Ash (Dragon Riders MC #3) - Savannah Rylan Page 0,29

for eggs. Toast and coffee’s fine with me. But feel free to make yourself some.”

She shrugged. “I’ll whip you up an egg just in case, okay? Eggs on buttered toast is always good, especially with a bit of cheese and ketchup.”

I paused. “Ketchup?”

She giggled. “I can’t wait to cook for you more often. I’ve got so many things I’m sure you haven’t tried yet that I think you might like.”

I wanted to plan that kind of a future with her. My soul wanted it more than anything in this world. But my brain knew better. My brain knew what had to be done first. So, I chose not to respond to her comment. I chose to keep my mouth shut as I spread peanut butter on my toast and poured myself a big mug of coffee. I sat down at the kitchen table and Hannah wasn’t far behind. And of course, she chose the chair right next to mine.

Distracting me with the lingering scent of her womanhood.

“So! How’d you sleep, handsome?”

I chuckled. “Just fine. You?”

She sighed with relief. “Like an angel. Thank you for yesterday.”

“Of course.”

“It’s the best day I’ve had in a long time.”

“I bet.”

“And it was wonderful to spend it with you.”

She laid her hand against my forearm and I stared at our connection. I watched goosebumps cascade up my arm as her fingertips traced mindless pictures against my skin. I pulled away from the strokes, though. A shiver worked its way down my spine as I scooted my chair over a bit, trying to put some space between us.

I felt her staring at me like I’d grown a third head.

But I knew I was doing what was best for her.

“Well, anyway. Got any plans for today?” Hannah asked.

I took a massive gulp of my coffee. “Got work all day.”

“Oh? What time will you be home?”

I shrugged. “When I’m done.”

She snickered. “Ash, look at me.”

I did as she asked. “Yep?”

She narrowed her eyes. “What’s happening right now?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why are you putting distance between us?”

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. You’ve physically scooted away from me. And you’re acting like yesterday never even happened.”

I chuckled. “Trust me, I’ll never forget that yesterday happened.”

“But it won’t happen again. Right?”

I blinked. “I--uh…”

She stood. “You’re just like the rest of them. I should’ve known.”

I reached for her. “Hannah, wait.”

She pulled away before I could reach her. “Thought you wanted space, Ash.”

I swallowed down the pain I felt as she gathered her things and made her way for the stairs into the basement. She didn’t even look over her shoulder as she disappeared, and I could’ve sworn I heard her sniffle. I cursed beneath my breath as I stood from my chair. I shoved a piece of peanut butter toast into my mouth, then washed it down with the rest of my coffee. I had to get out of here. I had to get away from her. I had to get out of her life before I made things worse.

You never should’ve entertained the idea of yesterday.

“Fuck you,” I murmured.

I gathered my things and stormed out of the house, making my way for my bike. I slung my leg over the leather seat and cranked up the engine, ready to tear through the woods to get to the storage shed. I couldn't help but look back, though. My eyes fell to the line of windows at the bottom of the facade of the house. The windows that looked into the basement. I wanted to see if Hannah was peeking out at me. Watching me or waiting for me. Anything to tell me that she wasn’t as angry as I thought she was.

But there was nothing. No silhouette, no fluttering curtains, no gorgeous eyes staring back at me.

“You’ve really done it this time,” I whispered.

I tore away from my double-wide and set my sights for the shed. I arrived and promptly got to work, inventorying the new stuff we had faster than I’d ever done it before. By the time I was done taking inventory and organizing the damn place, I still had an hour to spare. So, I took the long way to the Iron Horse, trying to get some fresh air.

And settle my mind.

The second I made it into my office, though, I didn’t have a moment’s peace.

“Hey, Ash. You got a sec?” Sly asked.

I turned on my computer. “Sure. What’s up?”

He perched on the side of my desk. “The Golden Jags have been way too quiet for weeks now.”

“I’m aware, yes.”

“You