“I’m the same person I’ve always been,” Ashlyn told them.
“Things with Slate are going well,” Elodie said. It wasn’t a question.
“Yeah.”
“I’m glad,” Elodie added.
“And the casual thing is still the plan?” Carly asked.
“Of course. Why?” Ashlyn asked.
“No reason. I just… Never mind.”
“Seriously, what?” Ashlyn insisted.
“Okay, but you can’t get mad. I was just thinking that I’ve never seen Slate look so…calm. Usually, he seems as if he’s on the verge of throwing up his hands and saying ‘fuck this’ and storming out of the room.”
“I agree,” Monica said. She had a glass of water in her hand instead of a cocktail on account of her pregnancy. “His eyes used to roam the room pretty constantly, as if he’s always looking for danger or some excuse to leave. Lately, his gaze has been glued on you.”
Her friends’ words made a warm glow spread within Ashlyn. She shrugged. “He’s a protector. You guys know that because your men are the same way. It’s just who he is.”
“You’re right,” Lexie said. “But it seems more intense now.”
“He’s always watched you, but lately it’s different,” Elodie agreed.
“Well, we’re having sex,” Ashlyn said matter-of-factly. “Our relationship has changed. It’s more personal. And maybe he’s just watching me more intently today because we didn’t have sex last night or this morning, and now he’s horny.” She tried to blow off her friends’ words, because thinking about any kind of permanent relationship with Slate was dangerous. They both knew the score, and she wasn’t going to mess with that. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them.
“Wait, wait, wait,” Lexie said as she narrowed her eyes. She looked around then leaned into Ashlyn. “Last night or this morning? Did you stay the night? Or did he?”
Ashlyn sighed. She loved her friends, but they were way too observant sometimes. And had memories like elephants when it suited them. “Yes. I didn’t mean to, but I fell asleep on his couch. He couldn’t wake me up because of how heavy I sleep, so he carried me to bed.”
All five of her friends sighed as if that was the most romantic thing they’d ever heard.
“You do sleep like the dead,” Kenna said after a moment. “That first sleepover we had, I felt bad because we were all being so loud while you were sleeping, but you didn’t even flinch.”
“But things are okay?” Lexie asked, putting her hand on Ashlyn’s arm.
She nodded. She’d confided in Lexie not too long ago that she and Slate had never spent the entire night together, and that she worried about how it could affect their relationship for the worse if they took that step.
“It’s good. Really good, actually,” Ashlyn said.
“Hey, guys, they’re ready for us!” Jag called out. They’d all been hanging out in the bar area at Duke’s until the food was ready. Alani, the manager, had set up a few tables in one corner of the restaurant for their party.
The women all headed for their men, but Elodie caught Ashlyn’s arm, holding her back for a second. “I’m happy for you,” she said.
“Thanks,” Ashlyn said with a smile.
“I know you plan to keep things casual, but I just have to say…don’t be afraid to go after what you want.”
Ashlyn stared at the other woman. Elodie had been through hell, and somehow she’d managed to come out the other side with not only her sanity intact, but with a man who would move heaven and earth to make sure she was safe and had everything she’d ever wanted.
“What I want is to have a good time. Date a man who isn’t a jerk, isn’t trying to mooch off me, and who likes me for who I am. So far, Slate is that man. I’m not ready to settle down. I don’t want to get married right now, and I definitely don’t want children at this point in my life.”
“I just don’t want you to be too stubborn. Or regret giving up what could be the best thing to ever happen to you,” Elodie said.
“Slate’s a good man. Actually, he’s a great man. But I’m not sure he’s ‘the one.’ How can I know when I’ve been in so few serious relationships?” Ashlyn said. “We’re taking things one day at a time. We’re enjoying each other’s company and the sex is out of this world. The last thing I want to do is screw it up by moving too fast.”
“I understand,” Elodie said. “Just don’t let your hormones overrule your good sense.”
Ashlyn opened her mouth to ask what she meant by that, but an arm wrapped around her waist. “All the good shit’ll be gone if you don’t get a move on,” Slate said impatiently.
Ashlyn rolled her eyes. “Always in a hurry,” she teased.
“Hell yeah I am, when it comes to beating these guys out for food,” Slate said.
“Lexie looks like she’s ready to fight someone if they get too close to those chicken wings she’s been salivating about since she heard they were going to be on the menu,” Elodie remarked.
They headed for the corner, where everyone was filling their plates with samples. Slate leaned down and whispered, “You good?”
Ashlyn stopped and looked up at him. “Yeah, why?”
“You get uncomfortable when you’re the center of everyone’s attention, and it looked like things were kind of intense for a while there.”
Ashlyn was surprised he knew that about her, but she supposed she shouldn’t be. They’d known each other for quite a while now, even if they’d only been officially dating for a month or so. “I’m fine. They just wanted to know if you were good in bed.”
Slate blinked.
Ashlyn couldn’t keep a straight face. She burst out laughing. “Oh my God, if you could only see your face.”
“Brat,” Slate growled. “I was trying to be nice.”
Ashlyn sobered and put her hand on Slate’s arm. “I’m sorry. I know you were, and I appreciate it. I’m good. They were just saying that they thought I looked really happy. And I am, Slate. I was worried this morning that you’d think I was overstepping the boundaries we’d put up as to how things should work in our relationship. But you made everything seem normal. It’s been a really awesome day, and I’m very satisfied with how things are going between us.”
“I don’t like rules in my relationships,” he told her seriously. “I have enough fucking rules I have to follow at work. I want things between us to progress naturally. I had no problem with you staying the night, Ashlyn. I was actually relieved you wouldn’t be driving alone that late…something that bothers me every time you leave my place. And I wasn’t lying when I said I slept really well. I’m not ready to move in together or anything, but staying the entire night, either at your place or mine, is definitely not off the table as far as I’m concerned.”
Ashlyn grinned. “I feel the same.”
“Good. Now can we go get something to eat?” he asked.
Even though he was trying to act put out, Ashlyn could tell he was relieved by her response. “Yes.” Then she put her hand on the side of his face and waited until he met her gaze. “Thank you.”