“No, I guess not,” Ash admitted. She leaned her hip harder against the door frame and crossed her arms.
“I always wanted something more. I even said that. I wanted to see you far longer than this weekend. It was never going to be over for me-”
“Until you lied to me.”
His chest squeezed and he resisted the urge to reach up and rub the spot that burned. “Yeah. I did. I get it. I didn’t tell you and that was as bad as lying straight up.”
“I don’t get why you didn’t. It’s not like it would have changed anything.”
Trace closed his eyes. “I- I’m sorry. I haven’t had the best history with people knowing that I had money and wanting to be with me for any other reason.”
“So, you thought I was just like every other gold digger?”
“I don’t really even know you, Ash.” Trace’s eyes flew open. “Seriously. I- I just wanted to play it safe at first, and then- even when I did feel like I was getting to know you, it had really only been a couple of days and I- I just wanted to enjoy what we had. It was nice, being with someone and just- just having them see me.”
“Why wouldn’t anyone see you? You’re- you’re a good man, Trace. You’re nice. You’re funny. You’re selfless, humble, kind. You were sick and you still came to my parents’ place for dinner. You actually enjoyed it, which is even more shocking.”
“Even the losing part.”
“Even losing. You’re a good loser. That alone tells me that you’re a nice person. We have games night at the store regularly and let me tell you, I’ve seen people lose their shit. As in throwing things across the room, clearing the table, screaming and yelling tantrums. You’re a good sport. You were willing to drop everything and help me.”
“I was intrigued at first and then when I saw you- like I said, I just… I was just lost. I felt this connection with you, like being with you was where I was meant to be. Like there was this string binding us up together.”
“It was only a few days. Like you said. Maybe it was nothing.”
He shrugged, though he didn’t feel like there was anything casual about it. “I don’t know. But I want to. I want to take you out. I want to stay in here and order pizza. I want to play board games with you and your family. I want to get to know you, everything about you. I want to see you smile and laugh. I want to- to do this with you until we’re either both sure it will work, or it won’t.”
“And what if it does? What would you do?”
“I don’t know. Keep doing it?” He raised a brow and gave a nervous laugh. “I’ve never- I’ve never felt like this about anyone. I’m at a loss here. I’m an idiot. I should have told you who I was or rather, that I had money, but I just didn’t want it to matter. I should have known someone would recognize me and I should have prepared you for it, if not for any other reason.”
“You’re damn right you should have told me.” Ash fixed him with a hard look. She was fierce and it was absolutely erotic and adorable all at once. “I would never use you for your money. I would never treat anyone that way.” Her hands balled into fists and her jaw clenched so hard it clicked. “I want to find those women and… and…”
“Deck them like you did me?”
Her face colored and that adorable blush he loved so much crept into her cheeks. “I don’t know. I wish. I- I don’t know what I would do. Call them a bitch and probably egg their house or something.”
He laughed. “That’s a sight I would love to see. You armed with a carton of eggs screaming obscenities. Maybe I’ll record it and we’ll have a second viral video.”
“I’d probably go to prison.”
“I’d bail you out.”
They both paused, the silence stretching between them, heavy and weighted. Finally, Ash sighed. “Look. I don’t know what you want. I don’t even know what I want. I’ve never really done this either. I’ve never imagined dating someone. My history has been a total disaster as well.”
“I’d like to find them and make them pay for not treating you right.”
Ash’s lips turned up a little at the corners. “Thanks for the sentiment. Really though it wasn’t their fault. I set myself up by looking in all the wrong places so that I wouldn’t have to put myself out there. I picked the wrong people so that I wouldn’t have to worry about caring.”
“It seems like we were both just trying to protect ourselves.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“You asked me what I want.” He took a chance and reached out and touched her hand. She didn’t pull away, but she did stiffen. “I just want another chance. I want a chance to prove to you every single day that you’re beautiful and amazing and wonderful and if you think you’re nerdy, I love nerdy. I want to get to know you. I want to commit to this. If you thinking decking me in the mouth and walking away is going to make me leave, you’re wrong. I want you more than ever.”