She felt so bad for him and turned to look at Phoenix. “You’re not being very nice.”
“He has work to do. It’s not my job to pamper his need.”
“He thinks you hate him because he stinks.”
“He does stink,” Phoenix said.
“So this has nothing to do with jealousy?”
“It has everything to do with jealousy.”
Ashley smiled. She couldn’t help it.
“You think this is funny.”
“A little bit.”
“Daniel is in love with you.”
She shook her head. “No, he is in love with the idea of finding a mate. He had hoped I was that mate, but I’m not. I will never be his mate. You and I both know that.”
“That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have feelings for you.”
“And I squashed them down, Phoenix.”
“You did?”
“Yes. Even though you’d done what you did, I couldn’t let him think there was a chance with the two of us, so I told him no. I told him I would never love him that way, and the only chance we have is to be friends. Forever.”
“Wasn’t he your first?” Phoenix asked.
“First? You think he was my first lover?”
He didn’t say anything.
“Wow, okay, I’m going to tell you right now so we don’t end up with any cross-wiring or whatever, but I’m a virgin.”
“What?”
“That’s right, Alpha. I’m a virgin. No man has ever passed this threshold. I’ve never had sex. You were also my first kiss. You’ve been my only kiss.” She winked at him. “I think it’s time for lunch.”
She made to brush past him but Phoenix captured her in his arms. Whenever they were at his home, he rarely touched her. He only ever did so when they were alone.
“Someone might see,” she said.
“Let them fucking see. You’re all mine?”
“You’re not repulsed by that?”
“No.”
“Then yes,” Ashley said. “I’m all yours.” She didn’t know why she said that. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to be mated to him.
“You know this is going to happen between us,” he said.
It didn’t sound like a question to her.
She glanced down his body and then pressed hers against his. “Do you think you can handle it?” she asked. “I mean, I’m so young, a man of your age, you might not be able to keep up.”