Ashton waited patiently for Hayley outside her gate. He wanted to go inside and get her but her mom’s words echoed in his mind and he stayed in the car. Hayley peered at him from her balcony and rushed inside. Under the streetlights, Ashton saw her looking hot in a black dress that clung to her curves. He couldn’t wait to hold her in his arms tonight.
Soon the wicket gates opened and Hayley emerged with a shy smile on her face. With her thick shiny hair bouncing at every step she took, her curvaceous figure swaying tantalizingly as she walked towards him, Ashton was drowned in her beauty. His body started revolting against his decision to go away. Why should he, when Hayley confessed her love for him? Why would he step down because of her mother? Her opinions didn’t matter to him because he hardly knew her. What mattered to him was Hayley’s feelings. If she wanted him to stay, he would.
Ashton got down to open the door for her. “Thanks. I was dreading the drive!” she said breathlessly as her eyes swept the entire length of him, from head to foot. It aroused Ashton even more and his eyes glittered with desire as he gazed at her. The dress made her look seductive, ravishing, and he just wished he could get her alone for a while. It had been almost two and a half months since he had tasted her lips. He needed her kiss before he left.
“Ashton?” she whispered breathlessly, seeing him lost in his thoughts.
“Yes. Let’s go.” Coming out of his reverie, he closed the door and went around to the driver’s side.
“So, where are you staying now?” she asked him curiously.
“At Uncle Daniel’s house. Where else?”
“Did you get time to think about my offer?” she asked, turning to look at him. Ashton shook his head slowly, unable to tell her about the conversation he had overheard. Hayley frowned at seeing the strange emotion flit across his face. He seemed to be in a dilemma. Why couldn’t he simply agree? His life would be so easy if he stopped being so damn stubborn all the time.
“Why not? Didn’t Dad talk to you?” She frowned, not having any idea what went wrong. With her hectic work schedule, she hadn’t found the time to sit down and talk to her dad about it.
Ashton again shook his head, but didn’t utter a single word.
“He called you, didn’t he? You should have come over to meet him. I’m so disappointed in you.”
Ashton sighed, giving her a brief glance, still wondering whether to tell her.
“I went to meet him, but I overheard your parents fighting over the issue. Your mom doesn’t want me anywhere around you. Maybe you should listen to her.” Hayley turned to gape at him, too confused by everything he just told her.
“Why didn’t you tell me, Ashton?”
She felt hurt that her parents could do this to him when she loved him so much. Surely her dad could have fought for him! He knew Ashton needed this job badly. Now, how would she stop him from leaving?
“I’ll talk to Mom, Ashton. Please rethink your decision,” she pleaded, but one look at his hard, determined features made her sigh.
“No, Hayley. Don’t fight with your family because of me. I’ve got an excellent opportunity in Florida. I’m just waiting for the appointment letter,” he said, releasing a long breath. He hadn’t wanted to announce his decision so abruptly, but he had no choice. He couldn’t hide it from her anymore. Hayley paled considerably at his sudden announcement. Shocked, tongue-tied, she sat in a daze for a while.
“You’re leaving?” she asked in a slow whisper. Ashton’s heart throbbed with a dull ache. He didn’t want to go after seeing her reaction.
“Yes.”
“When?” she asked in a tortured whisper.
“Maybe in a month,” he said, driving into the parking area of Impulse. Being a renowned cocktail bar in the heart of Times Square, on the thirtieth floor, it was the go-to place for the elite. Ashton waited for her reply, but she sat dazed. He wanted her to stop him, but she didn’t.
Sighing, he called Alexander, who hadn’t even started from his house. “They haven’t started yet. Do you wish to go up without them?” Hayley shook her head slowly.
“I can wait here.”
There was an awkward silence between them as each battled with their own thoughts. Hayley’s heart felt crushed at the realization that maybe this would be the last time she would see him.
“Aren’t you happy that I found such a promising opportunity?” he asked, feeling agitated to see her so quiet. He couldn’t understand what was going on in her head. Why couldn’t she stop him from leaving? If anyone could stop him, it was Hayley herself. He would do anything for her. Only he couldn’t join her company and be professional around her.
“Yes, I’m happy. Congratulations, Ashton. You didn’t tell me the name of your new workplace,” she said, her tone devoid of enthusiasm.
“It’s Hotel Bayview in Miami, Florida.” Hayley frowned, trying to recollect the owner’s name.
“Simon Baylor’s newest venture, right?” Ashton smiled at her expertise. She was really knowledgeable.
“Yes, it’s the fourth hotel for the Baylor group.” He turned his attention to her, wondering what was going on in her head.
“Why are you joining them? They’re on the brink of bankruptcy?” she said, holding his gaze. Ashton couldn’t look away. She was the right combination of beauty and brains and he was neck-deep in love with her.
“I’ll try to bring them up. I’ll try to make this a successful venture! They’re paying me a very good package after hearing out my ideas to bail them out.”
“I see! I know you can do it, Ashton.” She looked away, but Ashton still gazed at her, overwhelmed by her appreciation. They meant the world to him.
“Thanks.”
Hayley felt tears prick her eyes at the formal discussion. This was not what she had expected when he messaged her last night. She had really expected him to agree to her proposal. In fact, she started dreaming of working with him.
Alexander’s car entered the parking area, and they all trooped out. Hayley watched them happily march towards the elevator. “Let them go up. We can join them a minute later,” said Ashton. She nodded, wondering why he didn’t want to rush.
“Where’s Sienna? I didn’t see her with the others,” said Ashton. He knew Skylar was in California, but what about Sienna?
“Sienna’s wedding is coming up in two weeks.” Ashton looked at her with surprise.
“With whom?”
“Lucas Donnelly. They love one another,” she said, feeling even more upset at the mention of their happy love story. Why did hers have to end up in a disaster? Why did Ashton have to be so stubborn? Why couldn’t he confess, marry her and join her business? Wasn’t that the easiest thing to do in the world?
“What? How can she love one of those crazy Donnelly brothers? Don’t tell me all of you are planning to attend their wedding?” he demanded agitatedly, his face red with annoyance. Of course, Hayley knew about his and Alexander’s enmity with the Donnelly brothers, but that was years ago. It seems they still hadn’t outgrown that stage and matured.
“Obviously. We’ll go to Preston Island for a week to attend the wedding! Didn’t Alexander inform you?” asked Hayley, noting the storm in his eyes. He grabbed her arm angrily and shook the daylight out of her.
“No, you aren’t going, Hayley. I don’t want you around the Donnelly brothers,” he hissed angrily.
“F*ck off, Ashton. Sienna is my best friend and I will attend the wedding. Why do you care? I know you don’t give a shit about me. You’re going away, leaving me alone here.” She opened the door and rushed out to the elevator, leaving Ashton gaping after her.
He climbed out and went after her. Hayley ignored him all the way up to the thirtieth floor, where they joined the others.
She sat down with her friends and they shared a look, seeing the disgusting Beatrix with them to spoil the fun.
“Can we order? Or are there more people to come in?” asked Beatrix.
“We will order now,” said Alexander as they settled down in their seats. The lounge offered a panoramic view of the iconic Manhattan landmarks through floor-to-ceiling windows and from the expansive rooftop terrace adjoining the dining room.
“Here comes the special cake for the birthday girl!” announced Ashton as their server brought in an exotic red velvet tower cake to their table. It was Alyssa’s favorite, and she gasped with delight. They sang the birthday song as she cut the cake and fed everyone at their table. Alexander opened a bottle of champagne afterwards and as they sipped, the food arrived. There was Steak Tartare, Steak Frites, Grilled filet mignon, Red wine-braised beef, and mushroom ravioli all served with plenty of roasted vegetables on the side.
Ashton changed seats after the cake cutting, occupying the seat beside Hayley this time. Touched by her outburst, he didn’t want his last night with her wasted. He wanted to spend as much time as possible with her. After all, he came here only because of her.