Ashton’s announcement confused Hayley a lot. It was so difficult to understand the guy. There were certain things she still needed answers to. She still couldn’t forget the frightening man at the nightclub. Ashton’s words from that night still rang in her ears. He had claimed her as his and had fought with Don’s men. He also mentioned some debt. It was confusing indeed! Was he working for the Don who had him kidnapped? Was that the reason he broke off with her? Then why does he want to resume where they left off four years ago? Why did he want to date her again?
There were only unanswered questions flitting across her mind, driving her crazy! Sighing, she went to the master bedroom to check. Ashton had already placed the boxes in the closet, but she had no energy to unpack them tonight. Pulling out a pair of shorts and a plain black tee shirt, she went into the luxurious washroom to freshen up.
She groaned, realizing that she needed stuff for the house. Thankfully, the washroom was stocked with hand wash, clean towels, and toilet paper and she didn’t need to rush to the convenience store right away. Did Ashton arrange them for her? The man was really an enigma.
Afterwards, she went to the sparkling kitchen, but the pantry was empty and so was the refrigerator! Hayley groaned in agony! It hadn’t occurred to her at all! She should have bought the stuff on her way home.
Now, at 9:30 in the night, she was too exhausted to go to the departmental store. The doorbell rang, and she trudged forward to open the door. Who could it be now? Could it be Ashton? Her heart skipped a beat at the thought.
Opening the door, she found Ashton on her doorstep again. His eyes checked her out, taking his time, making her blush. “This suits you better than those pantsuits you wear to work,” he drawled, his eyes lingering on her slender, smooth, never-ending legs. It made her blush profusely, and she struggled to change the topic.
“What do you need now, neighbor?” she asked, with her hands on her waist.
“I’m here to invite you to dinner in my humble home,” he said with a grin that brightened up his eyes. Was it just dinner? Her stomach grumbled for food and a smile lit up her features.
“Thanks! I thought you’d never ask,” she said, picking up her keys and phone and dashing out with him.
“I’m a very good neighbor, but only for you. My house is yours, just as yours is mine. You can come over anytime,” he said with a wider grin. Hayley was immediately on high alert. What was that?
“Thanks, but my house isn’t yours. You’re not welcome at odd hours.” Ashton laughed and locked his door after leading her inside.
“I’ll make myself welcome! C’mon, be a good neighbor now!” he laughed and walked away towards the kitchen. Hayley rolled her eyes but followed him, her mouth watering at the delicious aroma of freshly cooked beef.
“What did you make for me?” she asked, hovering around the counter while he took out a casserole of freshly cooked beef enchiladas from the oven. “Mmm, this looks heavenly!”
“I did the preparations in the morning. There’s tangy slaw I made now and leftover Spanish rice from last night.”
“I’m impressed, Ashton. Maybe having you as my neighbor is a blessing indeed.” Ashton laughed, and they carried the food to the table.
“Isn’t it too early to judge? I might be a creep, landing at your place at odd hours,” he chuckled, making her eyes widen. “Don’t be frightened if you see me in your bed at night.”
“What the f*ck! I won’t allow you inside at all!” she protested, serving herself the food. Ashton chuckled, unable to tell her he had a spare set of keys to her apartment.
“So, how’s the food?” he asked eagerly, his gaze dropping to her mouth.
Hayley licked her lips clean and nodded enthusiastically.
“I can eat it every day. It’s the best.” Ashton grinned, loving her reaction. It was what he had expected her to say! He wanted her to get used to his food and then to him. Could he rekindle the chemistry they shared? He desperately wanted to taste those lips again! Did they taste the same?
“I can make dinner every day for you, but I need something in return,” he negotiated, his eyes glinting with excitement. Hayley was immediately suspicious! What could he want from her now? Surely he couldn’t expect her to agree to be friends with benefits, just like he was with Madison? No, she would never agree to that! She still loved him, but she couldn’t stoop so low.
“I can’t give you what you want, Ashton. Never mind, I’ll make my own food from tomorrow. Thanks for the offer.” Ashton raised an eyebrow at her with curiosity, taken aback by her defensive reaction.
“What exactly do you think I want from you?” he asked, holding her gaze without batting an eyelid. Hayley hesitated, unable to spell it out to him.
“Maybe se*?” Ashton rolled his eyes and slowly shook his head, his eyes glinting with amusement.
“Nope!”
“Umm, maybe friends with benefits just like you have with your Madison?” Ashton laughed but didn’t correct her. He didn’t tell her he hated Madison, finding her creepy and suspicious. Not wanting to anger her much, he usually played along. Madison didn’t spend more than an hour with him. He hardly ever kissed Madison, let alone indulge in any physical intimacy with her. She only came to take an update on him!
“Nope, you can’t be like Madison.” Hayley scowled more, hating the way he always sided with Madison. She knew she could never be special like her!
“Whatever! Thanks for dinner. I’ll clear up and retire to bed.” She didn’t wait for his answer and quickly cleared the table. Rinsing the dishes, she placed them in the dishwasher while he just stood watching her from the door of the kitchen.
“So, do you give up?” he said in a raspy drawl, watching her work wearing a flimsy tee shirt and a pair of shorts. His friend down there twitched to life at the sight of her delicious butt and long, creamy legs.
“I’ve lost interest, Ashton.”
“Giving up so easily? The Hayley I knew never used to give up.” His eyes sparkled as he challenged her to continue guessing.
“That immature Hayley has grown up. There are certain things I don’t believe in anymore.”
“Like?” prompted Ashton, frowning a little at her change in perspective. Was it all because he had pushed her away from him?
“Like true love, marriage. I prefer staying married to my career.” Ashton’s frown deepened, and he stared at her, deep in thought. This was something new to him. The Hayley he remembered used to love him. She was thrilled to date him! Not only that, she had rescued him from the jaws of death. She hadn’t given up!
“Why this sudden change? Did someone hurt you?” he asked, wondering if she had any affair with a guy at her college. Four years was a long time.
“Forget it. Thanks for the dinner, Ashton. I must go.” She inched towards the door, but he didn’t move away to let her pass.
“Only a simple thanks?” he asked, his eyes glinting with amusement. Yes, he wanted more from her! He wanted to relive the kisses they used to share.
Hayley groaned, knowing what he wanted, but she wouldn’t kiss him. It was he who had thrown her out of his life, for no reason, without an explanation. She wouldn’t go down that path only to have her heart broken all over again.
“I’ll make something for you in return for tonight’s dinner. Oh, and send me your bank details. I’ll transfer the rent amount to you.” Ashton stood staring at her with a brooding look on his face. She really had changed! He had to try harder if he wanted to melt her resolve.
“Has it come down to that between us? A give-and-take relationship? Then how will you repay me for cleaning your apartment, for getting new furnishings and bed linen for you, for buying adequate toiletries in the washrooms, for making your bed, for cleaning your washroom? Tell me, Hayley!” Hayley stood stunned by his admission. She had no idea he had done so much for her. No wonder the apartment looked so clean and livable.
“I just didn’t get the time to stock up on your pantry and refrigerator. I had to rush to work.” Ashton sighed and turned to go. It was clear he wouldn’t get what he was dying for!
“Good night, Hayley. I just wanted you to go jogging with me every morning. Nothing else.” He disappeared into his bedroom, closing the door shut, and dismissing her totally. Hayley stood like a statue, feeling foolish for jumping to her own conclusions. Her conscience hit her hard. Surely she could have given him a kiss for doing so much for her? He deserved it, after all!