serenity
26 YEARS OLD
The next morning, I wake up in the warmth of Ashley’s arms. Boldly, I guide his hand from my side, down my hip. His fingers flex, but he doesn’t make a move to go farther.
“You can touch me.” My voice is thick with my desire.
“No. I can’t.”
My brows pull together in confusion. “Why?”
“Serenity. The last time you and I shared a bed, I took advantage of you.”
That has me sitting straight up in bed. “What are you talking about?”
“You were hurt. I shouldn’t have…” His voice fades, but when he speaks again, it’s heavy with grief. “I shouldn’t have let us go that far. I should’ve just held you like I did last night. I was older and knew better. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize.” I don’t mean to sound so harsh. Sucking my lips, I take a moment to choose my next words carefully. “I don’t want you to apologize for what happened between us. That’s the only thing I don’t regret from that night.”
I avert my eyes from his to focus on the paintings on the walls. What are we doing? He must read my thoughts because I feel the bed shift.
“I’ve got to go take care of some things at work.”
I quickly turn my head to watch him rise from the bed. We study each other. Relief and hope fill me when he gives me a small smile. “Are we still on for the rapids?”
“Yeah.” He leans forward and gives me a kiss on the forehead before leaving the room.
I fall back on my pillow and let out a sigh as I listen to the sound of the front door closing. Ashley was so gentle with me that night. He was everything I’d wished my first time had been. Sometimes I like to pretend that it was my first time. In a way, it was. It was the first time I’d orgasmed during sex. Of course Ashley would look back on that night with guilt. He feels guilty about everything, especially if it’s something he finds joy in.
* * *
I discover a new restaurant has been built near the rapids. The building is stunning and has the perfect view. It’s beautiful, with a large balcony and seating next to the water. I wander through the building and notice the paintings on the wall. Ashley is still painting, or at least he was. These are definitely his work.
“Sugar?”
I turn around to the male voice but have no clue who the attractive man is. He’s not much older than me. Clean-shaven and dressed in ash gray slacks and a wrinkle-free navy button-up. His dark brown hair is perfectly styled. Something about him is familiar, but I can’t place it.
“It’s me. Tyson.”
“Stoner Tyson?” I quickly cover my mouth with my hands. “I’m so sorry. That was rude, and I can’t believe I blurted that out.”
“But honest and true.” He laughs and walks over to me with open arms. I accept, and we share a quick hug. As we pull away, he places his hand on my back. “I still smoke a little here and there. Come on in. Let me fix you up with a good lunch.”
“I’m actually waiting on Ashley.”
“I’ll have one of the staff members keep an eye out for him.”
I pause walking and make a show of looking around. “Is this your business?”
“Yeah. I built it about three years ago. After Adam got sent off, I knew I needed to straighten up. Fran was the one who helped me sign for a loan. Ashley donated some of his paintings and helped out on the lumber costs.”
“That’s incredible, Tyson.”
“It is, huh?” He looks around with evident pride in his eyes. “This is mine. Just goes to show it’s not too late for anyone. We can all make something of ourselves despite where we come from.”
“That’s true.” I follow him inside, through the open seating and enormous windows. My mind is still wondering what he meant about Adam getting sent off. What’s with all this mystery about Adam?
Tyson pulls out a chair for me, and once I’m seated, he crosses the table and sits on the opposite side.