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“Do you collect antique cars and motorcycles?”
“Why tell you when I can show you?”
Taking her hand, he led her down the corridor and into the garage, and flipped on the lights. It was a car aficionado’s paradise, filled with several luxury vehicles.
“Wow, what a beauty.” Haley peered inside the window of the Porsche and Ashton envisioned himself making love to her, right then and there, on the hood of his beloved sports car. But he wouldn’t. Not tonight. Even though his body had other ideas, he was going to be on his best behavior and prove to her—and himself—that he could be a perfect gentleman.
“I’ve always wanted a Porsche, but it’s way out of my tax bracket.”
Ashton studied her closely. He saw the envy in her eyes, the interest and curiosity. To impress her, he grabbed the key fob off the silver wall hook and dropped it in her palm. “Hop in,” he said, opening the driver’s side door. “Let’s take it for a spin.”
“I—I—I can’t drive your car.” Haley pushed the keys back into his hands.
Confused by her reaction, Ashton frowned. “Why not?”
“Because it costs more than I make in a year. I’d feel funny driving it.”
“Don’t worry,” he said, giving her a one-arm hug. Ashton liked touching her,, and didn’t want to let her go. She smelled of summer fruit, causing his mouth to water, and she fit perfectly in his arms. “Nothing’s going to happen. There’s not much traffic on Fisher Island. Most residents use golf carts to get around, not cars.”
Haley backed away from the Porsche, and Ashton grabbed her hand. Surprise flashed in her eyes, but he didn’t release his hold. His first thought was to kiss her, but since he didn’t want to push his luck he escorted her to the passenger-side door and opened it.
“No problem. I’ll drive.” To lighten the mood and make her feel at ease, he said, “We can stop at Pastries and More for a snack. It’s the most popular dessert shop on the island, and their cotton candy ice cream is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”
Haley put on her seat belt. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”
Deciding to give her a tour of the island first, Ashton pulled out of the garage and drove cautiously down the driveway. In his rearview mirror, he spotted his mother standing on his doorstep and floored the gas. If he stopped, Joan would question Haley about everything under the sun—her education background, her career aspirations, her ten-year goals—and Ashton didn’t want his mom to scare her off. Mindful of the neighbor’s children playing hockey on the street, he slowed as he exited the security gate and waved at them.
“Do you have plans on Saturday?” he asked, glancing at her.
“No, not yet. I was thinking of going to Pensacola, to surprise my mom, but she has to work, so I’ll be home this weekend. Why? What are you up to?”
“I’m going to the Firebirds game, and I want you to come.”
Seconds passed and Ashton feared Haley was going to turn him down, but she surprised him by cracking a joke.
“Only if you buy me lunch first,” she said with a teasing smile.
“Deal, and I’ll even throw in dessert.”
“How can I turn down such a generous offer?”
Haley laughed, and Ashton knew he was making progress with her. He felt a connection to her, feelings he’d never experienced before, and he wanted to explore them further. Haley crossed her legs, and Ashton had to remind himself to drive, not lust. It was a challenge to keep his eyes on the road and off Haley’s curves, but he forced himself to focus.
“This car drives like a dream,” she said, running a hand along the side paneling.
Images of Mia flashed in Ashton’s head. I’m having déjà vu, he thought, swallowing hard, willing the moment to pass. It didn’t. His memories were clear, gripping, powerful. He remembered helping Mia into the passenger seat of his Maserati, and sliding in behind the wheel. Like he had moments earlier with Haley.
Sweat trickled down the back of his shirt. The images haunted him, flashing in his head, leaving Ashton dazed and confused. Feeling light-headed, he slammed on the brakes. He gripped the steering wheel and took a deep breath to slow his erratic heartbeat.
“Ashton, what’s wrong? You’re shaking.”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not. Talk to me. I want to help.” Haley inclined her body toward his and rested a hand on his forearm. “What is it?”
Sadness and regret flooded Ashton’s heart. He could tell by Haley’s furrowed brow that she was confused by his odd behavior, but he wasn’t ready to open up to her about his past. What could he say? “Sorry, I just remembered driving with my dead girlfriend?” Haley would run for the hills, and Ashton didn’t want her to think he was crazy. Part of him felt stupid for inviting her to his estate in the first place, but another part of him was glad he’d made the first move.
“Let’s go back to the house. We can talk there.”
“What about the ice cream? You had your heart set on having the cotton candy flavor.”
“I’ll survive. Besides, I’m still full from dinner.”
Haley stared at him with trusting, understanding eyes, as if to say everything would be okay, and although he’d promised himself he wouldn’t make a move on her tonight, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. If Haley was surprised she didn’t show it.
“Are you okay to drive,” she asked him, “or do you want me to?”
“I’m good. Don’t worry. I’ll get you back to the estate in one piece.”
Ashton merged into traffic, made a U-turn at Fisher Island Drive and cruised down the tree-lined street. He kept his eyes on the road, but sensing Haley was watching him, hummed with the song on the radio to prove everything was okay. Despite his reassurances, he could see she was worried about him and he felt like an ass for scaring her.
“We’re back.” Hoping to avoid a run-in with his mom, Ashton sped through the security gates and parked the Porsche in the garage. “Home sweet home.”
“How are you feeling now?” Haley asked, her voice a whisper. “Any better?”
Projecting confidence, Ashton smiled and winked. “I’m great. I’m having a good time with you and I’m looking forward to our date tomorrow night.”
“Ashton, it’s not a date. We’re volunteering at the Miami Soup Kitchen together.”
“Yeah, but after we finish up we’re going to have drinks at the Rooftop Bar. They have a live reggae band on Friday nights, and they’re one of the hottest acts in Miami.”
Pop music played from inside Haley’s handbag, and she scooped it up off the floor. “Ashton, do you mind if I take this call?”
“Not at all. Go ahead.”
Putting the phone to her ear, Haley turned toward the passenger window and spoke in a soft, soothing voice. “Hello, Sienna, is everything okay?”
Watching her, Ashton could tell that something was wrong. The person on the line sounded hysterical, but he couldn’t make out what the female caller was saying.
“Sweetie, stop crying. Everything’s going to be fine. I promise.” Haley took off her seat belt and threw open the passenger-side door. “Sienna, wait for me in front of your apartment building. I’m on my way. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Ashton jumped out of the Porsche and joined Haley on the driveway. Keys in hand, she marched toward her car, a frown on her lips, obviously deep in thought.
“You’re leaving? Already? But it’s only nine o’clock.”
Haley dropped her cell inside her purse. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. It’s an emergency.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
Shaking her head, she slid behind the wheel. “Thank you for a wonderful evening,” Haley said politely. “And for listening to my pitch about The Aunt Penny Foundation. The backing of the Millionaire Moguls means the world to me, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support.”
Before Ashton could respond, Haley put the car in Drive and sped down the drive.
Ashton wondered what his parents would think of her. She was a smart, educated woman, but she wasn’t from a moneyed family. Questions loomed in his mind. Would his parents like her? Would they welcome her into the family with open arms? Or would his father give him a hard time for dating someone from humble beginnings?
Returning to the house, Ashton broke free of his thoughts. He was too old to cater to his mother and father. He wasn’t a college student anymore. He was older now, wiser, capable of making his own decisions, and he didn’t need anyone’s approval to spend time with Haley Adams. He wanted to date her—planned to romance her every chance he got—and Ashton didn’t give a damn what his bougie, uptight parents thought.
Chapter 4 (#u61d55639-542f-564d-afaa-31b74d319c1d)
“You’re a sight for sore eyes,” Becca quipped, her voice slicing through the noise in the staff room of The Aunt Penny Foundation. Grabbing the remote off one of the round, oak tables, she turned off the TV and hitched a hand to her hip. “How was your date with the president?”
Glancing up from the coffee machine, Haley rolled her eyes. It was 7:00 a.m. on Friday, much too early to be interrogated, but if she didn’t respond Becca would hound her for the rest of the day. Soon, the room would be full of staff, and they’d have zero privacy, so Haley said, “His name is Ashton, and if you must know our business meeting went very well.”
“Business meeting? Girl, please, it was a date and you know it.”
Haley unzipped her nylon lunch bag and took out her breakfast. A creature of habit, she ate a banana and a whole wheat bagel every morning upon arriving at the office. She appreciated having a few quiet moments to herself to plan for the day and review her schedule, and hoped Becca didn’t grill her about Ashton while she was eating. “Is that why you’re here an hour early?” she asked, gesturing to the decorative wall clock above the door. “Because your nosy behind wants to find out what happened between me and Ashton?”
Becca giggled. “Heck yeah! I’m dying to hear all of the scandalous details.”
Laughing, Haley cut her bagel in half, dropped it in the stainless-steel toaster and eyed Becca with fondness. Her best friend used to hide her long, lush curls in a bun, and her womanly curves under loose clothes, but once Becca met Joshua DeLong she’d revamped her look. Last month, they’d gone shopping at the most exclusive shops in Miami, and now Becca came to the office dressed like a participant in America’s Next Top Model. Chic hairstyle, nails tastefully done, form-fitting outfits, designer accessories and shoes. Joshua had swept Becca off her feet, and everyone had noticed a big change in Becca, even Aunt Penny. Haley was thrilled for her best friend and hoped the happy couple had a long and prosperous marriage.
Not like me, she thought sadly. I’ve never had a successful relationship.
“I waited up for your call, and when I didn’t hear from you I figured you gave Ashton the cookie and fell asleep at his gorgeous, to-die-for estate!”
“Wrong again.”
Becca raised an eyebrow, and crossed her arms. Her belted shirtdress accentuated her slim body, and the indigo shade complemented her flawless brown skin. “You didn’t spend the night at Ashton’s place? Then why didn’t I hear from you?”
“Sienna phoned me, crying hysterically, so I left Ashton’s estate to go pick her up.” Haley filled her pink, oversized mug with coffee and added a splash of cream. “I got in late, and since I knew you’d be sleeping, I figured we’d touch base today.”
Concern covered her features. “What happened? Is Sienna okay?”
“No.” Recalling her conversation with the high school sophomore last night as they sipped hot chocolate inside Haley’s kitchen caused her good mood to fizzle. In the three years she’d been CEO at The Aunt Penny Foundation, she’d never seen a case as troubling as Sienna Larimore, but she was determined to help the shy, honor roll student. “Her mom’s new boyfriend is saying and doing things to make her uncomfortable, and she’s scared to be alone with him. Until I can arrange a meeting with her mom, she’ll stay with me.”
A frown crimped Becca’s mouth.
“Don’t look at me like that. I did what I thought was right.”
“What happened to keeping your professional life and your personal life separate?”
“I know, I know, don’t read me the riot act. It’s just for a few days.”
“You said that the last time, and Aaliyah and Faith both lived with you for months.”
“What did you expect me to do? Sienna was upset and I didn’t feel comfortable taking her back home,” Haley explained, feeling the need to defend herself. “She’s a sweet girl with incredible potential, and I’d never forgive myself if something bad happened to her.”
Sighing, Becca shook her head. Haley couldn’t tell if her bestie was on her side or not. In her heart, she knew she’d made the right decision and wished Becca couldn’t give her a hard time about it. “Sienna said her mom’s boyfriend teases her about her body and makes dirty jokes when they’re alone. There was no way in hell I was taking her home to him.”
“Creep,” Becca spat, her tone full of disgust. “I wish I could be alone with him for five minutes. I’d put my self-defense training to good use.”
“That makes two of us. I have a meeting with Sienna and her mom tomorrow, and I hope Ms. Larimore will take my concerns seriously.”
“She better. Screw her boyfriend. She needs to do what’s best for her daughter.”
Becca bumped Haley aside with her hips, opened the fridge and grabbed a chocolate chip muffin, a can of orange juice and a cup of Greek yogurt from off the top shelf.
“You’re trouble, you know that?” Haley said with a smile.
“Funny, Josh said the same thing last night when I handcuffed him to the bed!”
The women cracked up.
Becca sat down at the table. “Get over here,” she ordered, pointing at the chair across from her. “I want a play-by-play of your date with Mr. President, and don’t skip over the juicy parts. I want to hear it all.”
Mug and plate in hand, Haley stared longingly at the staff room door. She wanted to make a break for it, to run full-speed down the hall and into her office, but reluctantly sat down. She was attracted to Ashton, but that was all it was—a silly, hopeless crush that wouldn’t amount to anything—and she’d rather discuss work than her feelings for the sinfully handsome COO.
Over breakfast, Haley gave Becca the CliffsNotes version of her evening with Ashton, careful to leave out how delicious he smelled and how wonderful his touch had made her feel. “I thought Ashton was going to be smug, like some of the other wealthy executives I’ve met in recent months, but he’s actually a really nice guy. Down-to-earth, chivalrous and genuine.”
“I don’t know, girl. Josh is a great judge of character, and he thinks Ashton’s trouble.”
“Of course he does. He’s a corporate raider. He’s suspicious of everyone!”
Becca laughed, and her dark brown curls tumbled around her face. “Good point, but...” Shaking her head, she trailed off speaking, and waved a hand absently in the air. “Forget it. I’ve said enough.”
“No, go ahead, Becca. I want to hear what you have to say.”
Several seconds passed before she spoke.
“Josh said there are things about Ashton people would be shocked to know. Things that would jeopardize his presidency and ruin his family’s reputation.”
Haley chewed slowly. Needing a few moments to gather her thoughts, she considered her best friend’s words. Yesterday, Joshua had implied that Ashton was as shady as a mobster—but Haley wasn’t buying it. Not for a second. Whatever Becca’s fiancé thought he knew about Ashton couldn’t be so bad. The Rollinses were a respected family who had supported local charities for decades, and Haley was glad she’d met Ashton at the Millionaire Moguls meeting. He was throwing his support behind The Aunt Penny Foundation, and that was good enough for her. The organization was strapped for cash and could use a man of Ashton’s influence in their corner.
“Everyone has secrets, Becca. Even you.”
“No, I don’t. I’m an open book.”
Haley wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Oh, really? So, Josh knows about the time you went skinny-dipping with your cousins at that deserted beach in Tijuana?”
“Hell no!” she said with a laugh. “I’m taking that secret with me to the grave!”
“My point exactly. We’ve all done things we regret. Me, you and even Josh.”
“Girl, I agree with you, but Josh is on a mission to unearth the truth.”
“If Josh has something to say why hasn’t he come forward? Where’s his proof?”
“So far, it’s nothing but hearsay.”
