AFRAID {a.i.}

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Song of the Chapter: Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran.

Ana looked beautiful next to Brad. Her red dress was strapless and it fell straight to the ground. Her hair was curled and some bits were pulled back. Brad had on an average suit and his tie was red. I loved how coordinated they both were.

"Here, let me take a picture." I pulled out my phone from my purse and selected camera. Ana rested her hands on his shoulders, whilst Brad wrapped his hand around her waist. They both smiled and I took the photo. They pulled away and chuckled at each other. I was sporting an elegant white dress, that was low cut through the middle {picture above}, showing off a bit of boob... and my hair was curled and brushed out, making me look elegant. My makeup was simple. Brad quickly took a photo with me before leading us out. I was curious about where we were going, since we were dressed so elegantly. I noticed Brad hop into Jeff's Range Rover. I was shocked because his little car was no where to be found. I got in and Ana did as well.

--
"Brad, why are you stopping at the beach?" I looked out the window and the shore hitting the sand was in front of me. Brad tapped the steering wheel and turned to me.

"You need to wait here, I'm going to park up." Brad explained. But why would I wait here. I shrugged and got out, slamming the door behind me. I watched him speed off and I stepped onto the pavement. I looked like a dick, who stands in the middle of a pavement, next to the beach, in a dress like this? Something was going on. The parking lot was left, they went right. I went to pull out my phone. Before I could, a male cleared their throat. I looked up and saw Ashton. His blazer was done up, with his white button up shirt peaking out. His tie was black and his shoes matched. His hair was slightly tucked under his black hat. I should of known.

"Ashton-" was all I could say. He looked amazing. Stubble covered his chin and jaw line. This suit was doing him more than justice.

"If you'd like to come with me, I would be thankful." Ashton chuckled and reached out his arm. I hesitated, but placed my hand in the bend of his arm. I lifted my dress slightly with my hand that was filled with my purse. We began walking. I felt like being near him was needed. I missed his touch after all. As we approached the stairs leading down to the beach, I noticed a small, round table with two seats either side of it. The table had a red rose in a vase, in the centre. And around the table was candles. Rose petals were all the way down the steps and they scattered across the sand. My heart melted. Ashton did this for me. I put my hand to my mouth and struggled not to cry.

"Do you like it?" Ashton smiled beside me and I nodded. He brought me down the stairs, holding my hand tighter with every step. He showed me my way to the chair, holding the small of my back as doing so. He pulled it out and I took a seat. Ashton was being a gentleman. I mean he was always kind to me and sweet, but he never acted like this. He was making an effort. When Ashton was sitting, he noticed the vase was in the way of our eyes meeting. He threw the vase to the sand and I giggled.

"Your gentleman scale went from 100 to 50 in less than a second." I gestured and Ashton chuckled.

"There's a scale for that shit?" Ashton said. I lowered my hand and he laughed. "Okay. Okay, I get it." My eyes fell to the man who brought us champagne.

"I'm going to be your waiter for the rest of the night," I didn't know you could hire a waiter for the beach, "any concerns, please give me a shout. But anyway, Mr and Ms. Irwin, let me pour you some champagne before your order comes through." As he poured the alcohol into our glasses, my grin widened. The way he referred to us as caused Ashton to smile as well. His eyes never left mine. The waiter left and I took a sip of the champagne. Wow, this was new.

"How did you afford this?" I pointed around me and he shrugged.

"My birthday money." Ashton smirked and I looked at him, shocked.