Part 13

Ashley soon fell into a routine.

Her mornings started with writing in her journal, something that Peter had gifted her with. She'd write anything and everything, mostly about her dreams and things she would remember. After some morning chores, she would laze around the library doing some reading. Then in the afternoon, Peter and her would take lovely walks and enjoy the scenery around Peter's house.

The evenings were usually spent alone as Peter would run some errands leaving Ashley to herself. She would end up falling asleep as she watched a movie or listened to some music. Somehow, she would end up waking up in her own bed in the mornings. She could only assume that it was Peter who carried her to bed.

It was almost perfect were it not for the fact that Ashley still had no memories, and that Peter was obviously hiding something from her.

She had caught him a few times with a melancholic expression on his face as he stole glances at her. Once, she had tried to ask him about it and he had brushed off the topic with a nervous laugh. She didn't push further, not wanting to make him uncomfortable. After all, Peter did the same for her.

Ashley liked that Peter did not push her to remember him. In fact, Ashley simply like being with him, doing the simple daily things.

Tonight though, was different. Peter had surprised her by telling her he was taking her to town. He had prepared a dress for the occasion and had persuaded her to wear it. Looking forward to a change, she had complied.

Now, walking down the stairs in the fuchsia pink dress, she could hear Peter let out a small gasp. She turned to him and found him staring at her. His eyes, fixated on her, was filled with wonder and adoration causing her to blush.

Noticing her reaction, he cleared his throat and extended his hand to her instead. Shyly, she placed her hand in his, her heart pounding at his tender and gentle touch as he escorted her to his truck. Like a gentleman, he opened the door for her before getting into the driver's seat.

He started the truck then glanced at her before leaning towards her. His sudden proximity to her startled her and for a minute, she thought he was going to kiss her. She held her breath and closed her eyes not sure what to expect when she felt him pull the seatbelt over her.

Ashley opened her eyes and found Peter giving her a grin. She didn't know if she felt relieved or disappointed but gave him a small smile as well. His familiar scent lingered and Ashley could smell a hint of applewood and cedar.

The rest of the ride was uneventful, the pair making small talk on the way. It was nightfall by the time they reached town and Peter took her to the local Italian restaurant.

The exterior was rustic but charming. The interior was quaint and cozy. Peter had booked the entire place for them and had the owner prepare a candlelight dinner. It was a romantic evening where they ate and conversed jovially.

As the night went on, she had the opportunity to study his features. He was a ruggedly handsome man. Broad forehead, pointed nose, and a chiseled jaw spotting a thin beard. Deep blue eyes that she found herself immersed in. He talked with a roguish charm that both attracted him to her and made her wary. She could feel a growing attraction to this man, this familiar stranger whose kindness tugged at her heartstrings.

After dinner, they took a short stroll through town before heading home. Soon, they were getting out of the car and retiring for the evening.

Abruptly, Ashley spun around to face Peter causing the latter to stop in his tracks.

With a beaming face, she told him: "Thank you."

Then she stood up on her tip toes and gave him a kiss on the cheeks. By the time, Peter understood what had happened, she had rushed into the house.

Inside, Ashley ran up the stairs into her room and closed the door behind her. The blush that had formed on her cheeks deepened. If she had seen her red face, she would have surely blamed it on the cold air not on the fact that she had just kissed Peter Hale.

Outside, Peter was left stunned by her unexpected action. He raised his hand to her cheek, touching the very spot where Ashley's lips had met his skin which was still tingling at her touch.

It was a good day when Ashley saw fit to make the first move. Slowly, a smile formed on his face at the thought of her simple gesture.