Chapter 92: Just one
Ashley’s heart pounded as she forced herself out of his grip and turned to face him. "What are you doing here? How did you get into my car? You scared the shit out of me!"
With a regretful gaze, he stepped down and slipped into the passenger seat, turning to face her.
"I miss you, Ashley. That’s why I’m here. I tried to stay away, to give you some space, but..." He chuckled—a low, humorless sound. "I wasn’t sure you’d want to see me if I came straight to your office. Luckily, your car wasn’t locked," he added with a shrug.
Ashley mentally cursed herself. She’d driven to the office that morning, too lost in thought of Vanessa. No wonder she forgot to lock the car. But damn it, she missed him too. She hadn’t expected to—at least not this soon, or this much. But there was no denying it anymore.
"You’ve been crying a lot," Lorenzo stated, studying her puffy eyes. "And you look like you’re carrying the weight of the world. I know you probably want to keep avoiding me, but I’m not leaving you again."
She tried to ignore the guilt rising in her chest. After what happened between them at his house, she’d needed space to figure out her feelings. And even though she’d missed him, she hadn’t gone looking for him. But now that he was here, part of her didn’t want him to leave again.
"And how do you plan on doing that? Kidnap me?"
His hands cupped her face, thumbs gently brushing away the tears. His touch was warm, gentle—so gentle it raised goosebumps along her skin, made her want him in ways she hadn’t dared to admit. Until now.
"I don’t mind kidnapping you a thousand times over if that’s what it takes to care of you, princess."
Back with the nicknames? Ashley almost smiled. Almost.
He tilted her chin with a finger, their gazes locking. The softness in his eyes made her heart beat several times in her chest.