wood as well. I walk over to an impressive walnut bookshelf and ask, “Is this one of yours?”
“I built and designed all of the furniture here.”
I scan the room before turning to him. “You’re kidding?”
“No, ma’am. It’s what I do.”
“I knew you made furniture, I just never quite expected anything like this. It’s gorgeous.”
“You didn’t expect me to be good at what I do?” he teases.
“Not at all. I thought you’d be great, but this is, I don’t know, so modern and homey at the same time. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.” Of course, I’ve never gone furniture shopping before, so what do I know?
Davis walks toward a black leather couch and runs his hands along the back. The lines are strong and defined, very sleek. It would almost look uncomfortable if not for the overstuffed backing that curves over the top like it’s just waiting for someone to rest their head on it.
“I think of furniture as art. I want every piece to be as functional and comfortable as possible, but I also want people to feel like they’re experiencing something special when they look at it.”
“Can I sit down?” I ask.
“Of course.” Davis steps back and watches while I make myself comfortable on his sofa. It’s much softer than it looks, and I’m overcome by the urge to run my hands all over it. So, I do.
Davis lets out a groan like I’m touching him. He hurries to clear his throat to mask his reaction, as a smile comes to my face. I appear to have some power over this man, and I like how that feels.
After taking off my shoes, I put my feet up to see what it would be like to lie here and read a book. Once I’m horizontal, I announce, “This is so comfortable, I could fall asleep here.”
Davis looks down at me with a devilish smile before saying, “If you think you could sleep here, you should see the bedroom.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
October 28, 2014
Dear Molly,
I started working at Millersville Meadow today as part of my training to get my CNA. There’s something comforting about taking care of old people. The residents all had full lives before moving there to live out their remaining days. I know some people think nursing homes are sad, but I don’t. Sad is helping a thirty-nine-year-old woman wipe her bottom because she no longer has the strength to do it for herself. My mom would have loved to grow old enough to live here.
I ran into Davis Frothingham, if you can believe it. His grandmother is a resident. I’m taking it as an omen that I’m making the right career decision. Even though he didn’t seem to know who I was, I still wanted to throw myself in his arms and kiss him for everything that I’m worth.
“I’d love to see your bedroom.” I stand as though being pulled by an unseen force.
Davis takes a step toward me, so I do the same. We’re so close I can almost feel the fibers of his flannel shirt. “Ashley,” he says like he’s been walking through the desert for forty days and is begging for a glass of water.
“Yes,” I somehow manage to say.
“Are you and Alexander together?”
I shake my head. “We’re best friends, but we’ve never been romantically involved.” Which is true even though I’ve currently been entertaining thoughts in that direction.
“I needed to ask before I …” he stops talking mid-sentence.
“Before you what?”
“Before I …” and suddenly Davis pulls me into his arms. His mouth descends toward mine, almost in slow motion. I could probably count to ten-Mississippi by the time contact is made. His gaze promises an array of exciting possibilities. Every second that passes ratchets up my desire for him tenfold.
By the time his lips touch mine, I’m frantic for him. My heart is pounding so hard it feels like it’s trying to break free from the confines of my chest. Raw need starts at the tips of my fingers and toes, and marches toward more interesting places with intent. I’m either going to burst into a ball of pure energy and implode, or I’m going to rip off Davis’s clothes and have my way with him right here. After years of fantasy foreplay, I’m beyond ready for the real deal.
Davis’s lips are firm and insistent. He tastes of mint and promise. “Ashley,” he moans, “I’ve wanted to do this for a very long time.”
I initiate the next kiss, wrapping one leg around him