Chapter 29: You were many things
The week passed faster than Ashley had imagined as she buried herself in more work after learning of her grandfather's strange illness. Lorenzo kept sending cupcakes, chocolates, and flowers in various types and sizes, requesting she kindly call the contact usually attached to the gifts—just so he could have her number. Ashley thought it was ridiculous and that he would give up after a while. But after a week, she was starting to realize just how wrong she was. She would have been fighting for space to place her feet by now, but instead, she started giving out the cupcakes and chocolates to her subordinates. Then began visiting hospitals to give flowers to patients.
Today, Lorenzo's note explained that he had baked the cupcakes himself and, with the help of YouTube, arranged a beautiful bouquet of lilies. How far was he willing to go just to get her attention?
As before, Ashley kept the packages aside, determined not to eat any, but the tantalizing smell of the cupcake kept calling out to her. And she also couldn't help stealing glances at the Godiva chocolate.
Back at Christian's, she had to save up to buy one whenever she craved it. He wouldn't let her use his money for what he called unnecessary cravings. Besides that, it was expensive, and he demanded accountability for every dime she spent from his credit card.
Unable to resist the temptation any longer, Ashley slowly reached for the chocolate.
"I'll taste just one," she muttered, unwrapping a bar and dropping it in her mouth.
"Mm..." She shut her eyes, savoring the deliciousness.
She lost count of how many she ate before turning to the cupcake. The smell was too tempting.
She couldn't believe Lorenzo had baked it himself. She took a bite, then another, and before realizing it, she had finished four. She was about to devour the fifth when the door was suddenly pushed open, freezing her hand midair.
Her breath hitched as she locked eyes with Christian Harrington.
She scanned him from head to toe before snapping. "What are you doing here?"