Hello everyone :)) It's been a few days, huh? I'm so sorry, guys, I've just been regrouping from all the holiday fun! I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/etc.! Let me start by saying your reviews were AMAZING. Wow guys, you really know how to flatter a writer! I almost think you guys give me too much credit! Haha but thank you guys so much, you really are my inspiration. The reassurances really REALLY helped!
Lots of fluff in here! Oh, and I'm glad I apparently make some of you smile :))
This chapter is dedicated to Andi957 for her lengthy review. You totally made me smile, and it was definitely a confidence booster :)
Enjoy! I love you guys!
***
If possible, when I awoke that morning, I was freezing. And Ashley's arms weren't around me…so how is it that I feel even colder in the absence of her frigid embrace?
Ashley.
I sat up so fast that the head rush nearly made me lie back down. A musical laugh from the corner broke the dam known as my insides, relief flooding my system.
She really didn't leave.
"Your hair looks like a haystack…but it suits you," Ashley teased from her cross-legged position on the floor. She looked effortlessly perfect in a new set of very flattering clothes, and that alone made me breathless.
So breathless that I didn't even bother to ask when she had left to retrieve the new garments.
As a result of my brimming enthusiasm, I thoughtlessly flew across the room, landing squarely in her lap. Almost as quickly as I sat down, I began to stand up again, afraid that I had crossed an unspoken line.
"I-I-I'm sorry, Ashley, I--" I stuttered, but was cut off by Ashley gently pulling me back down, and soothingly rubbing my back.
"I like it when you stutter," she said seriously, a smile playing around the corners of her lips, and I couldn't help but grin sheepishly back.
I suddenly liked my flaws a little more than usual.
I leaned my head cautiously into the crook of Ashley's shoulder, inhaling her delicious scent.
"Arthur left an hour ago," Ashley smirked, her tone almost suggestive, as she looked into my eyes. Her golden ones looked back at me, as she gently tugged my chin up.
A single thought struck me: morning breath.
I jumped up, jittery and embarrassed as heat fluxed into my cheeks. "Umm…I need a human minute."
Ashley smiled that crooked smile of hers, and nodded. "I'll stay."
A promise to a request I didn't even need to speak aloud. I focused on her for a good thirty seconds longer than necessary. If you want to know the truth, I was afraid she would just disappear.
Something tells me I don't think I could handle that.
I half-ran to the bathroom, brushing my teeth and splashing cold water on my face in a feeble attempt to calm myself.
Yes, my friends. I am piteous when it comes to Ashley Davies.
As soon as I re-entered my room, I felt myself being gently drawn into her strong, waiting arms.
"Welcome back," Ashley murmured, burying her face in my blonde hair. Her cool breath tickled the shell of my ear, sending involuntary shivers down my spine. I looped my arms precariously around her neck, and she responded by rocking us back and forth.
It really doesn't get much better than this.
"You slept very well," Ashley commented quietly, her voice sounding incredible in the stillness of the room.
Inhuman, in the best sense of the word.
"I hope you didn't hear anything."
"Oh, I did."
I groaned, burying my face in her icy neck. Her arms tightened a fraction, and I felt safe.
Confident, almost.
"You said you loved me," Ashley's amber eyes softened as they smoldered into mine. I stand corrected. My morale is irritatingly short-lived.
"That's nothing new," I replied, willing myself to keep the contact. Easier said than done when Ashley's slender hand is sliding up and down my back in a comforting manner.
"It was nice to hear, though, Spencer. Verbal confirmation has always been enjoyable for me," she smirked. "I only wish you could have been…conscious." I ducked my head, deliberating.
It's now or never.
"I love you," I whispered, shaking despite myself, and suddenly turning my grip on Ashley into a death vice. It didn't seem to phase her, though, for she hugged me back, twice as hard. I felt like my ribs were going to shatter, but I didn't care.
This moment was too precious.
"You're everything to me, Spencer," she murmured back in hushed tones.
I think I just died, and was somehow revived. I forced myself to breathe deeply, simply sitting in Ashley's arms as she began to rock us again. I don't know how long we sat like that, but at any rate, it wasn't nearly long enough.
Suddenly, Ashley stood fluidly, me cradled in her arms as if we were a pair of newlyweds crossing the threshold of some honeymoon suite.
Marriage to Ashley…
Ugh, sometimes I wish I could turn my mind off…
Ashley sat me right side up in a chair, and I instantly hated this piece of furniture.
It took me away from her.
"Breakfast time," Ashley hovered over me, smiling sweetly. An idea struck me, and I clutched at my throat, cringing away from her in fear.
Goal achieved. Shock crossed Ashley's face, and she reached forward, guilt written all over her face.
"Gotcha!" I laughed. Ashley frowned in mock annoyance, and crossed her arms.
Oh, how I've missed the Ashley-stance.
"That wasn't funny."
"It was so funny, and you know it," I smiled, coaxing her arms open. Ashley snickered, returning the embrace quickly, then letting go.
"I meant breakfast time for you," Ashley emphasized, as though she were trying to show me that she remembered my human requirements.
I felt the overwhelming urge to kiss her.
Instead I smiled wickedly, winking. "Watch me hunt." As I poured myself a bowl of cereal and milk, I could feel Ashley's tawny eyes studying my every movement. To say I felt a little indisposed would be an understatement.
So what does Spencer Carlin do to lighten the mood? Change the subject, of course.
"Any plans for today?" I asked, tasting a spoonful of cereal.
Ashley continued to watch me, idly drumming her fingers on the table, an action I was rapidly becoming used to.
"I think I would like to take you to meet my family."
I nearly spit out the contents of my mouth. She was joking.
She had to be.
Noticing my discomfort, Ashley smirked. "Don't worry, I'll protect you."
"It's not them I'm worried about," I confessed as I swallowed the offending cereal. "What if they don't like me?"
Ashley's finger music stopped, and she resembled the marble statue of a Greek goddess, her gaze unwavering as she stared hard at me.
"You're going to be in a house full of vampires, and you're afraid that they won't like you?" Ashley asked, shaking her head disbelievingly. "You're incredible."
The hint of honesty in her voice, and the nose-crinkling smile she flashed my way alerted me of the double meaning behind her words.
Butterflies…ever-present butterflies…
"Is that good?" Ashley asked, looking curiously at my cereal. "It doesn't look sincerely…inviting."
I began to shove the cereal down my throat at an increased pace. I suddenly didn't feel like eating something that Ashley didn't care for.
"Well, we can't all munch on grouchy grizzlies," I teased, taking my bowl to the sink and dumping out the unfinished milk. Ashley was standing, still as a statue, staring through the back windows. It was then that I appreciated what she wore: a low cut, skin tight, deep purple sweater, not unlike my favorite ivory one she wore.
Ashley's sweaters have become my favorite article of clothing.
"I think it's time you introduced me to your father."
"He already knows who you are," I dried my hands, puzzled.
"As your girlfriend," Ashley corrected, crossing her arms in her trademark stance, and staring me down fiercely.
She had said it.
Girlfriend.
I'm really surprised I didn't pass out right then.
"It's not--not necessary Ashley. You don't have to pretend for me just so we have an excuse to be together more often."
"I'm not pretending, Spencer," her musical voice was soft, filling my ears. Then, she was in front of me, one cold finger pulling my chin up so we were at eye level.
My breathing hitched. The close proximity with this beautiful girl still left me winded.
"I don't want a restraining order, and Chief Carlin will need an explanation as to why I'm around so much."
"Will you really be here?" I moved as close to her as possible to smell her delicious aroma.
"As long as you want me," she replied, never moving her eyes from mine.
"I'll want you forever, Ashley Davies," I promised. I wanted so badly to press my lips to hers…but I think we were at a stage where she should be the only one instigating contact.
Judging by my little performance during our first kiss, I think that's definitely the safest avenue.
I suddenly noticed that Ashley's topaz eyes were sad. She smoothed my hair back, and trailed her frigid fingertips down my cheek. I closed my own blue orbs, leaning into her touch, reveling in this feeling that filled me to the brim with giddy joy.
Therefore, I didn't dwell on the reason for her tortured expression.
"Go get dressed. I'll wait here," Ashley moved back, leaning against the counter, her expression unreadable. I shrugged, bounded up the stairs, and immediately tore my closet apart.
What are you supposed to wear when your vampire girlfriend takes you to meet her vampire family? That's right. I don't know.
So I guessed: a dark blue blouse Ashley had once complimented, and a pair of tight, dark wash jeans. I brushed my hair out, and after a quick glance in the mirror, deemed myself presentable.
"I'm ready," I practically shouted from my excitement as I bounced down the stairs. As I hit the bottom step, I was enveloped in Ashley's arms.
"Actually, I think you look terribly indecent," she breathed into my ear. "Did you have to wear that blouse? It makes you look utterly…tantalizing…" Ashley inhaled deeply.
Maybe she didn't like what I was wearing.
"I can change…?" I suggested, pulling back. I smirked when I noticed that Ashley's golden eyes were a shade darker.
Even vampires have their weaknesses.
Ashley shook her head incredulously. "Spencer Carlin…you're absurd." Then, the room spun. Her skillful hands crawled tenderly down my spine, and she tenderly pressed her cool lips against mine. My hands were limp, placed gingerly on her shoulders.
I didn't dare to move; this was Ashley's kiss.
She parted her lips, asking that I open mine, and that's when I collapsed.
"Yesterday, I kiss you, and you attack me. Today, you faint on me!" Ashley groaned in mock vexation as she carried me to the car. "So much for being good at everything…"
"Correction, you're far too good at everything," I sputtered, finally coming down from my Ashley-induced rush as she buckled my seatbelt. "I think I just forgot to breathe."
"You look sick, Spencer. Perhaps this isn't a smart idea," she mused. Yet, she still entered the Porsche on the driver's side, and proceeded to speed down the road at a normal pace.
Well, normal for her.
"I'm fine," I assured her, blush spreading across my cheeks for no apparent reason. Ashley measured my expression, and the blush became hotter.
"If I haven't said it before, I find that sweater very appealing in relation to your eyes and skin," Ashley offered. I smiled, tilting my head. She grinned, and turned her gorgeous head to the road, chocolate curls bouncing.
What I wouldn't give to run my fingers through her hair…
Ashley's home was excruciatingly large, to say the least. Buried deep in the thickets of the forest, it stood over-looking a small stream. It was very well proportioned; the wood that structured the rectangular fortress was a soft brown, not unlike the color of Ashley's curls, and windows covered almost every surface.
I fidgeted a little as we approached the door, nervously playing with my hair. Ashley eased her icy hand into mine, and afforded me my favorite crooked smile.
The relaxation her touch brought overwhelmed me, and I felt my lungs release a long-standing breath.
The interior of the house was surprising. Very open, and bright, with a large staircase. Waiting by said staircase were Dr. Cullen and whom I assumed to be his wife. They smiled warmly; I guessed they were trying not to frighten me.
Because it's actually possible to scare me nowadays.
Ashley's hand was distracting, rubbing soft circles into the back of my palm.
"Raife, Christine," Ashley hesitated, then pulled me a little closer to her side. "This is Spencer."
"Delighted to see you again, Spencer," Raife smiled animatedly as he shook hands with my free one.
"Hello, Dr. Cullen."
"Please. It's Raife."
"Raife," I smiled back, boldness sweeping through me. I could feel Ashley loosening up at my side, her hand never leaving mine.
She was anxious for me, and that alone kept the smile plastered to my face.
Christine stepped forward, taking my vacant hand firmly between both of hers. "Welcome, Spencer," she said sincerely. I nodded slightly. I was amazed; for all intents and purposes, Christine resembled Snow White.
Except she was even more mesmerizing.
"Ashley!" Kyla called excitedly as she rushed down the stairs, skidding to a halt in front of us. Raife and Christine looked a tad apprehensive, but I don't think anyone had informed them that Kyla and I had already met.
"Hi, Spencer!" Kyla squealed, as she sprang forward to plant a kiss on my cheek. "Oh wow, you do smell nice!"
I smiled, a faint blush crossing my cheeks. I reasoned that this was natural behavior for her. I felt Ashley's hand clench into a death grip around mine. Noticing the tension, Christine put her hand on my back, leading me into the kitchen. Ashley, Raife, and Kyla followed.
"We're making Italiano for you," Christine stated proudly, as Raife and Kyla hurried forward to help. Glen stood slicing up some potatoes, and Madison was mixing a salad.
She was looking at it as though it had gotten her thrown into jail.
Or as if it was me. I winced.
"You've finally given us an excuse to use this kitchen!" Raife exclaimed happily. An Italian cooking show blared from the TV.
I was very touched that they would go to all this trouble for me.
"She already ate," Ashley announced, subtle embarrassment evident in her features. This time, I was the one kneading comforting circles into her hand.
CRACK.
All eyes turned to Madison, who was shaking, her eyes closed. Fragment of broken glass lay in her palms, and also littered the counter.
I remembered Ashley's avoidance when I asked her if some of her family members didn't like me.
"Madison," Christine scolded. I could tell she was trying to stay calm, but it wasn't too successful. "We have a guest."
Madison opened her amber eyes, and stepped menacingly toward me. Her designer heel clacked loudly as it broke a piece of glass, but her death glare remained trained on me.
I unconsciously moved closer to Ashley.
"Mads," Glen warned, putting his arm around her. She shrugged him off, and took another step forward, then suddenly relaxed.
Umm…what?
"Hello, Spencer," an unfamiliar voice greeted me from the doorway, and I saw that it was Jake.
Oh, I see.
"Hi, Jake," I smiled shyly. I didn't feel awkward, or scared anymore; it was impossible.
I felt Ashley wrap her cold arm protectively around my waist, and a state of complete repose engulfed me.
Even with Jake's mood-altering ability, Ashley was still the only one who could completely calm me down.
"I'm going to give Spencer a tour," Ashley declared. The rest of her family nodded.
I didn't dare chance a glance in Madison's direction, but I knew she was still staring at me.
"It was so nice to meet you all. This is a beautiful home."
"Thank you," Christine said, affectionately stroking my hair. "We're very glad you're here."
If it weren't for the fact that I was being artificially subdued in my emotions, I think I would've burst into tears right then and there. I hadn't known Christine for ten minutes, yet I could tell she had accepted me already.
The mother I never knew.
Ashley led me up the staircase, and my eyes scanned everything in sight. That's when I noticed the wall mural, stuffed with at least one hundred graduation caps. I stopped, looking at Ashley's perfect face expectantly. Her smile was dazzling.
"The younger we start out in a high school, the longer we're able to stay put for awhile," she explained, and continued up the stairs. As we passed each room, Ashley pointed them out, and told me their titles.
"Madison and Glen's room…Kyla and Jake's room…Raife and Christine's room…Raife's study…"
"No coffins?" I asked teasingly, and Ashley's velvety, symphonic laugh ricocheted off the walls of the hallway.
"No coffins," she confirmed, and pushed the last door open. The room was light, open, and most importantly, smelled strongly of Ashley.
I want to live here.
French doors stood ajar at the opposite side of the room; a gateway to the forest. A futon couch was backed up against a window, littered with magazines and books of all kinds. However, what really fascinated me was Ashley's music collection.
"You have a lot of music," I commented, running my fingers along the spines of albums from almost every century. Ashley smirked, and withdrew a CD, popping it into her stereo.
"Debussy?" I asked, as Ashley took my hands and began to lead me in a slow, gentle dance.
"Very good," Ashley complimented, smiling appreciatively. "Clair de Lune is one of my favorites."
I realized what we were doing, and suddenly got very embarrassed.
But I didn't stop moving with her.
"I…um, I can't really dance," I confessed quietly as Ashley spun me around, her infectious smile making my knees buckle.
"You're doing fine," she assured me, now pulling me close to her statuesque body as we swayed back and forth. I breathed deeply, and rested my head on her strong shoulder.
This was heaven.
"Don't worry about Madison, Spencer. She'll come around," Ashley said quietly as she rested her head atop mine, and wrapped her powerful, cold arms around my waist. "She's a little jealous of you, you know."
"What?" I stared up at her, my arms hanging loosely about her neck. "Why?"
"Madison struggles the most with what we are. You're human, and that's something she envies," Ashley expounds, rubbing her hands soothingly up and down my back.
I shivered a little.
"Aha! Finally, a rational response from you!" She laughed musically, mistaking my shudder for fear.
I was really shivering from delight at her touch. But I'll let her think what she wants.
"What does Glen think of me?"
"Well, naturally, he thinks I'm a raging lunatic," Ashley admitted, and I giggled a little. "But he really doesn't care. He's actually trying to reason with Madison, in your favor."
"What about Raife and Christine?"
"Happiness is contagious. Christine's been so worried about me. She used to fret constantly because she believed Raife changing me when I was too young, and that I was missing something from my life. That I was lonely," Ashley explained, leaning her forehead against mine, and closing her eyes. "I was. Until I found you, that is."
I smiled, and closed my own eyes. I gently rubbed Ashley's icy neck with my thumbs, holding it as though it were breakable.
Not a feasible analogy, considering the circumstances.
Ashley inhaled deeply, and pressed her body closer to mine. We had stopped swaying now. "That feels very…nice," she whispered, her sweet breath washing over my face. I opened my eyes, and her flawless face was so close…
I couldn't handle it.
Slowly, and ever so softly, I pulled her toward me, connecting our lips in a caressing, glorious kiss. I was careful to keep my desires in check, and cautiously parted my mouth.
To my surprise, Ashley also opened hers, and kissed me back with passionate fervor. Our tongues dueled for dominance, and my head was spinning. I threaded my hands through her soft curls, and she teasingly raked her slender fingers up and down my spine, causing me to arch my back slightly. Although it was becoming increasingly heated, I made sure to stay subordinate to Ashley, not wanting to break what I had wanted for so long.
Now this is what I call a kiss.
To my disappointment, Ashley pulled back, her dark golden eyes searching mine. She was panting, and so was I. A faint flush coated her white cheeks, and I couldn't help but think she looked irrepressibly gorgeous
My girlfriend: a vampire goddess in her own right.
"How…how are you feeling?" Ashley asked worriedly after she caught her breath.
I'm positively shaking from ecstasy. "I'm fine," I told her, trying to keep my voice even as I licked my swollen lips. I really wanted to kiss her again.
Ashley's full lips widened over her brilliantly white teeth as she smiled lovingly. She brought her angelic face close to mine, and I closed my eyes, waiting.
"Liar," she breathed, and pressed her marble lips sweetly against mine. This time, the kiss was soft, and chaste.
But hey, I'm not complaining. I enjoy variation.
"Come on," Ashley coaxed playfully as she pulled me down the hall. "I want to show you something."
God, I love this girl.
***
R&R PLEASE! :))
SPASHLEY FOREVER.