Rose | Ashton Irwin

chapter twenty four

Rose's POV

The next morning there are multiple text from Alec wondering what happened to me, along with a missed call from him. After thinking about it all night I realized that I don't want anything more to do with him. The more I see of him the less his appeal fades. I know I agreed, but the fact that he brought me there makes me wonder if he even realizes how different we are.

The main thought that keeps popping into my mind is, "Why was Russell there?" I feel like I barely know Luke anymore, so judging his options makes me feel guilty, but does Russ only go because of his connections? Or is he more involved? I wonder how often they go there, and if he's doing the same things as Alec. My stomach drops at the thought that the people there do more than drink and smoke joints as I think back to Luke mentioning someone 'having something new to try.'

I quickly shake the thought away, and message Alec back to say that Russell gave me a ride home. As I push myself out of bed my phone vibrates on the pillow. I glance over expecting it to be Alec, but it's a message from Penny.

Penny:

how did it go? ;)

Me:

Let's just say we have a lot to catch up on.

My eyes widen when I realize it's already noon and I've wasted all morning sleeping. Despite that, I spend the rest of the afternoon with plans to stay on the couch watching Netflix. I settle under a blanket with a bowl of my sugary cereal and decide on Gossip Girl. I've seen the whole series more than once, yet I always find myself drawn into the drama as if I'm watching it for the first time.

"X.O.X.O. Gossip Girl.." I mumble along with the intro, already on the third episode. Time has flown by and I don't even realize until the front door opens, pulling me into reality. Laughter fills the room and my eyes move to see Russell step in, Ashton following not far behind. They both have towels hanging around their necks and Russell has his gym duffle bag thrown over his shoulder.

Both disappear in the kitchen for a moment before emerging with full water bottles in their hands. "Hey- I'm going to run up and take a quick shower before we head to Michael's. Wanna wait in my room?" Russell turns back to ask Ashton, neither aware of my presence yet.

Ashton notices first, his eyes flickering over to my spot on the couch. I quickly return my attention to the TV and pull the blanket under my chin, wishing I could hide. "Nah, I'll wait down here. I'm gonna text Mikey that we will stop by my place before heading over."

Russell nods before turning to jog up the stairs. Ashton stays in his spot by the doorway until the bathroom door closes. When we hear the water turn on a smirk forms on his lips as he steps into the living room, "Morning sleepy head. I was surprised to hear you were asleep still when I picked up Russ this morning."

When he gets closer I notice the way his skin is still glistening, his cheeks flushed a light red. He's wearing a loose black tank top and gym shorts, which is something I rarely see him in. He runs his hand through his damp curls to push them off of his forehead and I can't help but admire the way his muscles flex as he moves. "Like what you see?" He teases, tilting his head to the side, "No need to be shy." His grin widens as he extends his arm, leaning down in an attempt to wrap his arms around me in a hug.

"Ew!" I squeal, throwing the blanket over my head in an attempt to shield myself. I hear him chuckle before I move it to the side to peek.

"Fine, fine. But you're missing out Rosie." His tone is still light and playful as he teases me, but I wonder how long it will last. I don't understand how he can act like this when the last conversations we've had have all ended in arguments. I'm still furious with him, but can't help the way my mouth is dry and my heart is pounding as my eyes scan over his toned body again.