Damaged ♡ Lashton ✔

Chapter 4

I stare at my reflection in the full-length mirror in my bedroom, smiling slightly at my tight black jeans and red t-shirt, my hair falling flat in a fringe across my forehead. It's been three weeks since my first date with Ash, and he's taking me out again tonight for date number four.

"Well, don't you look handsome." I look up to see Michael leaning against my door frame, a fond smile on his face. I blush slightly and look down at my sock clad feet which causes Michael to chuckle quietly. He walks over to me and wraps his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder. "I like seeing you like this." I furrow my eyebrows in confusion and look up at him through the reflection.

"Like what?"

"Happy." My blush deepens and I can't stop the wide smile that stretches my lips.

"I really am, Mikey."

The doorbell rings and he kisses my cheek before skipping away to get the door. I quickly pull on a pair of Vans and grab my things before running downstairs to where the voices are coming from. I come skidding to a stop when I see Ash and Michael chatting and laughing in the foyer. Ash is wearing a burgundy button down and fitted dark blue jeans with converse on his feet, his longish curls tucked behind his ear on one side and he looks so incredible, I'm pretty sure I feel myself drooling a bit.

"Hi," I breathe out, a bright smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye. Ash whips his head around and beams at me, walking the few steps over to me and immediately places his arm around my waist and places a chaste kiss to my temple.

"Hi, Princess. You look beautiful." I blush and look down briefly before glancing up at him through my lashes. His smile grows further and he presses another soft kiss to my cheek. "You ready to go?" I nod in confirmation and he moves his hand to rest on the small of my back, guiding me towards the door.

"Have fun, be safe, and don't do anything I wouldn't do! You better bring him home in one piece, Ash," Michael says sternly, arms crossed over his chest as he glares pointedly at my date.

" Mike!" I scold instantly, rolling my eyes at my overprotective best friend.

"I promise I won't allow a single hair on his beautiful to be harmed," Ash responds seriously, eyes alight while he humors my friend. I grab his hand and tug him forward gently.

"Bye, Mikey! Don't wait up." I push Ash outside and close the door firmly behind us, letting out a sigh. "Sorry about him. He's a little..."

"Protective?" Ash asks, raising an eyebrow. I nod and shrug in a what can you do? gesture. "I get it, no need to apologize. I like that you have someone like him around – everyone needs a friend like that." He opens the passenger door for me, just like every other time and I smile gratefully as I slide in.

"So what's on the agenda for this evening?" I ask once he's settled into his seat. Once he's pulled out of the driveway, he rests his hand on my leg, just above my knee and gives it a gentle squeeze. I place my hand over his and wait patiently for his answer, but when it doesn't come, I raise an eyebrow at him. "Earth to Ash? Where are we going?" He simply smiles over at me and continues to drive so I let out a small huff of annoyance.

"Hey now, none of that, Princess. It's a surprise, you just need to be patient." I debate arguing for a split second before deciding against it and just relax back in my seat, soaking in the comfort I feel in his presence. "Good boy," he praises gently, a small smile on his lips. I blush slightly and turn to look out at the scenery flying past.

After a solid hour of driving, he pulls into a parking lot along the beach and stops the car. It's become second nature for me to stay put until he comes around to my side, and when he opens the door with a look that resembles pride, I knew I made the right choice in waiting for him. I take his outstretched hand and follow him to a quaint little restaurant right on the sand, breathing in the salty air with a smile. We walk up to the hostess stand and he lets go of my hand, instead resting it on the small of my back.