tech companies in the world. He wanted me to work alongside him, but my passion was helping people. I never saw myself working in an office. My brother followed in my father’s footsteps, and I picked something I knew would make me happy.
“Honestly. Here. This is home to me. I love everything about Seattle.”
“Wow. That’s surprising.”
“Why’s that?”
She shrugs and sips on her latte before answering. “I thought you’d say someplace expensive and nice.”
“Nope. Seattle’s where I want to be. Let me ask you something. What made you want to become a nurse?”
Her body’s vibrating with excitement. Light illuminates her beautiful face, and there’s that smile again.
“I love helping people. Ever since I was little, I always took good care of my dolls and would play nurse with my mom and sisters. I wasn’t the greatest in school, but I worked hard and studied every day.”
“I’m glad you found something you love to do.” She’s beyond perfect for me. We have the same interests and want to help people. “Do you have anything lined up for a job?”
She nods with excitement. “My second interview is next week. I don’t want to sound cocky, but I think the job’s mine.”
“That’s great, Ashley. I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you.”
There’s that blush again. I don’t know why, but I love that she gets nervous around me and becomes shy. My cock pulses at the thought of what else makes her blush. Since we’re only talking, I wonder how a night with me would make her feel. I didn’t expect any instant feelings to come from meeting her, but once I set my eyes on her, I knew it was game over. Whenever I see something I want, I work hard to get it. I don’t take no for an answer.
“I don’t want tonight to end. Do you want to stay here or head out somewhere else?” I want her to keep talking and for our date to not end.
“Let’s stay here for now and keep talking.”
“Sure. Whatever you want.”
Chapter 3
Ashley
A few hours later, Clayton’s walking me to my car. The night has gone by in a blur. I don’t want it to end, and I sure hope I know what I’m getting myself into. A nudge inside me keeps poking and telling me it’ll be okay and to take the chance. I’m not very good at taking chances. From the second our eyes met, I’ve been captivated by his smile. His eyes. Everything about him. It’s unsettling how in less than a few hours, someone can mean so much to me. I could easily fall head over heels in love with Clayton Turner. He’s giving me the butterflies again with just one touch.
“I had a lot of fun tonight with you. I hope I’ll see you again soon.”
“Me too.” I’m breathless. I’m begging him to kiss me. What feels like years is making me anxious. Should I make the first move?
My stomach flops, and I’m questioning the night and what I think will happen. To be honest, I’m not sure I entirely know what I want to happen. I glance down at the grip he has on my hand. Maybe we’re thinking the same thing.
Oh, Mylanta. Please say something, so I’m not going crazy over here. I’m going to need to learn how to breathe and not freak out. I don’t want to be that girl.
Clayton puts a strand of hair behind my ear and cups my cheek in his soft and warm hand. “You’re beautiful.” The sexy cadence and deep voice ease my jittery nerves. “When can I see you again?” Before I can answer, our lips meet. I quiet my mind and let myself enjoy this moment. Our lips are pressed tightly at first, and when I part my lips for him, he deepens the kiss and presses me closer to his body.
A tingle courses through my body from head to toe. Even with this kiss, I can feel his smile. In a matter of hours of talking, and now this kiss, it feels like home.
“Come back to my apartment with me,” I whisper against his lips, breaking our kiss.
“You sure that’s what you want?”
“I mean, you don’t have to, but I …” My voice trails off when his lips land on mine.
“I want to. I just don’t want you to feel pressured.”
“I don’t feel pressured. This is what I want, Clayton. Come back to my place.”
“I’m right behind you.” With one more kiss, he’s opening my car door for me and rushing