BOOK II.
Four months have passed since Ashton and Ria's relationship fell into ruins. He's convinced that she hates him and she believes he never loved her. Giving up on each other, they attempt to mend their loneliness in the arms of their past; Ch...
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NO WORDS can begin to illustrate the amount of energy buzzing through and off of Ashton's being. He's worn a path in the carpet of his hotel living room from pacing back and forth while praying that Ria leaves Chris and that she'll find her way to his room.
And when she does? How the hell is he going to express just how much he loves her?
His heart thuds inside the confines of his chest, pounding, begging for some sort of release. He hasn't uttered those words in so long. The first time was with Vivian eons ago but with the help of Daniel, he swore off the concept of love forever. Then came Ria who thrust herself into his heart without relent and made him believe that he can love again.
And he loves her to the heavens and back.
After pacing for what seems like an eternity, Ashton drags his fingers through his hair and flops down on the small sofa that faces the balcony. The room is dim but with the curtains pulled open, the lights of New York are painted against virgin surfaces.
The company of a New York night is almost nostalgiac.
"Okay," he breathes and rubs his palms down his face. "Ria, I'm in love with you." His heart stutters. "It's that easy. Just a few words." He leans over and holds his head in his hands. "I love you. That's all I need to tell her."
There's a soft rap against the door behind him. He leaps from his seat and is swinging it open within a second.
Ria blinks in surprise, fist still raised to knock. "Oh," she exhales. A soft blush teases her freckled cheeks and she lowers her hand. "Were you waiting by the door?" she jokes.
"No." He eases back to let her in. "I was just waiting," he says breathlessly, watching her every move as she strides in.
Free from her dress, she's now bundled up in a thick cream sweater, black tights and knee-high grey boots. Her fiery hair is curled elegantly down the front of her sweater with furry grey earmuffs hugging her ears. His heart skips, loving how cute she can be without even trying.
"God, you're so cute," he mumbles. And I love you.
Her face burns even brighter and she ducks her head. "Thank you. I forgot how nice it feels to be complimented." She sneaks a step towards him. "Makes me appreciate the kind of man that you are."
"Well, you know I only say what's on my mind." He swallows his nerves and speaks as gently as she is. "And you deserve all the compliments in the world, dealing with someone like me."
"I know." She leans forward. "You put me through a lot of hell."
"Yet, you're still here."
"Yet, I'm still here." She lowers her gaze again as if afraid to look him in the eye.
