permission?” I ask, closing my eyes. He’s done it twice now.
“I could tell you have a hard time touching people.” His voice vibrates through me and it’s oddly soothing. Something about not seeing him but touching and smelling him makes this more intimate, and my defenses slip.
Actually, if I’m being honest, he makes me lower my defenses.
“It’s different with you,” I whisper, but I know he hears me when his body forms even more with mine. And it is different. Yes, the anxiety and the stress are still there, but it’s easier to get past it with him.
One of his hands slowly slides up my back before tangling in my hair. He squeezes me lightly, then releases me. “I’ll text you once I make it back. Goodnight, Ellie.” He gives me a smile and trots down the stairs.
He jogs down the street but looks over his shoulder and waves before he gets too far. I watch him until he’s no longer in sight, and even then, I stand there watching as snow drifts down. I hope it doesn’t get worse before he makes it home.
The snow reminds me of the wolf and I look to the woods, but unlike last time, it’s empty. I check every night out my window. I saw him one more time after the first initial one, but that’s it.
Realizing I don’t actually have my phone on me, I head back inside. Emma isn’t downstairs any longer, so I assume she’s in bed. I lock the door, then head to my bedroom. I grab my phone off the nightstand to find a text from an unknown number.
Hey, it’s Ash. I made it home safely. Thank you for hanging out with me tonight. Sweet dreams, Ellie darling.
A smile spreads across my face as I read his message. He got home faster than I thought he would.
I’m a bit slow to respond since I rarely text. Jane and I usually just call each other. I keep messing up. Maybe I should get a smartphone just so texting gets easier.
Thank you for texting me. I’m glad you’re home safe. Goodnight, Ash.
Halloween is just over two weeks away and Emma has somehow convinced me to go to the store with her. I try to keep out of sight as much as possible on the off chance someone will recognize me. I was in the paper for weeks in Pennsylvania. It was strange seeing my own face as a missing person. It even said my foster family missed me.
What a joke.
“Any ideas on what you want to be for Halloween?” Emma asks. Picking a costume was probably what swayed me to come. I’m oddly excited to dress up for Halloween. The last time I got to really celebrate was when I was ten. My parents died just before Halloween when I was eleven, so that year involved staying inside a temporary home until they found a foster family to take me in. Little did I know that I would stop being able to dress up once I entered the foster system. No one was as bad as Marcus, but the others didn’t want to spend money for costumes for all their foster kids.
“No, I figured I’d see my options first before deciding what to be. Do you have a costume already?”
Her eyes stay on the road as she nods. “Yes, I was planning on wearing the costume I wore last year.”
“That’s lame. You should pick out a costume with me.”
She thinks for a moment, tapping her fingers on the back of the steering wheel. “I don’t know.” She pauses. “What would I be?”
“What’s Tom being?”
She gives me a pointed look.
I grin. “Come on, you two are a couple now. Don’t couples, you know, dress up as other couples?”
She laughs. “Yes, I suppose so.”
“So talk to Tom and match.”
“Okay. Yeah. I like that idea.” She smiles as she pulls into a parking space. The sign above the building says Wade’s Grocery. “First, we shop for food. Then, we’ll buy some decorations and a costume at the holiday store.”
“Holiday store?” I ask, following her out of the car and into the store.
“We don’t have a store just for Halloween decorations. Instead, there’s a store that rotates items for each holiday. It’s how it stays in business all year round.”
“Wouldn’t that make it more expensive for them to have to buy every holiday decor?”
She grabs a cart and goes down an aisle. “Yes and no. Whatever is left each year is recycled for the next. They only receive new things if they have space. So the decorations may be outdated for some holidays, but no one really minds.”
We’re already near the back of the store when Emma stops. “Oh, crap.” She looks back the way we came. “I forgot to grab some bread. Do you mind going back and getting some? It’s down the first aisle.”
“Sure.”
“Thank you. I’m going to grab some milk and eggs.”
“Okay.” I turn around and head back to the bread aisle.
Turning the corner to the aisle, I run into a solid chest.
The man’s hands reach out and grab my shoulders to keep me from falling.
Nausea rolls through me. “Sorry,” I say, shrugging off his touch and stepping away.
“It’s fine.”
&
nbsp; I look up, meeting blue eyes. He’s attractive, but I’m not drawn to him like I am to Ash. He looks down on me with a crease between his dirty-blond brows and matching blond hair that’s slightly spiked in the front. His features are almost pretty.
Ducking my head, I step farther back. “Sorry again,” I mutter before rushing past him. I scan the aisle for the bread I know Emma likes. I just want to grab it and go.
I shouldn’t have come. Being in public gives me too much anxiety; my hands are already shaking and it’s hard to focus on the labels in front of me. Gripping my jacket, I tug it tighter around myself and take the deep breaths that Jane taught me to do when I feel a panic attack coming on.
Finally finding the bread, I snatch one up and look behind me. The guy is still there, but he’s looking at the tortilla section. His head turns toward me with a look of intrigue and confusion plastered on his face.
I pivot and walk as fast as I can without raising too much attention. I make it to the back of the store and see Emma placing two gallons of milk in her cart. She looks up and gives me a smile.
“Hey, thanks.” She takes the loaf of bread from me and places it on the carton of eggs.
Giving her a quick nod, I stick my hands in my coat pocket to keep them from shaking. The incident still affecting me more than I’d like to admit. Too much unknown could happen in a grocery store. What if Marcus ends up finding me here?
I know I’m being paranoid. I know it’s not healthy to want to be a hermit, but I also know it’s not normal to be locked up and abused in a basement for years. I glance behind me and freeze.
The man’s in the orange juice section, right next to the milk. He catches my eye and gives me a small smile.
It’s fake.
I don’t know how I know, but I do.
“Looks like someone is interested in you.”
Turning my attention back to Emma, I notice she’s looking at the guy too, but unlike me, she thinks his smile is genuine. Or maybe I’m just reading too much into this. Maybe Marcus has scarred me so badly that I think every man has evil intentions for me.
Ash’s face pops into my head.
Maybe not all.
And if I think more about it, I feel fine around Tom as well.
Saving Ellie (Lycans Book 1) Page 6