He touched his aquiline nose and smiled. “It looks good!”
Looks good?
“I’ll get some to put on you, and you can tell me if you like it.”
“Not right now, I’m in a rush. I’ll gladly be at your service tonight!”
I…
Got taken advantage of again.
Without paying attention to him, I found a seat and ordered some food.
Rachel suddenly appeared just as we ordered. I had a vague suspicion that this was not at all coincidental. She looked ravishing in her black skirt with knee-high Dr. Martens.
“Mr. Fuller, Ms. Stovall, fancy running into you here!”
Ashton nodded at her curtly and grunted in acknowledgment. Turning to me, he said, “It was exhausting last night. Have some more and recover your energy.”
I blushed hard enough at that, but when he heaped food onto my plate, I positively burned crimson.
Rachel was no fool. Her face grew sour when she caught sight of my hickeys, which I have tried to hide to no avail.
I was impressed by how well she’d managed to hide her displeasure. “Mr. Fuller, Ms. Stovall, would you mind if I joined you? I’m here alone,” she asked good-naturedly.
“No.”
“Yes.”
Ashton and I spoke at the same time but with differing answers.
“Then I won’t bother you.” Rachel left to find herself another seat.
“Why are you being so mean to her? It’s awkward for her to eat alone,” I said with a frown.
“I don’t like it when someone sits next to me. I’m not used to it.”
“What nonsense!” I rolled my eyes.
I pushed the plate of okra in front of him. “Have some more. These are good for your kidneys.”
Ashton smiled, his beady eyes crinkling as he did so. “Did I not please my wife last night?”
I did not manage to swallow my fruit juice in time and sprayed it all over the table. It was a good thing that the tables surrounding us were empty.
Ashton handed me a serviette which I grabbed immediately for fear of him wiping my mouth for me.
“Ashton, could you please not have dirty thoughts while we’re eating?” I chastised after cleaning myself up.
“Hey, you were the one who pointed out that I had weak kidneys. I was just going along with what you said.” He shrugged.
I covered my face with my palms in exasperation. “I did not say that. I just meant that okras help with kidney health. It was not a hint that you’re weak in anything. Do you get me?”
“So were you praising my abilities then?” he asked shamelessly.
For the love of… Ugh!
It was times like these when I found myself constantly amazed at the capacity and creativity of the male brain.
I wouldn’t be able to finish my lunch if we kept this up.
Thus, I did not speak for the rest of the meal. Surprisingly, Ashton finished all the okra with grace. I think he felt awkward about it.
Nora called right then. “Are you all in Lavelian Village?” she demanded with her usual vigor. “I’m bored over here. Can I come over to you?”
I was speechless. “Some items at the base have been stolen. Do you think we would have the time to entertain you if you came?”
“That’s fine. I was just thinking of coming over and bothering you for a bit. We’re all friends, after all. I could visit my grandfather in the meantime; he asked me to invite you for dinner too. Are you free tonight?”
Channing inviting me for dinner? I was nonplussed. “Why would Mr. Oberick invite me for dinner?”
“Because I told him about you, of course. I’ve never had any friends growing up, so he would be delighted if I brought a friend home for dinner.”
I nodded as I recalled the last meal I had with Mr. Oberick at the hotel. He mentioned the thing about Grandma. Maybe this would be a good opportunity to ask him further about Grandma’s past.
I realized after several moments that Nora was not able to see my nod of agreement. “Alright, I’ll see you in a bit!” I said.
After I hung up, I found Ashton looking at me with a frown on his face. “Was that Nora?”
I nodded. “She invited me to dinner tonight.”
“You’re not planning on bringing me along?”
I snorted.
“I think it would be pretty awkward if you tagged along. Besides, it’ll be boring for you to listen to us girls gossiping.” Actually, I did not want him at Mr. Oberick’s house with me.
I had many questions about Grandma that I intend to discover on my own.
Ashton leaned back in his chair but did not pursue the matter. “Did you ever have a crush on Armond?” he asked suddenly.
I almost bit my tongue off. “What are you thinking about?” I asked with a glare.
Although, I think it’s fair that he would think that. Given the circumstances of what had happened before.
Ashton looked around idly. “Nora and you are pretty good friends, and she’s a good match with Armond, wouldn’t you say so? I suggest that you should stop thinking about Armond.”
I was breathless with indignant anger. “Ashton, you need to sort out the rubbish that’s going through your head!” I said as I stood up violently.
Without another word to him, I turned around and marched out of the hotel.
Right at the hotel entrance, Linda saw that I was all worked up, so she asked, “What’s wrong? Have you guys been fighting again?”
