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Deciding to give her a tour of the island first, Ashton pulled out of the garage and drove cautiously down the driveway. In his rearview mirror, he spotted his mother standing on his doorstep and floored the gas. If he stopped, Joan would question Haley about everything under the sun—her education background, her career aspirations, her ten-year goals—and Ashton didn’t want his mom to scare her off. Mindful of the neighbor’s children playing hockey on the street, he slowed as he exited the security gate and waved at them.
“Do you have plans on Saturday?” he asked, glancing at her.
“No, not yet. I was thinking of going to Pensacola, to surprise my mom, but she has to work, so I’ll be home this weekend. Why? What are you up to?”
“I’m going to the Firebirds game, and I want you to come.”
Seconds passed and Ashton feared Haley was going to turn him down, but she surprised him by cracking a joke.
“Only if you buy me lunch first,” she said with a teasing smile.
“Deal, and I’ll even throw in dessert.”
“How can I turn down such a generous offer?”
Haley laughed, and Ashton knew he was making progress with her. He felt a connection to her, feelings he’d never experienced before, and he wanted to explore them further. Haley crossed her legs, and Ashton had to remind himself to drive, not lust. It was a challenge to keep his eyes on the road and off Haley’s curves, but he forced himself to focus.
“This car drives like a dream,” she said, running a hand along the side paneling.
Images of Mia flashed in Ashton’s head. I’m having déjà vu, he thought, swallowing hard, willing the moment to pass. It didn’t. His memories were clear, gripping, powerful. He remembered helping Mia into the passenger seat of his Maserati, and sliding in behind the wheel. Like he had moments earlier with Haley.
Sweat trickled down the back of his shirt. The images haunted him, flashing in his head, leaving Ashton dazed and confused. Feeling light-headed, he slammed on the brakes. He gripped the steering wheel and took a deep breath to slow his erratic heartbeat.
“Ashton, what’s wrong? You’re shaking.”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not. Talk to me. I want to help.” Haley inclined her body toward his and rested a hand on his forearm. “What is it?”
Sadness and regret flooded Ashton’s heart. He could tell by Haley’s furrowed brow that she was confused by his odd behavior, but he wasn’t ready to open up to her about his past. What could he say? “Sorry, I just remembered driving with my dead girlfriend?” Haley would run for the hills, and Ashton didn’t want her to think he was crazy. Part of him felt stupid for inviting her to his estate in the first place, but another part of him was glad he’d made the first move.
“Let’s go back to the house. We can talk there.”
“What about the ice cream? You had your heart set on having the cotton candy flavor.”
“I’ll survive. Besides, I’m still full from dinner.”
Haley stared at him with trusting, understanding eyes, as if to say everything would be okay, and although he’d promised himself he wouldn’t make a move on her tonight, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. If Haley was surprised she didn’t show it.
“Are you okay to drive,” she asked him, “or do you want me to?”
“I’m good. Don’t worry. I’ll get you back to the estate in one piece.”
Ashton merged into traffic, made a U-turn at Fisher Island Drive and cruised down the tree-lined street. He kept his eyes on the road, but sensing Haley was watching him, hummed with the song on the radio to prove everything was okay. Despite his reassurances, he could see she was worried about him and he felt like an ass for scaring her.
“We’re back.” Hoping to avoid a run-in with his mom, Ashton sped through the security gates and parked the Porsche in the garage. “Home sweet home.”
“How are you feeling now?” Haley asked, her voice a whisper. “Any better?”
Projecting confidence, Ashton smiled and winked. “I’m great. I’m having a good time with you and I’m looking forward to our date tomorrow night.”
“Ashton, it’s not a date. We’re volunteering at the Miami Soup Kitchen together.”
“Yeah, but after we finish up we’re going to have drinks at the Rooftop Bar. They have a live reggae band on Friday nights, and they’re one of the hottest acts in Miami.”
Pop music played from inside Haley’s handbag, and she scooped it up off the floor. “Ashton, do you mind if I take this call?”
“Not at all. Go ahead.”
Putting the phone to her ear, Haley turned toward the passenger window and spoke in a soft, soothing voice. “Hello, Sienna, is everything okay?”
Watching her, Ashton could tell that something was wrong. The person on the line sounded hysterical, but he couldn’t make out what the female caller was saying.
“Sweetie, stop crying. Everything’s going to be fine. I promise.” Haley took off her seat belt and threw open the passenger-side door. “Sienna, wait for me in front of your apartment building. I’m on my way. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Ashton jumped out of the Porsche and joined Haley on the driveway. Keys in hand, she marched toward her car, a frown on her lips, obviously deep in thought.
“You’re leaving? Already? But it’s only nine o’clock.”
Haley dropped her cell inside her purse. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. It’s an emergency.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
Shaking her head, she slid behind the wheel. “Thank you for a wonderful evening,” Haley said politely. “And for listening to my pitch about The Aunt Penny Foundation. The backing of the Millionaire Moguls means the world to me, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support.”
Before Ashton could respond, Haley put the car in Drive and sped down the drive.
Ashton wondered what his parents would think of her. She was a smart, educated woman, but she wasn’t from a moneyed family. Questions loomed in his mind. Would his parents like her? Would they welcome her into the family with open arms? Or would his father give him a hard time for dating someone from humble beginnings?
Returning to the house, Ashton broke free of his thoughts. He was too old to cater to his mother and father. He wasn’t a college student anymore. He was older now, wiser, capable of making his own decisions, and he didn’t need anyone’s approval to spend time with Haley Adams. He wanted to date her—planned to romance her every chance he got—and Ashton didn’t give a damn what his bougie, uptight parents thought.