“Adorable? Seriously? That is what you call little kids.” Sophie huffed with a furrowed brow.

“You are definitely adorable and sexy as fuck. Come here.” Ashton reached for her arm and pulled her against his chest and nipped at her neck.

“Hey!” Sophie giggled. “We have an audience.” Sophie widened her eyes and nodded toward the few late night customers that were scattered through the small diner. There was a man dressed in a suit, his tie loosened and hung haphazardly around his neck; he was completely lost in his computer. An older gentleman sat tucked in a booth reading a paper with a half-eaten piece of cherry pie sitting in front of him. There was a middle aged couple sitting together next to the window sharing a late night meal of burgers and fries as they chatted casually. They seemed to be the only ones that even seemed to notice her and Ashton’s presence, looking up occasionally with polite smiles.

“What?” Ashton looked around the diner consisting of about fifteen tables and booths lining the back wall. It was small and in need of some updating but it was cozy and welcoming. You could tell that whoever owned it had taken care of it, but it had aged like the owner.

“They look like they could use some entertainment.” Ashton’s look made her knees weak.

“How did you know about this place and its many flavors of ice cream?” Sophie asked.

“When I was little my grandfather always brought me here. My favorite times were when I slept over. I always had trouble sleeping as a child and he would bring me here in my pajamas no matter how late it was. I naturally thought that was the coolest thing knowing that my mother would have a fit. My grandfather believed ice cream solved every problem.” Ashton said thoughtfully.

“Wouldn’t that be nice?” Sophie smiled at the thought of a young Ashton sitting with his grandfather eating ice cream in one of the booths.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting. Did you decide yet?” An older woman with vibrant red hair streaked with white shuffled out from the back room carrying supplies. She set them on the counter before turning her full attention toward them. Despite her age a youthful brightness shone in her eyes and lit up her features.

“Yes, we have.” Ashton smiled with recognition.

“It’s been a long time but don’t think I don’t know who you are, Ashton King. Get your handsome self over here and give this old woman a hug.” She came around the counter with her arms spread wide. “It’s good to see you, and who have you brought with you?” She smiled at Sophie. “She is absolutely gorgeous. Where did you find such a lovely girl?”

“I know. I can’t believe my good fortune.” Ashton smiled. “Colleen, this is my girlfriend, Sophie. Sophie, this is Colleen. Colleen has the best selection of ice cream in the whole city.”

“I know what’s important. The ice cream is what keeps all the best customers coming back.” Colleen took Sophie’s hand, giving it a gentle shake.

“It’s nice to meet you, Colleen.” Sophie loved the woman’s energy and instantly adored her.

“The pleasure is all mine, sweetheart.”

Sitting in a booth, Sophie and Ashton enjoyed their ice creams. Sophie was in a state of bliss. Every time Ashton looked at her she felt like she was the most important girl in the world. His eyes followed her and a sexy smile teased her. She noted their late night ice cream adventure as one of her favorite evenings of all time. The conversation between them flowed effortlessly and the excitement only built with the promise of things to come when Ashton brought her back to his place. She loved how he leaned toward her, or reached for her hand. Every touch made her desire more.

After a farewell to the friendly waitress, Sophie followed Ashton out into the warm night air. Ashton’s hand found hers and he brought them up to his lips. When they reached his car he pulled her against his chest. Sophie's fingers stroked the hard ridges of his abs beneath his shirt to indulge in his sensual flesh.

“You’re driving me crazy, Sophie,” he whispered hotly in her ear, making goosebumps flash across her skin.

“Oh yeah?” Sophie laughed.

“Yes, it’s so hard to keep my hands to myself. I can’t think straight around you. I just want to touch you…and taste you.” Sophie shivered from his words as they caressed her skin.

“I don’t remember you being the public display of affection kind of guy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining.” Sophie leaned into his embrace.

“I wasn’t until you. I can’t get enough.” Ashton gently bit the skin of her neck, causing a flash of needy heat to overcome her.

“We should probably go to your place now,” Sophie said breathlessly.

“After you.” Ashton reached around her to open her door.

On the drive to Ashton’s place Sophie saw a small storefront building that had a lease sign in the window. The building had character with its brick front and large showcase windows. “Can you pull over?”

“What’s wrong?”

“I just want to see something.”

When Ashton pulled over on the side of the street, Sophie slipped out of the car and approached the building. The interior was dark and she couldn’t see anything inside but she could see potential in the location and the appearance of the storefront.

“It was a pizza shop…why the interest?” Ashton stepped around her to see her face, studying her expression.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Sophie teased. “Just interested for future possibilities.” Sophie pulled out her phone and took a picture of the sign. She looked up at Ashton, who was waiting for her to explain. “Mel and I have plans…well, we are in the very beginning of the planning stage, but still, this place makes me excited. It would be perfect.”

“You and Mel are making plans? Should I even ask?”

“We’re opening our own strip joint. I want to give it a try.” Sophie tried to sound serious but Ashton’s expression turned almost panicked as he stared at her. “I was joking…are you nervous I would make a fool of myself trying to do my “Don’t Cha” routine for the world to see?”

Ashton looked visibly relieved with her confession. “No, I was thinking that I was going to have to buy up every available piece of real estate in the city to prevent your little business endeavor.”

Sophie’s face fell in shock. “I was that bad? Geez.”

“No, just the opposite. That was so fucking sexy. I don’t want anyone else to see you take your clothes off except me. I’m a very selfish person, Sophie, and I don’t like to share. I don’t want to share you with anyone…ever.” Ashton stepped closer, leaning down so he was a breath away from her. His smell was heady, causing her whole body to need him with an intensity that ravished her. She was completely lost in him and she knew there would be no going back. “You’re like a drug, Sophie.” He grazed his lips over her cheek, running his fingers through her hair. His nearness caused her insides to heat, caused her heart to race, and her mind to fog. She was lost in the lust he ignited in her in a white hot fury. A moan escaped her lips as he ran his tongue along her neck. “My. Place. Now.” Sophie practically melted from his arms when he pulled back. It took great effort to keep her legs beneath her. Ashton opened her door and she slid in like she was made of liquid.

The ride was short to his place and Sophie was grateful because his eyes made her skin heat and she couldn’t find any words. The sexual energy between them was intoxicating. This passionate lust was a new experience for her. Her body wanted him like he was breath for her lungs. Is this love? Whatever it is, it feels absolutely amazing!

Chapter

Twenty-Four

Ashton pulled his car up in front of a beautiful sleek building. A doorman approached once they came to a stop. Ashton swung open his door and stepped out. Sophie’s door was opened by a man with an inviting demeanor.