When I shifted my gaze towards him, his handsome features exuded an elegant and alluring aura. He had also changed into a pair of grey sweats. It seemed like he had just emerged from a shower, as his ebony hair was in damp tendrils. Originally, Ashton had much shorter hair. He must have neglected it due to his increasing workload. His hair was now long enough to fall across his forehead. Overall, it gave him a very youthful appearance.
He did not notice my presence when I entered the study. He must have been too immersed in his work. Seizing the chance, I tiptoed over to his figure.
While he was distracted, I sneaked my way behind him and pointed my fingertip to the back of his head.
“Don’t move! This is a robbery!” I uttered in a low and raspy tone.
Gently, he set down the documents along with the glasses perched on his nose bridge. “What do you plan to steal?” he asked.
“I’ll take all your money!” I answered as I ruffled his hair with my fingers in a playful manner.
In a swift move, he turned around and pulled me onto his lap. “Mrs. Fuller, you can take anything you want,” he rumbled, “But you should repay my generosity before you leave.”
“Your guest is downstairs,” I said with a mischievous grin as I wrapped my hands around his neck. “Won’t you be embarrassed if there’s a commotion?”
“You don’t need to worry. He has left.” He reached out a hand to pinch me. His dark eyes were fixated intently on my face.
As soon as he uttered those words, the loud noise of a car engine echoed downstairs.
“Mr. Fuller, I have a serious question. Is Mr. Campbell’s impeccable timing a talent or skill that he trained?” I asked.
“Both!” his lips curled into a smile.
“Why do you keep calling me Mr. Fuller? Scarlett, shouldn’t you address me with more affection?” He caught my chin in his grip and bit my lip cheekily.
“We both have our own names,” I replied with a saddened pout. “What do you want me to call you? Baby? Sweetheart? Darling? Or Hubby?”
These loving titles seemed out of place for such a stoic person like Ashton.
Although we have been married for many years, I could not recall the last time I referred to him in such an intimate manner.
Ashton remained silent; his dark gaze was unreadable and impossible to decipher. “Hubby?” I asked tentatively.
The usually solemn Ashton seemed to be stunned by my words.
His flustered face nearly made me laugh aloud. How adorable! “Hubby!” I crooned gently and leaned on his chest.
According to Nora, there was a key technique when it came to flirting or being coy. A woman should sport a flirtatious gaze and a gentle voice; this would give the recipient an electrifying experience.
I felt a hint of glee when his muscles stiffened under my touch. It seems like Nora’s advice worked!
After my brief moment of triumph, mortification swept over me. Something feels off…
A crimson red blush painted my cheeks as I stared at Ashton. “You…” I didn’t expect to receive such a huge reaction!
Besides, we just did it last night…
“You are the worst!” The words slipped out through clenched teeth.
“I can’t hold back when you call me hubby!” Ashton rasped as his grip around my waist tightened.
“Say it again!” he demanded. He lowered his head until his nose bumped against mine. I could feel the warmth of his breath fanning my cheek.
My face warmed upon his request. Of course, I wouldn’t call him hubby again!
Quickly, I slid off his lap in an attempt to flee. “Go ahead with your work. I’m a little hungry; I’ll find something to eat.”
Before I could take another step, Ashton enveloped me in a back hug. My back was pressed against his broad chest as his chin rested on my shoulder. “How can you walk away after teasing me?”
“How is it my fault that you have no self-control?” I raised my hand to halt his advances. My face flushed in a mixture of frustration and embarrassment.
Ashton lifted me in his arms with ease and carried me to the table. “You can’t leave things unfinished,” he rumbled in a deep voice.
After so many years, Ashton knew my body like the back of his hand. A simple touch from his fingers was enough to strip my resistance away. It felt as if a cat had sunken its claws into my heart.
“Ashton, you were too rough last night! I can’t do it now!” I cried and reached out my hand against his chest to stop his advances.
He seemed to take my rejection as an invitation instead. Ashton didn’t stop his movements as my pleas were in vain. On the other hand, he seemed to redouble his efforts.
“Of course, I’ll get excited when I see you.” He clamped a hand over my mouth. “How can you be so cruel to neglect me?”
I was utterly speechless.
Yet, the arrow had been released from its bow. It was impossible to bring it back.
In the autumn days of September, the nights had begun to turn longer as the days shortened. Although it was seven in the morning, the sky remained dim. There was only a sliver of light that illuminated the clouds.
The sharp ringtone of my phone echoed noisily throughout the room. Before I could reach out to grab my phone, Ashton pinned me in place. It took several tries before I could grasp it in my hand.
