“Hi, Ashton!” Hayley climbed into the car and leaned in to kiss his cheek breathlessly.
“Hey!” He smiled but started the car, his glance flicking all over her for a brief second. Although he wanted to grab her for a proper kiss, he restrained himself. He didn’t want the guards stationed at her gates to have anything to complain to her dad about.
“What? Are you having second thoughts about dating me?” she asked, seeing his lack of enthusiasm as he drove away from her street.
“Nope. Why would I? Are you?” He smiled with relief when she vigorously shook her head.
“Not at all! I love dating you!” Ashton couldn’t stop the grin from breaking out on his face as he drove towards Central Park. It had been ages since he had gone there.
“What else do you love about me?” Hayley shook her head, an impish smile lighting up her face.
“Nothing else! You’re boring!”
“Really? I thought I was the most interesting guy on earth! Well, let’s see you change your mind about me tonight.” Hayley turned towards him, her curiosity piqued by now. Where could they be going tonight?
“That depends on where we are heading to. Are we going to the Central Park Zoo?” She rolled her eyes, but Ashton just chuckled, divulging nothing.
“I won’t change my mind about you if you take me to the zoo.” Hayley tried her level best to make him change his mind, but he parked his car and led her towards 59th Street.
“Why are we here, Ashton?” she looked around to see plenty of regal-looking horse-drawn carriages waiting for their passengers. Ashton smiled and winked at her as he led her towards a beautiful black carriage with red upholstered velveteen seats. The majestic black horses stood at attention while Ashton greeted the driver, producing an e-ticket from his pocket.
“I’m Julian Dalles! Welcome to Imperial Rides!”
Ashton helped an excited Hayley up and seated himself next to her, his arm going around her to hold her closer. “Comfortable?” he asked her with a glint in his eyes at seeing the enraptured look on her face. She had explored everything that the city offered, and splurged at the most expensive places here, but never in her life had she taken a carriage tour around.
“Yes! I love this! It’s my first time on a carriage.” Ashton nodded knowingly as he gestured to their driver to start the tour.
“I’m so excited! How long is the ride?” She caught his hand as the carriage started its tour, listening to the rhythmic clip-clop of the horse’s hooves. The picturesque surrounding, the warmth of his hand holding hers, and the intoxicating feel of his body close to hers were enough to make her wish the trip would never end.
“Forty-five minutes!”
The next forty-five passed by, watching the landmarks of the world-famous park at a leisurely pace. The 2. 5-mile trail included views of Cherry Hill, Wollman Rink, Bethesda Fountain, Sheep Meadow, and more.
Their driver was knowledgeable and constantly disclosed important details about the attractions. They stopped at places for photographs and even at the famous carousel for a ride. Ashton gifted her a small bouquet of red satin roses that made her heart skip a beat. She knew what they stood for. Did Ashton know their significance?
“Why red?” she muttered so that the driver couldn’t hear them. To her immense frustration, Ashton just grinned at her but didn’t say a word.
“Is this the end of the date? Are we going back?” she asked with dismay. “We haven’t eaten!” He chuckled and helped her down from the regal carriage without answering her. Her stomach grumbled, and she sneaked a glance at him. He seemed oblivious to it as he thanked the driver and pulled her towards his car.
“Thanks for the date,” she grumbled and looked out of the window.
Ashton laughed and drove away while she refused to look at him.
“Your nose is as red as the roses I gave you. What’s got you so worked up?”
“Nothing. Don’t look at me if I look so bad,” she pouted, giving him a death glare. Who wanted to go home to dinner? Didn’t the dumb guy ever learn to plan a romantic date? He should have taken lessons from his friends!
“I never said you look bad.” He chuckled, loving to rile her up. “Don’t do that!”
Confused, Hayley looked at him. “Don’t do what?” He groaned at seeing the permanent pout on her lips. It made him want to fuse his lips to hers permanently.
“Forget it. Here we are!” he said, steering the car into the parking area of a rooftop bar nearby, famous for its mouth-watering delicacies. Hayley gaped at the place as he led her up to the sprawling rooftop bar. Ashton had a booking at a table that overlooked the beautiful Central Park. It took her breath away, and she felt a little ashamed at jumping to her own conclusions. The server arrived, and they ordered the food.
“So are you now impressed with me?” he asked, leaning in towards her as he sat down beside her, watching the panoramic view beyond.
“Yes, I love it, Ashton. Thank you for the wonderful evening!”
“My pleasure, Hayley. I could have planned more, but I was a little disturbed!” Concerned, Hayley turned to look at him.
“Why were you disturbed? Is everything alright?” Immediately, Jason’s words came to her mind, and she wondered if they were really true. Was Ashton really involved with the Mafia? He couldn’t be! He was too kind and sensitive, although he tried to camouflage it behind his rough exterior. She noticed the brief hesitation on his face before he released a sigh and looked into her eyes.
“Madison came to see me at the resort today. She was mad at me for ignoring her! She knows about us.” Hayley gaped at him wordlessly.
“How? Have you told her?”
“No. She stalked us and found out for herself. She also threatened to teach you a lesson.”
“Why would she do that? What’s her motive?” asked Hayley at her wit’s end with worry. As if Jason Lowells was not enough! She had to face Madison now!
“I think she’s obsessed with me!” said Ashton in deep thought.
“Wow! You must be thrilled that someone is obsessed with you! Right? Let’s celebrate!” Ashton noted the look of jealousy in her eyes and reached out to hold her hand in his. She tried to wrench it away, but he didn’t leave her at all.
“You have no reason to feel jealous. I won’t entertain her. She threatened to harm you and I’ve broken off the friendship!” Hayley stopped struggling and held his gaze with relief.
“I’m glad to know you did, but I’m worried about her threat. Is she still following me?”
“No. I threatened Lowells. He hasn’t sent his men to stalk you again. As for Madison, I don’t think she was serious.” Hayley listened to him as her jaws dropped to the floor. She had no idea that he had threatened Jason!
“When did you threaten Jason? How is it I know nothing about it?”
“A couple of days ago. I saw his men stalk you everywhere. It made me follow you home from work. I confronted the stalker and got through to Lowells. I threatened him over the phone.” The food arrived, and they tucked in hungrily. Ashton explained everything that had happened that day.
“Thanks for taking so much trouble for me, Ashton. I want you to take care of yourself too, in case Jason takes revenge.”
“Don’t worry about me. So, have you started studying?” Hayley shook her head, guiltily.
“I’ll start tomorrow.”
The night was beautiful, and they had so much to talk to one another about. Hayley wanted to know about his schedule at the resort.
“There are strong chances that I might get promoted when Derek Miller leaves. So, I’ll be the manager now.”
“Wow! So soon? You must be good at your job!” Ashton’s heart swelled with happiness at her appreciation.
“Soon we’ll not sneak out this way. I’ll take permission from your parents to take you out.” Hayley frowned, knowing how her family would react to that. They could see no one beyond Jason Lowells.
“Please don’t. Let me talk to dad in my way.”
“Fine, but they should know that we’ve started dating. I want you to study hard and focus on your career. That’s the only way to please your dad.” His words got her thinking! Maybe she should start studying now.
They left the restaurant, and Ashton escorted her to his car. “Did you enjoy our date?”
“Yes, it was the best!” she said, leaning forward to plant a kiss on his cheek, just as he had expected. This time, he didn’t restrain himself. He turned his head and claimed her lips instead. Hayley moaned with satisfaction, wrapping an arm around his neck to deepen the kiss. This was what she had been dreaming of all day!
He tangled his fingers in her hair and held her head to dominate it completely. It was a sweet, lingering kiss that fuelled a burning desire in both of them. Soon, the kiss turned into a battle for dominance. They couldn’t stop, although they were breathless. “I want to spend more time with you, Ashton!” she breathed when his mouth released her at last.
“Soon!” he promised, kissing her on the forehead. Lost in one another, they hardly noticed the sleek black Maserati parked at a distance.