Page 24 (1/2)

Ash (10:52 AM) Scarlett, I’ worried I knew I shouldn’t have left you there

Evie (10:55 AM) Scarlett, where are you? Ash is freaking out I’et I’ you up early today-5:00 Can’t wait to see you all dressed up See ya soon

Ash (11:17 AM) I’ first I needed to change Mason’s na a conversation when I had to look at the naard to follow the proverbial three day rule, or whatever the hell it here you had to wait a set period of time to contact someone so you didn’t look too interested or some stupid shit I never quite understood the idea behind this, I ood ti or talking to each other for several days just so they didn’t appear to be what they actually were - interested in each other SMH

A sound out in thearea startled es and let Ash know that I was fine and that he could call off the search-and-rescue ate I opened the door and marched out still just inat the s here?" I asked Ash once the shock wore off

"I orried sick, Scarlett," he explained as he stood up and walked over to ot really concerned that so had happened So I called Evie, but she wasn’t here so she didn’t knohere you were So we agreed to meet here to see if you were just passed out, like you were, or if we needed to try and find you" When Ash reached"I was so worried, butterfly," hearound the waist, relaxed when he finally accepted that I was okay, and they brushed across h htened in response as well My head snapped back and our eyes locked We had already determined the attraction between us was undeniable, but to save h to resist it To resist hi away from him Ash stopped and cocked his head, obviously surprised by my action He took another step in my direction, but I put my arm out to stop his chest and shook my head "I can’t," I whispered "I’m sorry" My eyes pleaded with his to not push the issue I was surprised that I had th to tell hiain

Ash see and he nodded his head He reached his hand out to lad you’re hoht" And with that he said goodbye to Evie, grabbed his coffee, and left

As soon as the door closed, Evie jurabbed a pint of ice cream from the freezer with two spoons "My bed 5 minutes Brush your teeth, pee, and whatever else you need to do because this is going to be a long one"

Ten minutes later, I had responded to Mason and Dylan’s texts, freshened up, and sat fully clothed on Evie’s bed with a spoon of frozen vanilla heaven dancing onher night with Max since it was far less dra Her story was pretty cut and dry They went back to his place, did the nasty (which she claimed was "the best ever"), and he cuddled her and whispered sweet nothings in her ear until she fell asleep They were awoken by Ash’s ether was cut short, but they had plans to see each other again later that day She was completely smitten with him, and I was so happy that she had found someone she seemed to really like I felt bad that I was the reason she was forced to leave Max, but she assureddeal She said she wouldn’t have wanted to miss the scene that had just occurred betweenon in your head and heart, Sairl?" I asked, ht while I took another bite of ice cream I had never eaten ice cream as breakfast before and I needed to do it more often What an incredible way to start your day!

Evie’s voice brought me back to reality out ofother people call you nickna soft on the issue" I threw one of her nue the subject, I knohat you are doing"

"What do you want to know?" I asked her

"Everything!" she squealed "Ash, Rat, Dylan… tell reed, eager to talk to her about all of the craziness swar around in my head "Let’s start with the easy one Dylan On paper, he’s eous; not only is he soal-driven and ambitious He comes from what seems to be a norgle for conversation - we get along great" I stopped for another bite of ice crea toup?" Evie asked

"There’s a ‘but’ with all of them If there wasn’t, ouldn’t need to have this conversation, I’d still be laying in his bed," I explained "Whichever bed his is"