Ashton's Lie

chapter fourteen

I slowly make my way up the steps to my house. I open the door and the house was empty. I walk into my father's study to see his back to me. He was holding a family picture with a small smile on his face.

"Dad?" I knock softly on the door.

He turns to face me and sets the photo down. "Taylor, I cleared my schedule for the day. I'm sure Houston told you."

I nod. "Yeah, he did. Is there any particular reason?"

Not that I'm complaining, but this seems weird. We haven't had a father daughter day in years.

"I just want sometime with you. Do you have anything you'd like to do today?"

I shrug. "Lunch?" I just ate but that's the first thing that came up. I'm already full.

My dad frowns. "Didn't you have lunch with Ashton today?"

Crap. "Um, movie?" I ask.

He nods. "I'd love that."

Hopefully I will too.

♠♠♠

I chose to watch Suicide Squad. I knew my dad was too old for this 'weird ass' movie, as he described it. He hasn't said anything since we got here.

It's been about thirty minutes since the movie started and I can already tell, I love Harley Quinn and the Joker. I decided to stay at home and watch it in the theater nobody uses on level two.

I shove popcorn in my mouth, crunching on it loudly. I see my dad shift and I know he's trying to start a conversation.

I pause the movie and take off my 3D glasses. "Yes, dad?" I decide to push him in the right direction.

He takes off his glasses as well. "Your brother's coming home."

I nod my head, pretty sure he wanted to talk about something else.

"He said he wanted to check on you. He heard about your relationship with Ashton."

Ah, there it is. He probably sent Christian over here to talk to me.

I shrug, playing the cool card. "Is that all? You seem nervous."

He stutters, "It's just ... uh ... why him?" He doesn't make eye contact.

I shrug. "Why not him?"

"He doesn't seem like a good influence."

"Do you know any babies in the Marshall family?" I ask my dad.

I wanted to see if he does his research on his enemies. I was also curious about the baby girl he had in his house.

My dad shrugs and shakes his head. "Not that I know of, no. I don't think he has any sisters. Maybe a cousin?"

I nod and ignore the subject. "Do you know if Ashton and his parents are close?"

"Not every family is perfect, Taylor." He says softly.

I know the feeling. Us Ramirez's aren't so perfect either.

My brothers come into the theater. I run up to them. "Christian!" I hug around his neck tightly.

"Hey Tay-Tay." He hugs me back tightly.

"Hey! What about me?" Teddy pouts.

Christian lifts him up and we hug him in between our chests, most likely suffocating him.

"Alright kids, that's enough." My dad says behind us.

At the moment, my mom yells, "Dinner's ready!" Through the intercom.

Everyone rushed to the dining room. Christian being first since he's an athlete and food lover. Before he even sat, he grabbed two huge breadsticks and sat across from me.

Everyone settled down and eat their food immediately. It was the usual chitchat people talk about at dinners on TV. How everyone's day was, future dreams, boring questions.

That was until the doorbell rang.

I'm sure none of us expected visitors. Houston went to open the door as we all waited.

I knew I should've been surprised Ashton was standing in my dining room, but instead, I was relieved. Ashton was a rebellious bad boy, I knew he would come at unexpected and embarrassing moments when I don't want him here.

But I kind of felt happiness overtake me as he stood in front of me. He had flowers in his hand and was wearing his usual attire. Black leather jacket, boots, jeans, everything.

He wore his 'I'm nice, hug me' smile that had girls like me melting to their knees. Why did he have to be so attractive?

I just want to lick my tongue down his delicious abs ...

"Taylor," Christian kicked me in the shin, making me hiss in pain and glare at him.

I stood up and kissed Ashton on the cheek and took the flowers. My mom came over and took the flowers after thanking Ashton and inviting him to dinner.

He was thirty minutes late, all the important big meals were gone by now but his presence was something to my family and I.

"So you're my sister's boyfriend." Christian speaks up, leaning against his chair and crossing his arms.

"That would be me," Ashton smirks widely, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. Christian's eyes follow his movement.

"Take good care of her man." Christian and Ashton do a handshake over the table. I'm surprised Christian's taking this well, especially with Ashton's image.

"Don't worry man, I will." Ashton sounded confident.

I excused us and took Ashton's hand, leading us to my room. I flop backwards on my bed while he stands near my door.

I pat the side next to me. "Come on, boyfriend," I say. "Let's bond." My eyelids fell heavy as sleep began to overcome me.

Ashton shakes his head and chucked as he makes his way over to me. He lays down on his back, looking up at the ceiling while I'm laying on my headboard.

The room becomes silent as we take in each other's company.

"Sweetheart," Ashton whispers in the silence.

I hum in response. Ashton takes my body and puts my head on his chest as I'm about to pass out any moment. He turns off the lights, leaving us in the dark.

I didn't have enough energy to ask if he's sleeping over. Not that I mind, but my parents might. Besides, nothing about my relationship with Ashton is physical.

He's hot, I'm smoking hot mixed with a little sexy and that's that.

I can feel his chest rising up and down as his breathing is steady.

The last thing I remember before falling asleep were a pair of soft lips touching my forehead.