Déja Vú

A Deal With Consequences

Ashton

I saw her again.

Five days had passed, but the memory of her lavender-and-almond scent lingering in my nose, the feel of her skin on my knuckles... I couldn't shake it. I didn't intend to run into her, at least not like this, but fate clearly had its own plans.

I was in LA on business, Miami just two days away, and I had planned to personally return her dress before I left. Hoping... maybe selfishly, for a chance to see her again.

"Ashton, are you even listening to me?" Ashlie snapped me out of my reverie.

I blinked, forcing myself back to reality. "Yeah... of course."

"Oh really? And what exactly was I saying?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, smirk teasing me in the way only she could.

I groaned. Of course she knew I hadn't heard a thing. "Okay... okay, I admit it. What were you saying?" I asked, smiling sheepishly.

She rolled her eyes. "Oh please... don't try to play all nice and sweet with me."

"I said I'll be leaving tonight. Some things in Miami need my attention," she said.

"Like Noah?" I teased, and just like that, the faint blush rising in her cheeks made my chest tighten. She tried so hard to hide it, but I could see it anyway.

"Stop teasing me, or I'll report you to Dad," she said, her voice betraying a nervous shake even as she tried to assert herself.

"Do your worst, dearest. Those cheeks don't lie. And when I tell him his innocent little angel isn't so innocent anymore... he might just let it slide," I smirked, and she hurled a pillow at me.

"Ouch," I muttered, rubbing my shoulder.

"Whatever. Seal this deal, or you might not live long enough to see her again," she said, winking, leaving me to watch her saunter out with that infuriating, confident sway.

"I'll let you have the last word—just for today!" I called after her.

"Fuck you!" she yelled back, and I laughed, shaking my head. God, even after all these years, she had a way of making me forget everything else.

••••••••••••××××××××ו•••••••••

"Why did you turn Miss Kohen away yesterday?" I asked my assistant later, trying to keep my voice calm, though my pulse raced.

"I... you were busy, sir. You asked that no one disturbed you," she stammered.

"So now you speak for me?" I raised an eyebrow.

"N-No sir, it's just... she didn't even have an appointment," she said, voice trembling.

My jaw tightened. "She has business with me. That's why she came. She doesn't need an appointment, do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," she said meekly.

"Good. Next time she comes, let her in. And if I hear of this again, consider yourself fired. Dismissed."

I exhaled slowly, the tension in my shoulders slowly melting. But even as I tried to focus, my mind wandered back to her—Leora. Why did she want to see me?

••••••••••••××××××××ו•••••••••

Then she was there. Standing in my doorway, smiling. Stunning. Every detail—from the long-sleeved black lace gown to the yellow heels and matching clips in her bun—made my chest tighten.

"Apparently it's incredibly hard to meet you, Mr. Carter—even for a celebrity," she said, cautiously.

"What can I say—the disadvantages of being a Carter," I said, rising to shake her hand. Her laugh made my pulse stutter.