Page 93 of Smokey's Distraction
“How is it?” Smokey asked as he picked up a corn tortilla.
“Outstanding. I love grilled cheese sandwiches. Yours looks good too.”
“Have a taste.” He brought the fork to her lips, his gaze locked on hers, and fed her.
“That’s so good.”
“Try some more.”
Ashley raised her hands up to halt him. “No, thanks—I’m good.” Picking up her sandwich, she took another bite.
“How did you get out of the shelter?”
“One of the women my mom was friends with got a lead on a house, and with the two of them splitting the rent, we could get the place. My mom wouldn’t let me get a job after school, telling me I’d have my whole life to work, and that my studies were more important so I could secure a better future. Anyway, we moved. It was one of the happiest days of my life. The house was only 900 square feet with five of us living in it, but to me, it was a palace. I was able to get a scholarship that paid for most of my college tuition and living expenses. Once I started making real money, Hayden and I helped Mom get a better place, but I already told you that.”
“You’re a good daughter.”
She laughed. “Not always, but I try to be. My mom is the best. She’s my hero.” She popped a chip into her mouth and chewed slowly. “I have a secret to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“I work my ass off because I’m scared—deathlyscared—of being poor again. The idea of losing everything stresses me out. That’s why I took up yoga and cycling. I needed a way to get out of my head and evade my fears.”
A rough and calloused hand reached out and touched hers. Her gaze moved to his, feeling an unexpected jolt of need and desire roll over her.
“I’ve never met a woman like you,” he said in a thick voice. “Don’t worry about returning to the hell you were in. Remember—you’re a survivor, and don’t ever forget it.”
The ring of her phone startled her, and she quickly rummaged through her purse.
“What a coincidence—it’s Brady.” Accepting the call, she put the phone to her ear. “Hello?”
“Hi, this is Brady. How are you?”
“Okay.” Shrugging, she glanced at Smokey, who suddenly looked pissed. She had no idea why.
“You have a shift tonight, right?”
“I do.”
“I was thinking we could go out for a drink afterward.”
She hesitated. “I can’t, but thanks.” The scowl across Smokey’s brow deepened. “I’m in the middle of something, so I have to go. Thanks for the reminder call about my shift.”
“Wait—that isn’t why I called. I want to take you out for a drink. There’s no harm in that.”
“I just told you, I can’t.” She swore she heard Smokey growl. “I have to go.”
“What about tomorrow?”
“I’m swamped with work right now. I have several big projects going, and I don’t have time for anything outside of work and volunteering.”
Smokey scowled. “Tell him to fuck off.”
“I hope you understand.”What the hell’s going on with Smokey?
“Frankly, I don’t. I’m a nice guy, I have a good job, and I’m fairly attractive. Is it because you think you’re better than me?”
“No, not at all. I’m just really busy with my workload. I have to go now. Bye, Brady.” Before he could answer, she ended the call.
