Chapter 49: Bonus Chapter

ASHER

“Are there many left?”

“Just one,” she replies before disappearing back inside. I pace around, waiting for her to reappear.

“Asher,” her voice stops me in my tracks, and I spin around.

“Buttercup, I’m here,” I respond, moving toward her until I freeze in my steps.

~Damn.~

She’s wearing a dark blue dress that hugs her curves perfectly, and her black hair cascades down her back. Time seems to stand still as I take her in.

How can someone look so stunning in a dress?

“I knew it would look good on you,” I manage to say, still captivated.

It’s not the dress. It’s her. She makes the dress look good.

“Huh?” she asks, her nose scrunching up adorably.

~Damn it…~

“It’s the dress I couldn’t find earlier.”

I manage a smile as I approach her. She twirls around, and I can’t help but stare at her.

~The things I want to do to you.~

~I swallow hard as I imagine pressing her against the wall behind her. My hands roam her curves, cupping her ass before lifting her up.~

~She gasps, burying her face in my neck. I lift her head, looking into her wide brown eyes.~

~“Tell me you want this too?” I plead. She smiles seductively, batting her long black lashes at me.~

~Little tease.~

~Unable to resist, I press myself against her, rewarded with a soft moan from her lips.~

~God help me.~

~“Do you?” I ask, kissing her throat. Addy’s hands scrape along my back, gripping my hair tightly as she whispers the one word I want to hear.~

~“Yes.”~

~That’s all it takes for me to carry her into the changing room.~

“You look gorgeous, Buttercup,” I stutter, finally snapping back to reality, my cheeks flushing.

~What the hell is she doing to me?~

~If only I had the courage.~

She smiles. “I’ll buy this, then. I really like it, too.”

“Yes,” I reply, my voice strained.

~Why would you smile at me like that?~

I glance down to see my semi-hard erection.

~Jesus Christ!~

~Calm down!~

I quickly sit down on the chair next to the changing room, taking deep breaths.

~Think of something unpleasant!~

I stand up and start to walk away when my phone rings. I answer without checking the caller ID, pressing the phone to my ear.

“Baby!” The screech nearly makes me drop my phone.

I glance down. Problem solved.

“Jalina,” I greet her, trying to hide my annoyance.

“OMG, Ashy!”

“How did you get my number? And stop with the nicknames.”

“You think it’s hard for me to find out your number, Ashy? I need to meet you. It’s important.”

“I’m going to be busy studying today and I don’t have a reason to meet you. Please stop this,” I groan.

“Fine, have it your way. But don’t you—” she starts again but I end the call, shoving my phone back into my pocket.

~Annoying woman.~

I head back to the changing rooms.

“Asher?”

“Yes?” I respond, moving closer.

“Can you come in here for a second? The zipper got stuck!” she says, and I chuckle.

I pull back the curtains that separate us and step into the small space.

“You can’t even do this,” I tease, shaking my head, only for her to swat my arm.

“Help me!”

“Turn around, woman!” I command, tugging at the golden zipper, slowly pulling it down her back. I push away the inappropriate thoughts that flood my mind as I hear her sharp intake of breath, continuing to pull it down.

“Stand still. Now it’s stuck again.” I fiddle with the zipper with my left hand, my right one unconsciously skimming over her back.

“Buttercup, stop moving and come closer!” I grunt, pulling her toward me. She stumbles and crashes into my chest.

I freeze in shock.

~You were the one who pulled her, idiot!~

~I didn’t expect her to crash right into me!~ I argue with myself.

I barely suppress a gasp when she tilts her head back onto my chest and looks up at me. My hand slides down her back and around to rest on her stomach.

“What are you doing?” she whispers, still looking at me.

Screw this. My little minx is nothing but a sweet temptress.

I grasp her chin, tilting it further up.

“Something I should have done ages ago,” I say, leaning in.

Her small hands wrap around mine just as I press my lips to hers.

~Ringggggggg.~

“Haa,” she gasps, quickly pulling away. I curse under my breath before answering the call. I pull down the zipper, giving Addy a look before stepping out.

“I told you not to call me,” I hiss.

“But Ashy!” she replies, which only makes me want to punch her through the phone. I end the call again and turn off my phone.

~God, I’m such an idiot.~