He pulled out of her hold, letting her slide down the wall until her feet met the floor. She immediately grieved the loss of his touch.

“Grab your things. You are not staying here.” His tone was suddenly distant. His rejection cut deep.

“I’m staying. What happened to ‘it’s your life’?” Sophie threw his words back at him.

“That’s when I thought you weren’t stupid enough to stay. I’m pretty sure that guy at the front desk has quite the rap sheet. Are you sure you want to stay and find out what he’s capable of?” Ashton grabbed her things and swung open the door.

After taking the key back to the front desk and informing Mr. Creepy that she wasn’t staying, she slid back into Ashton’s car. “Where am I supposed to go?”

Ashton took off without answering her question. He drove with purpose, and Sophie did not question it. She had a feeling she knew what his plan was anyway and it was confirmed when he pulled into his grandmother’s driveway. She sighed in defeat, climbing out of his car and following him inside. The interior of the house was dark and quiet. Margaret must have already retired for the evening.

“Margaret doesn’t know that I’m here. I feel like I’m intruding,” Sophie whispered. He stopped in his tracks and Sophie almost collided with him.

“She told me to convince you to come back here anyway. She didn’t feel right having you stay at a motel when there was plenty of room here.”

“But she barely knows me. I could be crazy,” Sophie babbled.

“That’s what I said,” Ashton whispered back as he led her up the stairs. “This is your room.” He placed Sophie’s things on the floor and reached to turn on the lamp, casting a warm glow on their surroundings. She couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes as she thanked him.

“Ashton?” she called after him when he turned to leave. He swung around but made no attempt to come closer. “What was that? Back at the motel?” Sophie swallowed hard against the uneasy feeling that hung heavy in her stomach.

“Good night, Sophie.” He left the room without another word. Sophie collapsed on the bed, sinking into the soft covers. She pulled out her phone and noticed a new message.

Jack: Stranded in the middle of nowhere?

Sophie: Yes, but not in the sense that you mean. But I think the literal would be easier right now.

Jack: What happened?

Sophie: What does it mean when you do something even when you know that it will turn out badly?

Jack: It means you’re human.

Sophie: I kissed him.

Jack: Did you like it? He looks like he would be a good kisser.

Sophie: Did you know your sister has a thing for Ashton?

Jack: Who doesn’t? Don’t worry about that. Never gonna happen. She has to realize that eventually. Did you like it?

Sophie: I shouldn’t be doing this. I am at his grandmother’s house right now. She insisted I stay here. How can I sleep knowing that Ashton is across the hall? Can you say something to make me feel better so I don’t cry my eyes out?

Jack: You are amazingly beautiful. Everything about you is too good for him. Don’t cry tears for his worthless ass. He probably is so in love with you it scares the shit out of him and he knows he will never be good enough for you.

Sophie: Is it too early in our textual relationship to tell you that I really do love you, all jokes aside? You seem so much different from when we met. I have to confess that I had you pegged all wrong on our first encounter.

Jack: How did you see me?

Sophie: I don’t know but I am so glad that things became textual between us.

Jack: Me too.

Sophie: When do you get back?

Jack: Not sure yet.

Sophie: I think we need to meet for coffee or something. Especially after I confessed my love for you.

Jack: Thought you didn’t believe in love?

Sophie: For you I made an exception.

Jack: I’m a lucky guy then.

Sophie: Thank you for making me feel better. Night .

Jack: Goodnight Sophie. xox

Sophie scrolled to her other message on her phone. She didn’t recognize the number but she knew who it was as soon as she read it.

Mel: You totally hate me, don’t you? I can’t live without your sense to my chaos. I miss you. Talk to me!

Sophie: Disappointed is more like it. But I would never hate you. You are like an annoying sister that always gets me into trouble. How could I possibly go on without you? ;)

Sophie turned over and stared up at the ceiling. Her phone lit up, drawing her attention from the swirl of thoughts haunting her.

Mel: Thank god u r still speaking to me!

Sophie: How is everything with Corbin? Are you all right? Whose phone is this?

Mel: It’s Lips’ phone. Things are good. He has been so sweet. Can I just enjoy now?

Sophie: Lips? Stripper friend? You know that I will always be here if you need me even when I don’t agree with your questionable decisions. We are not done talking about the Corbin situation.

Mel: Yes. I know. And you are the best. Gotta be on stage in 5. Are you in for Friday?

Sophie: Argh…fine. I better get paid good. And my clothes stay ON.

Mel: Thanks!

Sophie pulled herself from the bed and grabbed a few things from her bag before opening her door and walking across the hall toward Ashton’s room. She knocked quietly; after a moment the door swung open, startling her. He stood in front of her with his jeans riding dangerously low on his hips, his bare chest exposing his male perfection. His eyes were dark and caused a nervous sensation to twist inside her.

“Sorry to bother you but I was just wondering what bathroom I should use to have a shower?” Sophie tried to smile, like the tension between them didn’t feel crushing. He stepped back and motioned toward the bathroom leading off his room. “Ah…isn’t there another washroom I can use?” Sophie asked nervously. She ran Jack’s words through her head. There was no way Ashton King was terrified of her. She was just another plaything for a spoiled rich boy to poke and prod to satisfy his curiosity before he moved on to his next experiment.

“No. Not if you want to shower.” Ashton walked back toward his bed, turning on the television and tuning her out.

“Okay. I’ll be quick.” Sophie locked the bathroom door once inside and turned on the water. She brushed her teeth and waited for the water to start steaming. She was nervous having Ashton so close to her while she stripped down. Even with the locked door between them she still felt edgy. When she stepped into the stream of hot water any reservations she had washed away. The water felt wonderful on her skin, the heat seeped into her tense muscles. Picking up Ashton’s shampoo, she could smell the familiar aroma that mingled with his own masculine scent. The smell intensified the memory of their kiss and the feeling of him pressing his body into hers. She squeezed a small amount onto her hand and quickly washed herself.