More Than a Teacher - Ashton Irwin

36

I slide into the leather passenger seat, letting the back of my head hit the head rest.

"Tired hm?" Ashton's warm hand curls around my thigh as he rests his other one on the wheel.

It's so nice to be back in his presence. It's crazy how one person can be so calming and relaxing just by being by their side.

"Yeah, I just wanted to get home all day." I tilt my head to the side, mesmerized by how focused on the road he is.

"Was everything ok at Elle's?" He turns the corner but instead of turning the corner again to pull onto the street of the apartment, he continues driving straight ahead.

"Yeah but they all started drinking so that's when I had enough." My octave lowers, almost like I'm scared he'll be mad even though I didn't let a drop of alcohol go near my lips.

He doesn't say anything and follows the road down to the end where the ocean is, parking in front of the beach so we can see the waves roll in. The last time we were sat here, I let go of all my painful memories and told Ashton what my parents had done to me.

Ash turns off the engine, unbuckling his seatbelt and clears his throat.

"Did you drink baby?" He speaks with a low, stern voice that is full of authority.

"No," I quietly say and meekly shake my head. "I thought about you and I didn't want to disappoint you." I look down at my fingers with a blush creeping onto my cheeks.

Looking up through my lashes, his lips slowly tug up into a proud smile.

"Is that right?" He hooks a strand of my hair behind my ear.

Taking my lip between my teeth, I nod quickly with giddiness. He appears satisfied and I love it when he's happy and pleased with me for doing something good. I live for the praise he gives me. It's one of the best feelings ever.

"Such a good girl," He whispers, picking up my chin to meet his hazel eyes, tinged more green in this particular moment. He smiles quite proudly, nodding his head in approval. "I think that deserves a reward. I'm very pleased."

Excitement explodes like a firework inside my stomach as I shyly suppress my own grin.

Reward? Fuck yes.

"That's a big step, I'm so happy." His warm thumb swipes over the blotchy red skin of my cheek.

I can barely look him in the eyes without going all shy and burn a deeper shade of red.

"Does that make you proud of yourself?" He chuckles as he catches onto my body's reactions.

It only makes me bite down on my lip harder and as expected, my face flushes again.

"You're so cute, getting all shy around me. I know you love it when I praise you," He smirks and leans over to peck my lips. "God I'm so pleased with you pretty baby. I know it's not easy to say no to a drink. I know how much you'd be tempted."

"I was, but I know it wasn't the right thing to do. You know what's best for me even though I might not like it sometimes."

"Well said," He nods with admiration in his gaze. "I'm glad you're taking my words in." He strokes my hair off my forehead.

Boy, am I glad I didn't give into the temptation. I'd take a reward and praise from Ashton over drinking any day. I understand why he doesn't want me drinking right now. First of all with what the doctor said about my health and that my drinking is putting my liver under stress but also because I can't drink sensibly. I can't have a good time with one. One always leads to ten. No doubt once I'm healthy and can make sensible decisions he'll allow me to enjoy alcohol again.