He reminded me of the girl I once was, to act my age, and live in the moment with him.
The moment would be over soon…
“Wow. I can’t believe we talked all night.”
He nodded. “It’s a first for me.”
“Yeah, me too.” I paused, trying to gather my racing thoughts that were all over the place. “I should go.”
He stood. “I’ll drive you home.”
I jumped up. “No!”
He jerked back, surprised by my outburst.
“I already got an Uber.”
Before he could reply or see my bullshit, I grabbed my purse and walked toward the door with him following close behind me.
Do we kiss? Say goodbye? What happens now?
Question after question tore through my mind until we arrived at the front door. I opened it; however, it abruptly shut from behind me.
My eyes locked with his.
“I want to take you out.”
“Out?”
“Yeah,” he stated. “When two people go out, the guy pays for everything, and they get to know each other. Maybe there’s a reach-around?”
I giggled with a great big smile on my face.
“There’s that smile,” he groaned, making me bite the corner of my lip.
“I’ve never been on a date,” I blurted, instantly smacking my hand on my forehead. Ashton also had the ability to get the truth out of me, without even trying. “I mean—”
“Me neither. We can be each other’s first. Would you like that? Me being your first?”
My eyes widened, and my belly did this somersault thing that only happened when he spoke to me in that suggestive way. I never had anyone talk to me like he did, and I’d be lying again if I said I didn’t like that too.
“I … ummm … I—”
“It’s alright, Sage. I’d love for you to be my first.”
I breathed out, “Ashton, what about your no dating rule?”
“I’m making an exception.”
“For me?”
He leaned in close to my lips, almost knocking me on my ass when he replied…
“Only for you.”
Chapter 10
—Sage—
I tiptoed into my house as if I was a teenager who was sneaking in and didn’t want to wake up her parents. When, in fact, I didn’t want to wake up my kids.
My mom met me at the door, smiling wide. “How was your night, sweetie?”
“It was amazing. Thank you for watching the twins.”
“Sage, you know I love being with my grandchildren. I wish you would go out more often.”
“I may take you up on that soon.”
She cocked her head to the side. “Did you meet someone?”
“How do you know?”
“A mother always knows, Sage. You have that look in your eyes.”
“What look?”
“The one that says you’re smitten. Must be some man if he was able to pique your interest. You’re so picky.”
“Mom, I got pregnant when I was sixteen, and their father went running for the hills. I think that proves I had shit taste in men.”
“Honey, Memphis was young too. It’s a lot for a boy to handle.”
Hearing my mom defend him brought me back to the night I told him I was pregnant.
“Are you sure?”
I handed him the ultrasound photo, pointing to the two little circles that indicated we were having twins.
“A picture is worth a thousand words, Memphis.”
His eyes went wide. “Sage, I can’t do this.”
“What do you mean you can’t do this?”
“I can’t be a father! Are you for real? Twins? What the fuck is that?”
“It’s two babies, asshole!”
“Babe, I’m not ready to be a dad.”
“I’m not ready to be a mom, but here we are. We have nine months to prepare for it as best as we can.”
“You’re out of your mind! You’re sixteen! And I’m going away for college!”
“I know how old I am, and you can go to college here.”
He adamantly shook his head. “I’m not changing my life for something I don’t want.”
“Wow,” I coaxed. “Did you really just say that to me?”
“Sage, I’m sorry, but if you do this … if you have them … then you’re on your own. I want no part of it. I used a condom; it’s not my fault your pussy is broken.”
“It’s not broken! It’s just allergic to selfish assholes who can’t fuck!”
“Sucks for you, I got off.”
“Ugh! I don’t know what I ever saw in you! I don’t need you! I can do this on my own.”
“Don’t be stupid, Sage.”
“I am stupid! I was with you, wasn’t I?”
“I’m going to go.” He walked over the threshold of my bedroom door.
“Good.” I stood in front of him, still in my bedroom. “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!”
“Sage—”
I slammed the door in his face, and it was the last time I ever saw him.
Shaking away the horrible memory, I focused on my mom. “Are you making excuses for him? Since when do you side with him?”
“I’m not. I’m just playing Devil’s advocate. Girls develop faster than boys, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Memphis came around again. His parents’ checks still get deposited into the twins’ account every month.”