Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 34532 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34532 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)
I know I’m not the kind of woman that would draw the eye of a man like Ash Thompson. I’m still not completely sure who Ash Thompson is, but I know he’s somebody.
When I hear the doorknob click, the heat that’s been building inside of me ignites and focuses between my legs. I’m reminded of my act of rebellion this morning. I left the house without wearing panties. These feelings are wrong, I know, but I don’t care. I want whatever this is, more of it.
When Ash comes through the door, he’s sexier than yesterday. Better looking, if that’s even possible. He’s wearing a dark suit today, red tie, white shirt...and the power he emanates is intoxicating. He looks like he owns the place, so cool and comfortable as he closes the space between us.
“Hello.” He extends his hand, and I take it in a limp handshake. “Anastasia.” He enunciates the name slowly.
“That’s not my real name,” I blurt out, shifting my weight back and forth. “As you know,” I add, glancing at Cameron.
He gives me a knowing nod but says nothing, so I decide to forge ahead even as my father’s voice chastises me.
Cameron chimes in, “I’m going to head to class. I’ll see you there.” He’s off, leaving me alone with this man that has me unraveling.
“I’m Selma Hoffner. You met Anastasia yesterday.” I look down at my outfit, then back at Ash, raising my arms slightly at my sides. “This is Selma.”
There’s an apology in my voice, but when I look into his face, I see Ash’s restrained smile.
“I like them both.”
My eyes drop and fear sweeps through me as I see something pushing out on the front of his black trousers. I know almost nothing about sex, except the basics that were taught to me by one of the community mothers as well as some things Cameron has told me. I know what an erection is, and there is no doubt that is what I’m looking at right now.
Like blow jobs...
And other stuff I can’t think about without turning bright red.
Like I am right now.
I should be so ashamed, but all I can think about is dropping to my knees and seeing that bulge up close and personal.
Gahhhh. That’s Anastasia talking, not Selma. Selma would never think such forbidden things.
Tearing my eyes away, I fuss with imaginary crumbs on my face and the front of my blouse. I want his touch. I want to feel his hands on me in ways I’ve never allowed myself to desire before yesterday.
His gaze lowers to my chest, then all the way to my feet before coming back up to land on my face as he reaches over and grabs my wrist, turning my hand palm up and placing his other on top.
“You’ve got something special, Selma. That check yesterday? That could be just the beginning. Anastasia Snow could be a brand. The next big thing. You’re young, and you have a natural talent. But it’s not just that, it’s also your personality. Anastasia could be a rising star. Would you like that?”
Pride fills me, and guilt comes galloping quickly behind.
I want to jump up and down and scream, ‘Yes! What do we do? Let’s make this happen!’
That’s what Anastasia would do. In a heartbeat, she would throw herself into this — all of it. Everything Ash is offering.
But not Selma. Selma hears Papa’s voice and knows there is no way he would allow her to pursue this dream.
Oh, but Ash’s touch is making me dizzy. His enormous hands engulf mine, and all I can hear is my heart thudding like a bass drum, so loud I’m sure he must be able to hear it.
“I don’t know...” I answer.
“Really? You don’t know? Why are you doing all this then? I’ve watched every video, read every recipe, read all your blog posts. When you interact with your followers, your excitement is contagious. You swirl so much flavor into the dry words it makes my mouth water. Why would you not want more of that? I can make it happen.”
I shrug. There’s no way I can explain how different my life is from his.
Withdrawing my hand, I see disappointment on his face.
I look up to see it’s nearly ten am. “I better get to class.”
The throbbing between my legs begs me to stay, but I move to sidestep around him. Before I get by, he leans down, a strong hand slipping behind my neck.
“I can make so many things happen.” His deep words send a shiver through me, and there’s a tingling on each of my nipples that makes me feel ashamed but exhilarated. When I hear him breathe deep, his face so close to my ear I can feel the air move, my underwear is instantly damp and thoughts of wickedness crash around inside of me.