Straight To You: A Novella (Taking Chances Series Book 1)

by Liwen Ho

  A look of surprise crossed his face. “Sure.” He felt certain she had been responding well to his kisses. What could be wrong? “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?”

  Ashlynn’s cheeks reddened as she sat up. “No, no, that was … you were amazing.” She nervously tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “It’s just that we were moving kind of fast. Faster than I’m used to. Do you mind if we slow down?” She looked expectantly at him.

  “Uh, sure. Just how slow do you want to go?”

  “The kissing was fine. Just, no, um, you know, exploring?”

  “Exploring, huh?” he asked with a grin. “You mean no touching?”

  “Uh, yeah. Is that okay?”

  “But you know, I hadn’t touched anything of significance yet. You were assuming I was going to.”

  “I know. I guess I’m just being cautious and giving you advanced notice. Kind of like how the traffic light turns yellow to warn you to stop.”

  “I always thought the yellow light meant for you to speed up.” Jeremy raised his eyebrows in amusement. So this was what dating a good girl was like. None of the women from his previous relationships had ever asked him to take it slow before. But that was exactly why he had been drawn to Ashlynn, because she was different. He liked how genuine and trustworthy she was. He even liked the challenge she was posing for him right now. “I’m kidding. I understand what you’re saying. And yes, I’ll be sure to keep these where you can see them.” He held his hands up and winked.

  Ashlynn exhaled in relief when she saw no hint of annoyance in his eyes. “I’m so glad you don’t mind. The guys I’ve dated before weren’t quite so understanding.”

  “I’m a patient guy.” It wasn’t the first time he had made a concession in order to further a negotiation. “I know good things come to those who wait.”

  She reached over and planted a quick kiss on his lips. “It’s not that I don’t want to do more. Believe me, I do.”

  “Oh, I believe you.” Jeremy’s smug expression revealed he knew exactly what kind of influence he had on her.

  Ashlynn’s cheeks flushed. “It’s just that I think it’s important to save some things, you know, for marriage. Some things are too intimate and sacred to be shared with just anyone. Not that you’re just anyone. You’re my boyfriend and that makes you very special. But you know what I mean, don’t you?”

  Jeremy swallowed hard as he took in the meaning behind Ashlynn’s words. He finally grasped what it was about her that seemed so pure. “Let me make sure I understand. You’re saying you haven’t been with anyone before?”

  Ashlynn shook her head, her eyes filled with the same innocent quality he remembered seeing in them when she was twelve. “Of course not. Not even close.”

  “When you say not even close, just how far are we talking about?”

  “I guess you could say I’m a first base kind of girl.”

  “First base, huh?” Jeremy had assumed most, if not every, woman in their twenties had experienced their fair share of intimate relationships. But not Ashlynn; she had the conviction to stand firm. Knowing this side of her character motivated him to cherish her all the more. Sure, this was a different ball game from the one he was used to playing, but he would learn to play by the rules. He leaned over and gently kissed her forehead, then the tip of her nose, and lastly, her mouth. “Then I’ll make sure I don’t go stealing any bases.”

  “Earth to Ashlynn.” Zoe’s voice sounded in Ashlynn’s ears, bringing her back to the present. “You’ve got it bad, girl.”

  “Sorry.” Ashlynn blushed. “I was just thinking about last night. I think I finally found a guy who doesn’t mind going at my pace. We talked about taking it slow and he was okay with it.”

  “Really? That’s nice… yet kind of surprising.”

  “What do you mean? Jeremy’s really considerate. He listens and cares about what I say. He’s nothing like Derrick or any other guy I’ve dated for that matter.”

  “You’ve got that right. He’s a lot hotter by far,” she said with a wink, “and obviously very experienced. Which means he doesn’t know the first thing about taking it slow.”

  “How do you know what he’s like?”

  “Don’t tell me you think Jeremy’s been holed up in a cave all his life. Guys like him are chick magnets. They have this aura about them that girls are drawn to and they know how to use their charm to their advantage. You can see it in how they carry themselves when they walk, how they smile at you like you’re the only person in the room-”

  “And how they kiss?” Ashlynn interjected in a hesitant tone. She was starting to be keenly aware of the truth behind Zoe’s words. Only someone well practiced could use their lips and hands to coax her to the edge of her limits. She had to admit she had trouble keeping a level head whenever she was near Jeremy. He made her want to do things she had never considered doing with a guy.

  Things that made her blush even more than usual.

  “Exactly. So he is as good of a kisser as I thought, isn’t he?”

  “The best,” she answered with rosy cheeks. “Not that I have many guys to compare with, but yeah, he definitely knows what he’s doing.”

  “See, that’s what I’m saying. He’s experienced - with a capital E. And experienced guys know how to attract their prey. They’ll take it slow when they need to, if it’s to their advantage. Then when the time is right, they pounce.”

  Ashlynn shook her head. “You’re making Jeremy sound like some wild animal. He’s not like that. He’s just a very charismatic and likeable guy. You can’t fault him for being himself. He’s always been charming, even back when he was in high school.” Memories of him being flocked by girls from their former youth group suddenly filled her mind. First, Ben had been on Jeremy’s case and now Zoe? She was starting to wonder if their concerns were valid. “He’s just friendly and completely … harmless.”

  Zoe raised an eyebrow at the lack of conviction in Ashlynn’s voice.

  Ashlynn sighed as she considered how captivating his smile could be. Not to mention the sweet words that seemed to flow like honey from his lips. “Okay, maybe harmless is not the right word to use.”

  “If anyone’s harmless here, it would be you.” She gestured to the conservative neckline of Ashlynn’s peasant blouse. “That’s why I’m letting you know what you’re getting yourself into. You have to know how a lion thinks in order to tame him.”

  “I don’t know the first thing about lion taming, literally or figuratively. And I really don’t think I could change him even if I wanted to.” She sighed. “Just how experienced do you think he is?”

  “That, my dear, is for you to find out, if you dare. I prefer to keep some things a mystery.”

  “Wouldn’t you want to know everything about the guy you’re dating?”

  “Only when I’m ready to hear it. We’ve all got baggage from past relationships that would be better left at the lost and found, some preferably never to be found. It’s a delicate process, sharing about one’s past. You can’t just hang your dirty laundry out on your first, or even fifth, date. Some people aren’t ready to see your grandma undies that soon. That’s why you show your cute, lacy stuff first, metaphorically speaking. Once you’ve established a stronger connection, then you start sharing bits and pieces.”

  “Uh, all I got from that was a visual of a clothesline. I guess I can’t really relate. I don’t mind sharing about my dating experiences.”

  “That’s because you’ve got a tiny tote bag. Me, I’ve got several carry ons and even a trunk stashed somewhere.” She narrowed her green eyes. “As for your Prince Charming, I’m betting he has a suitcase… or two. Just don’t be too shocked when he starts opening them up for you.” Zoe turned toward the front door as the bell jingled. “Speaking of…”

  Ashlynn looked up to see Jeremy walk into the store. He had on a navy V-neck sweater that brought out the blue in his eyes. He smiled as soon as he saw her.

  “Hi honey.” Jeremy bent down to kiss
Ashlynn on the cheek. “I know I’m early, but I couldn’t wait to see you.”

  “Oh, hi. It’s fine.” Her spirits lifted at the sight of him, though Zoe’s words still hung like a dark cloud over her head. “Hey Zoe, is it okay if I take my lunch now?”

  She waved her hand, gesturing for them to go. “Of course.” Then she leaned in and whispered in Ashlynn’s ear, “I wouldn’t want to keep a hungry lion waiting.”

  EIGHT

  Jeremy took Ashlynn’s hand in his as they walked down the street. He smiled when he caught a glimpse of their reflection in a passing store window. The thought of settling down once made him cringe, but not anymore. He would be the first to admit that Ashlynn was doing a good job of negotiating her way into his heart. He clasped her hand in both of his and brought it to his lips for a gentle kiss.

  “Hmm?” She peered up at him through her lashes and saw tenderness in his blue eyes. “What was that for?”

  “I’m happy, that’s all. So happy to have found you again after all these years.”

  “Me, too.” The doubt darkening her hazel eyes contradicted her words.

  “Everything okay, Ash?” He reached over to smooth the frown lines on her forehead. “You look worried.”

  Worried? Without a doubt. Zoe’s comments still weighed on her mind and heart. They had gotten her thinking that there was a lot she still needed to find out about Jeremy. “Nothing’s wrong exactly. It’s just that I feel like there’s so much I don’t know about you and your life after you moved to Boston. A lot can happen in twelve years and I missed out on it all.”

  “Sure, well, there’s a lot I want to know about you, too. But there’s no need to rush,” he replied with an amused grin. “There’s plenty of time to catch up on our pasts.”

  “I guess so. But it wouldn’t hurt to start now, would it?”

  “I can see you’re eager. So, what kind of things do you want to know about?”

  “Well, how about what your first job out of college was or any other jobs you’ve had since then. Places you’ve traveled to besides China. Girls you’ve dated … things like that.” Ashlynn’s voice trailed off as she looked expectantly at Jeremy.

  He raised an eyebrow at the direction her questions were heading. That last topic was not one he was ready to tackle. “That’s a lot for one conversation. Which question do you want me to answer first?”

  “Um, maybe the last one? About your previous relationships?”

  “Okay,” Jeremy replied after a deep breath. “Why don’t we sit down.” He pointed to a cafe at the end of the block. “Come on, this is the place I was telling you about. They have the best sandwiches.”

  They entered the restaurant and a server directed them to a table near the entrance. They had only sat down and picked up their menus when a woman spotted them from across the room.

  The blonde sauntered over in her red heels and placed one perfectly manicured hand on Jeremy’s shoulder. “Jeremy! I thought that was you.”

  Jeremy looked up in surprise. “Nicole, hi. How are you?” He turned to Ashlynn. “This is Ashlynn, my girlfriend. Ash, this is Nicole.”

  “Hi there, nice to meet you.” Nicole gave Ashlynn a surly once-over and set her heavily lined eyes back on Jeremy.

  “Nice to meet you, too.” Ashlynn couldn’t stop watching Nicole’s fingers and how they were latched onto Jeremy like a black widow spider ready to devour her mate.

  “I was on my way out and saw you come in. It’s been a while, but I’d recognize your broad shoulders anywhere.”

  “Yeah, we’re here for lunch.” Jeremy directed Nicole’s attention to the menu in his hands. “Is there something you could recommend?”

  Nicole bent over to point at an item and the plunging neckline of her red blouse shifted, leaving little to the imagination. “Try the steak panini. It’s hot and delicious.” She winked at Jeremy, her voice thick with suggestion. “Gotta run now. Catch you later.” She wiggled her fingers at them as she walked away.

  Jeremy rubbed the back of his neck, chagrin written over his face. “I bet you’re wondering who that was?”

  “You read my mind,” Ashlynn answered with raised eyebrows. Who was this woman who looked like she had walked off the pages of a Victoria’s Secret catalogue?

  “Well, this is timely considering you were just asking me about my past relationships. Nicole and I dated briefly about a year ago.”

  “Oh, I see.” Quite literally, too. She had been hoping to hear about his past, not meet it face-to-face. “How did you guys meet?”

  “A mutual friend introduced us. We hung out a couple of times, but I realized pretty soon though that we didn’t have much in common.”

  Ashlynn nodded and shifted her gaze to the menu. She didn’t like the feelings of jealousy and insecurity washing over her. She had been relieved when Jeremy hadn’t responded to Nicole’s advances, but that relief had been quickly replaced by alarm. Was this the type of woman he was used to being with? If so, she was certainly out of his league.

  Jeremy reached over and took her hand in his. “You okay, Ash?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine.” She didn’t doubt his commitment to her, but it certainly helped that he hadn’t responded to Nicole’s advances. His eyes hadn’t even wandered. A lion, as Zoe had called him would never be this restrained, would it? The tension in her shoulders eased and she found herself breathing a little easier. She looked up with a glint in her eye. “I was worried for a second there that you might need a restraining order. It’s good to know my powers of persuasion are more effective on you than hers were.”

  Jeremy laughed as he gazed fondly at Ashlynn. She had managed not to take this awkward situation seriously, which meant she trusted him. He was falling for this woman more and more. “I’ll be the first one to admit defeat,” he answered with both hands raised in a sign of surrender. “No one’s got me wrapped around her finger like you do.”

  Ashlynn smiled. “Good. Let’s keep it that way.”

  The server interrupted them to take their order. When they returned to their conversation, Ashlynn considered delving further into the previous topic. She had to admit she was now even more curious about his past. She decided to bring up her history first. “So, in case you were wondering, I haven’t really had much luck at persuading guys before you.”

  “I’m happy to hear that. Just how many guys have you tried to persuade?”

  Ashlynn held up her hands and pretended to keep count on her fingers. “I’m kidding. I’ve only had one long relationship and that was during senior year of college. His name was Craig and he shared an apartment with my roommate’s boyfriend. I think we only got together cause we were hanging out with the same crowd all the time.”

  “How long did that last?”

  “Close to ten months. To be honest, there was no spark. He was a really nice guy though. After graduation we both decided we were better off as friends.” Ashlynn gave a nonchalant shrug. “How about you? Besides Nicole, of course.”

  Jeremy took a deep breath. This topic had him backed into a corner, unsure of how to respond. If he revealed nothing, he would be lying; if he revealed too much, God help him. “Well, there was a girl I met during college. Her name is Sara. We dated for about two years. After graduation, I got wrapped up with work and haven’t gone out much. Except for some set-ups by my colleagues, which didn’t go over too well as you just witnessed.”

  The way Jeremy rushed his words clued her in that there might be more to his story than he was letting on. “Sounds like things were pretty serious with Sara?”

  He understood how answering Ashlynn’s question could cause a tremor in their relationship’s foundation, but he hesitated to keep anything from her. Please help her understand, God. “Yeah, it did get serious. We moved in together after a year.”

  Ashlynn swallowed the mouthful of ice water she had drunk in one hasty gulp. The chilled liquid forced its way down her throat, leaving a burning sensation behind. The burn however was nothi
ng compared to the shock coursing through the rest of her body. Moved in together? In her book, living together equaled being married. That level of commitment meant sharing everything from the TV remote to toothpaste to … a bed. She heard her heart beating in her ears as the reality of Jeremy’s words sank in. “I-I see.”

  “I know this is not what you wanted to hear.” Jeremy swallowed hard as he watched the color fade from Ashlynn’s face. “I wish I had a different story to tell you. I know you’re saving yourself for marriage. I’m sorry I can’t say I’ve done the same.”

  So much for finding a guy with self-control. She took a deep breath while attempting to rationalize the questions crowding her mind. Had he kissed Sara’s neck the way he kissed mine last night? Had he told her how happy she made him?

  “Talk to me, please. What are you thinking?” His voice faltered as he thought about how wide a chasm existed between his past and what hope she had held out for their possible future.

  Ashlynn knew she needed to stop her train of thought. The questions bombarding her mind were leading her nowhere good. She saw Jeremy waiting for her to speak. “I would be lying if I didn’t say I wish things were different. I guess I always thought I’d find someone who was saving himself, too.”

  “I’m sorry, Ash. I’m sorry to disappoint you.”