“No,” he answered flatly, turning to look out the window as they drove. He pushed a button on his door, and the privacy screen separated them and the driver.

Sophie unbuckled her seatbelt and slid closer to Ashton. He looked at her through narrowed eyes. She slipped her hand in his jacket pocket. “I want that card.” She searched. He didn’t move, instead just watched her with an intrigued expression on his face. The card wasn’t where he initially placed it, so she began searching his other pockets. There was nothing in his jacket. She pulled his jacket open. “Where is it?” She was enjoying the search too much, and with the haze of wine in her system she was very brave.

Ashton shrugged his shoulders. He smelled heavenly. Everything about him attracted her like a starving animal to a feast. She couldn’t stop herself. The thin fabric did nothing to conceal how tantalizing his hard, hot flesh was underneath his shirt. She listened to his breathing become heavy. He still didn’t move to encourage or deny what she was doing as she continued to indulge herself. She was already in over her head, the card temporarily forgotten.

Sophie pulled her dress up and straddled him. His body stiffened under her weight, every muscle tensed with her contact. The feel of him was intoxicating, as if an electrical current surged through her, stirring a desperate heat. Sophie reached up and undid his tie, and then proceeded to undo the top button of his shirt and pulled it open to reveal the warm skin upon his neck. She leaned in and ran her tongue up the length of his neck until she grabbed his ear with her teeth.

“Fuck, Sophie!” Ashton gasped breathlessly. His hands grabbed her behind and pulled her in tighter against him. She could feel his erection throb through the material of his pants.

“I want that card,” she whispered against his lips.

“No, you don’t,” he breathed against her mouth.

Sophie leaned back. “Why?”

“Because of what he expects in return for his help.” Ashton released a deep breath, loosening his grip on her.

“What?” Sophie asked, confused.

“He wants this.” Ashton ran his finger over the curve of her breasts.

“Why do you think that?” Sophie said in a dispirited tone.

“I know of him and the way he works.”

She pulled herself from Ashton’s lap reluctantly and returned to her seat as they pulled up to Margaret’s house. Ashton kept his eyes on her until the car came to a full stop. He stepped out, holding the door open for her. Sophie climbed out and continued toward the house without looking back. Neither of them spoke.

Margaret was not long returning after them. Sophie greeted her at the door, saying goodnight before Margaret ascended the stairs to retire for the night.

Sophie poured herself a glass of water and sat down at the large island that ran the length of the enormous kitchen. She knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep after what happened in the car with Ashton. She looked at her phone and noticed a message from Jack.

Jack: How was your evening?

 

Sophie: It was wonderful except for the part where now I cannot be around Ashton without losing my head and wanting to get in his pants.

 

Jack: So nothing has changed?

 

Sophie: Guess not…it was a really nice art gallery. It was nice to dream that one day it would be my stuff up on those walls.

 

Jack: It will be.

 

Sophie: Hope so.

 

Sophie turned on her tablet and opened up Margaret’s schedule to address some changes that Margaret had mentioned before she went to bed. Sophie’s shoulders tensed as she heard footsteps coming toward the kitchen. Ashton sauntered in, making his jogging pants and T-shirt look ridiculously sexy. He walked toward the cabinet, retrieving two glasses and a bottle of whiskey. He filled the glasses with ice before pulling out the stool next to Sophie. She glanced up at him questioningly, unsure what his mood would be. He filled both glasses before sliding one in front of her. “Your favorite,” he teased. She watched his hands and noticed that even they were sensual and perfect. She couldn’t stop thoughts of how they would feel running over her naked body.

“How sweet, you remembered.” She said sarcastically.

He laughed then, a deep beautiful sound that showed a side of him that had always seemed so out of reach. His genuine smile was stunning and perfect upon his strong masculine face. He sipped the amber fluid from his glass like it was water. He didn’t mind the burning sensation and strong flavor that made her feel like she was swallowing household cleaner, without the refreshing lemon scent to accompany it.

“Let me see this.” Ashton picked up her tablet and angled it away from her.

“What are you doing?” She grabbed at it but Ashton pulled it out of her reach. “You’re making me nervous,” Sophie complained.

“Don’t I always?” He said before setting it back down in front of her. A truth or dare game was displayed on the screen. “Truth or dare?” he asked playfully.

“Oh god…really?” Sophie asked in disbelief.

“Are you chicken?” Ashton baited her.

“Fine…truth,” Sophie caved. Ashton picked up the tablet and selected truth.

He leaned in close to her ear. “What were you thinking when you were staring at me tonight?” Ashton asked mischievously, his gaze unwavering.

“That’s not what it says. You’re cheating.” Sophie tried to take the tablet from his hands but he refused to let her take it.

“You said you would play.” He raised his eyebrow.

“Argh…” Sophie picked up the glass of whiskey and took a generous sip, causing her to cough through the burning sensation. “I thought you looked nice.”

“Nice? Come on. I saw the way you were looking at me.” He pushed.

“I thought you looked incredibly hot. Okay? Are you happy now?” Sophie said impudently. Heat flooded her cheeks at her confession. “It’s not like you didn’t already know that.”

“I didn’t know that you thought that.” Ashton’s expression softened a bit.

“Like it matters,” she added as she rolled her eyes.

“It does.” He looked deep into her eyes like he was searching for something. Sophie broke the connection as the heat became too intense.

“Your turn. Truth or dare?” She held up the tablet.

“Truth,” he answered without hesitation.

“Do you want to kiss me?” The words were out of her mouth before she realized it. She wanted to take them back immediately but they were already out there, hanging between them.

“Yes,” he answered truthfully. “Truth or dare?”

“Dare.” Sophie didn’t want to make any more confessions that she would regret later. Was this thing between them still a game?

A slow smile curled the edges of his full lips. “Take off your shirt.”

Sophie took another drink before she stood up. Standing close enough to touch, she brushed against his leg as she slowly pulled her shirt up to reveal her flat stomach. She continued to lift it unhurriedly over the swell of her breasts, revealing her black lacy bra before she pulled it over her head. His eyes turned a dark stormy blue, his expression serious as he drank in her exposed body. He clenched his jaw and she had the urge to lean in and kiss him. To inhale his alluring scent that called to her like a drug. She threw her shirt at him and a playful smile broke across his face. What is this? How did we even get here? I don’t want it to stop!

Sophie sat back on her stool and grabbed the tablet from his hand. “Truth or dare?” She said devilishly.

“Dare.” His voice was raspy and thick. She reveled in the fact that in this moment he wanted her. She could see it in the way his gaze reflected his desire.