1974 || 5SOS

Chapter 7

Scarlett

Early sunlight filtered through the dusty kitchen blinds, casting stripes of gold across the countertop. I wrapped my hands around my coffee mug, the only steady thing amid the whirlwind of last night's memories—Luke, Ashton, and that lingering ache that always surfaced when Ashton was near.

Lost in thought, I stirred in a splash of cream when I heard the familiar sound of footsteps behind me. I turned to find Ashton leaning against the doorframe, his trademark smirk plastered across his face, as if he were a cat that had just caught sight of its prey. "Morning, Scar," he murmured, his voice a slow drawl that sent a shiver down my spine, as though he'd been savoring the moment before speaking.

"Morning," I replied, forcing a casual tone despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach. "What are you doing up so early?"

"Couldn't sleep," he said, his eyes scanning my face with an intensity that made my heart race. They drifted lower, lingering in a way that felt deliberate. "Thought I'd join you for a cup." He stepped closer, reaching for the mug in my hand and wrapping his fingers around mine. For a fleeting moment, we stood there, hand in hand, our fingers intertwined around the same warm mug, his touch igniting a spark that sent heat radiating through my skin.

Couldn't sleep?" I asked, though I was unsure if I wanted to know why. Ashton had such an odd way of slipping back into my life, stirring things up and leaving me wondering. I pulled away, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks as I handed him the coffee. "You're back for one night, and already taking my coffee?"

He smirked, lifting the mug to his lips, his eyes never leaving mine as he took a slow, deliberate sip. "Just looked so good I had to get a taste," he says softly, but carefully ignoring my first question.

I tried to maintain my composure and ignore his obvious innuendo. "You've been gone a while. What have you been up to?" I asked, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear, attempting to keep my tone light. Yet, the energy between us felt electric, charged with an unspoken tension. Over the past few weeks, I had grown accustomed to the freedom of making my own choices, to the exhilarating feeling of stepping outside my comfort zone. Now, looking at Ashton, that tug of excitement and danger was stronger than ever.

"Busy thinking about you," he replied, leaning against the counter, his casual stance somehow making him more alluring. "You know, I can't help but wonder how a girl like you gets mixed up with someone like me."

A thrill sparked beneath my skin, but I ignored it. This was Ashton, the walking warning label, and I'd already fallen for that smirk once. The air thickened with unspoken words, and I felt my cheeks flush under his unwavering gaze. "Maybe I'm just a little wild," I said, attempting to sound playful while keeping my distance.

Ashton's expression shifted, his gaze sharpening. "So, what's new with you, Scarlett?" he teased, his eyes dancing with mischief.

"Guess you'll have to find out," I replied, lifting my chin slightly, channeling a newfound boldness. "I'm full of surprises."

"Oh, I have no doubt," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper as he reached out, his fingers grazing the low lace collar of my nightgown. His touch was feather-light, almost as if he were testing the waters.

I stayed silent, taking a sip of my coffee. If he wanted to disappear into mystery, then so could I. I turned and settled at the table, my heart racing. I wasn't sure what games he was playing, but I was determined not to make it easy for him.

He stared at me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he pulled a flask from his pocket and poured the dark liquid into his coffee, the motion fluid and confident.