Beauty in the Ashes

I didn’t work tonight and Memphis would be home in about an hour. He’d been here so long now, that I wasn’t sure what I’d do when he left. It was actually nice having the company and not being alone all the time.

Deciding to be nice, since I constantly gave him a hard time, I made a fancy pasta dish. The scent of garlic and parmesan cheese permeated the air. I wasn’t hungry after eating pizza, but I knew Memphis would appreciate the gesture.

I was stirring everything together when he walked through the door.

“Mmm, something smells delicious,” he rubbed his stomach.

My smile was small. “I thought I’d make you something. It’s the least I could do.”

“Well, thank you.” His grin was wide, showcasing his adorable dimples. “I’m going to get a shower first.”

I nodded and set about putting the pasta in a bowl. I even poured him a glass of wine. I truly felt bad for acting like a bitch to him most of the time. I knew he was only doing what he thought was right and I appreciated it.

I set everything down on the raised countertop, including a napkin and utensils.

A few minutes later I heard the bathroom door creak open. I looked up from my spot on the couch where I’d sat down to read a little bit. My mouth fell open and a small gasp escaped me. I couldn’t help it. Memphis stood there in nothing but a towel hanging low on his waist. Water droplets clung to his muscular chest and his copper colored hair was darker than normal as it shined with wetness. I licked my lips—my throat suddenly dry.

He smiled sheepishly and I swore there was a slight blush staining his cheeks.

“I—uh—forgot clean clothes,” he mumbled, unable to make eye contact with me as he rifled through his bag.

I was a horrible person, because I sat there willing the towel to drop.

Snap out of it, Sutton! I scolded myself, but it did no good. I couldn’t look away.

The bathroom door closed behind him and I was able to breathe again.

Jesus, he was gorgeous. I might not be looking for a relationship but I couldn’t deny his hotness.

I think I needed another shower.

A very cold, very long shower.

Dressed, and clearly still embarrassed, he made his way over to the counter with his head bowed.

I felt like something had shifted in our relationship—there was no denying the mutual attraction now.

“There’s only one

bowl,” he commented, turning to look at me over his shoulder.

I nodded, tucking a stray hair behind my ear. “I ate pizza with Daphne.” With a playful smile I added, “Feel free to ask her if you don’t believe me.”

He chuckled but said nothing. He picked up the bowl and glass of wine. He sat down beside me on the couch and smiled crookedly. “It was lonely over there, so I thought I’d sit here where I’d have the company of the most beautiful woman in the world.”

I laughed at that comment. “You’re full of it.” I turned the TV off and settled in for some conversation. “How was work?”

He chuckled, taking his first bite of pasta. “It’s bartending, so it’s always eventful.”

“Did you always want to be a bartender?” I asked.

He watched me from the corner of his eye. “Why so many questions?”

I shrugged casually. “Just trying to get to know you.”

“I went to culinary school,” he muttered. My eyes widened in shock. “My dream is to own a restaurant one day. Until that day comes, I’ll continue to bartend. I don’t hate it, but it’s not what I love.”

“Your own restaurant,” I gasped, mulling it over. Memphis was determined and a natural leader, so I could see him having success with it. “I think that would be so cool.”