Sorry for the long delay in updates to this story. Life takes over sometimes and you lose the creative juice to keep a story going. I am returning to my writing now, though, and hope to continue to post updates to this story as well as Casey Summer Vacation which I just released this month and was one of the main reasons I took a break from this story. I hope you all enjoy this part.
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Chapter 10
"God, this dinner is fantastic, Cole," Ashley said as she finished swallowing another bite of steak and asparagus. She was trying so hard not to smile her little face off. Here she sat, in her little one bedroom flat in San Francisco, being cooked dinner by a beautiful man. On top of his looks, he's supremely fit, he's funny, he's caring, he's smart and now a good cook?
This was their third time together since Summer left on her trip to Paris. She'd been gone for a week now and Ashley felt things with Cole were finally starting to move along. The two met for drinks the first night, Ashley settled for a kiss goodnight though she would have taken him to bed had she been given the opportunity.
But Cole played it slowly, conservatively. He didn't push things too quickly with Ashley and she -- though she wanted him bad -- respected him for that. Night two was a Netflix and chill. The two settled in on Ashley's couch and watched a RomCom titled "What Happens in Vegas" with Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz. It was one of Ashley's favorites. Towards the end, just as Jack and Joy are falling for each other, Ashley made her move on Cole and the two spent close to half an hour making out and getting half naked before Cole announced he had to go.
Here they were on date three, back in Ashley's apartment, with Cole cooking dinner. She shook her head slightly as she finished a sip of wine. It was a bit too much for her to comprehend. He's so perfect, she thought. I have to know how he is in bed. I have to! Soon.
"I'm glad you like it," Cole answered with a smile. He sipped his wine and cut another piece of steak. The sound of his knife scratching the ceramic plate cutting through the dead air.
"Where did you learn to cook so well?" Ashley asked.
"I don't know. I guess my dad helped me learn the barbecuing, but it's just practice. I like to cook and do a lot of cooking on the grill. Sometimes I watch videos to learn new things, like this marinade for example," Cole said. "I picked it up from a Youtube video on steak dinners."
"Well, you have a talent," Ashley responded. "And you have a good feel for what will taste good or pair well with the meal because this steak is delicious."
"I appreciate that, Ashley," he said gratefully. "You're sweet."
They each reached for their wine again and took a long sip. Ashley was staring across at Cole, admiring his look, and feeling herself getting more and more excited underneath her clothes. She stayed silent, expecting Cole to take control of the conversation now. He obliged a moment later.
"So how is your job search going?" he asked. "You were saying the other day that you had a couple of interviews lined up?"
"Yup," Ashley answered, she leaned forward a little, her excitement to talk about her future showing. "I actually have one tomorrow and then one on Monday. I'm hoping to work at the Children's hospital, I like working with kids."
"I know what you mean," Cole said. "But aren't those hospitals sometimes tough to work at? I mean you have to deal with child cancer, the different birth defects and maladies they have to fight through. I don't know if I could watch that every day."
"True. You're definitely right on that account," Ashley stated. "I think you have to have a strong countenance to you and an ability to separate your work from your personal life or you'd just be broken up about it day and night. I do think that there's a tremendous amount of heart and courage that's shown daily, too, that I would absolutely love to watch and if I can help bring more smiles and positivity in those rooms it would mean the world to me."
"Well, that is amazing to me. I hope you get the opportunity, Ashley," Cole stated sincerely.
"Thanks," Ashley answered bashfully. "Me too."
They finished up dinner and Ashley topped off their wine glasses and led Cole to her dainty fabric sofa. They sat on opposite ends facing each other. Ashley had her legs curled up on the sofa, her bare feet hanging a little off the edge of one cushion. She idly played with one of her feet as she sipped her wine.
"Thanks for dinner, Cole," Ashley said, hoping to get the conversation started again. Cole seemed to be at peace with his wine and just relaxing on her couch. At least, for the moment.
He waved it off.
"It was nothing, Ashley. I think sometimes it's nicer to just have dinner at home than to go out to a crowded, over-priced restaurant.
"It's more personal," he added.
"True," Ashley agreed. She took another sip of her wine. She was on her third glass and she could feel the alcohol taking the edge off, slowing her down. She felt relaxed. A few silent moments went by, Cole was leaning back into his seat, seemingly waiting for her. The silence stretched on. It felt like three or four minutes, but only lasted 30 seconds.
The debate was raging within Cole's head -- to give into all of Ashley's clear signals that showed she wanted him or to politely excuse himself tonight, put an end to her pursuit and instead remain single as far as everyone outside of him and his sister could see. Yes, Summer gave him permission to date Ashley, but there were still questions. Did it have to happen now? Was Ashley the right person to date for the facade of a relationship? How fast should things move? He had to answer those questions while he sat on her sofa.
"How do you like living with your sister? You must be tired of that couch," Ashley asked with a smile. She set her wine down on the coffee table and reached back with both hands, collecting her hair in a bunch and tying it loosely up with an elastic tie she had on her wrist. She had her eyes on Cole, watching his reaction closely.
Cole watched her put her hair up, then looked down. Not only did she look great with her hair up in a loose bun like that (as did most every girl in Cole's opinion), the act of raising her arms over her head, raised her breasts up on her chest. Ashley was wearing a white, long-sleeve, body-contouring dress which stopped lower thigh and had a few open buttons down from the top, showing plenty of cleavage. She had nice tits. Probably large C's Cole thought. They were firm and shapely. Her nipples were easily visible through the thin fabric of the dress.
"It's fine," Cole answered, returning his gaze to Ashley's face. "We get along well, you know? So it's actually been fun. The couch kinda sucks to be honest, but I can't complain too much, Summer's been great and there's no room for anything else. Sometimes I sleep on the floor to break it up or when she's at her boyfriend's, I take her bed."
It was an easy lie to tell. He assumed sleeping on the couch for three months straight would suck. The cushions were on the thin side and the couch wasn't very deep. He could hardly tell Ashley he was sharing Summer's bed every night.
"How much longer will you stay there?"
