“What would I do if I wasn’t working at the foundation?” Repeating the question posed by Ashton seconds earlier, Haley gave it some serious thought. “If I wasn’t CEO of The Aunt Penny Foundation I’d probably work at a hardware store.”
Ashton frowned. “A hardware store? Why?”
“Because I love building things,” she explained, unable to hide her excitement. “I attend free workshops at Home Depot several times a month to improve my skills, and last week my instructor said my birdhouse was the best one in the class.”
“You strike me as the type who likes to bake, not swing a hammer.”
“Growing up, I was a tomboy. I rode dirt bikes, played video games and never left home without my beloved Firebirds baseball cap.”
“And now?”
“I still enjoy playing sports, but I’ve definitely embraced my feminine side.” She joked, “Being a woman is great! I can change my look whenever the mood strikes and my shoe collection would make Jimmy Choo jealous!”
“You’re a talented young woman who’s destined to do great things in the nonprofit sector, and at Home Depot.” Ashton smiled. “Your boyfriend must be very proud of you.”
For the second time in minutes, her mind ran to her ex-boyfriend, Federico Tevez. A year ago they’d been making plans for the future, but now their relationship was over, nothing but a distant memory. Their breakup had been painful, but for the best. He’d moved to Washington, DC, as planned—without her—and every time someone mentioned the nation’s capital, Haley wondered what could have been. On paper, they were a perfect match. He was a trained chef with big dreams and traditional values, but—
Stop dwelling on the past, Haley told herself, breaking free of her thoughts. He wasn’t the right man for you. You have to accept that and move on. He’s not coming back.
“I don’t have a boyfriend,” she said quietly. “I’m single.”
“So am I. It’s amazing how much we have in common.”
His husky voice was dreamy, and when their eyes met, her mind went blank. It felt good being with a suave, charming man who smelled divine and showered her with compliments, and Haley wanted to spend the rest of the night hanging out with him.
“Can I ask you something?”
Curious, Haley nodded her head. “Sure, Ashton, what is it?”
“Why are you single?”
“Why are you?” she quipped.
A mischievous expression covered his face. “I asked first.”
“I haven’t met the right person yet. You?”
“Yesterday, I would have said the same thing, but I’ve recently had a change of heart. I’m interested in a beautiful, charity CEO, but I don’t want to scare her off by revealing my true feelings.” Ashton winked. “I’m pacing myself. It’s only our first date.”
Their eyes lined up.
“I had fun tonight,” he said, “and I’d love to see you again.”
Haley moistened her lips with her tongue. “To discuss The Aunt Penny Foundation?”
“No,” he said calmly. “To wine you and dine you.”
Ashton brushed his fingers against hers, and a moan rose in her throat.
Needing a moment to gather her thoughts, Haley sipped her water.
“Have you ever been to the Rooftop Bar?” he asked her. “It’s the most popular restaurant-lounge in the city, and everything on the menu is exquisite.”
You’re exquisite, she thought, staring at his lips, wishing they were pressed hard against hers. “No, not yet. I’ve heard about it, but I haven’t had an opportunity to check it out.”
“I’ll pick you up on Friday night at seven o’clock,” he said with a broad grin, his tone matter-of-fact. “Wear comfortable shoes. We’re going to be doing a lot of dancing.”
“Ashton, I’m sorry, but I have other plans tomorrow night.”
The smile slid off his face. “Do you have a date?”
“Yeah, a date at the Miami Soup Kitchen. Fun times!” Haley laughed. “I volunteer twice a week, and if I’m not there to make my seafood gumbo the regulars will complain.”
“Need some help?”
“But you don’t cook.”
“Yeah,” Ashton conceded. “But I can chop vegetables with the best of them.”
“Then we’d love to have you.”
“Great. I look forward to seeing you again on Friday night.”
“Wear comfortable shoes,” she teased, gesturing under the table at his designer sandals. “Those aren’t going to cut it. You’re going to be on your feet all night, so runners are your best bet.”
“Got it,” Ashton said. “How did you get involved with the soup kitchen?”
Heat warmed her skin. Normally, Haley wasn’t afraid to share her story, but she didn’t want Ashton to judge her, and had second thoughts about opening up to him about her childhood. “Despite my parents both working two jobs, there was never enough food at home, so we’d eat at local soup kitchens a few times a week,” she explained. “I started volunteering when I was in high school, and now I’m there so much it’s like my second home.”
A sympathetic expression covered his face, and Haley wished she’d kept her big mouth shut. Wished she’d lied. She didn’t want Ashton’s pity; she’d made it, built a life she was proud of. Thanks to Aunt Penny, she was an inner-city success story, and she’d never, ever forget where she came from.
“Please give my regards to Ms. Edith,” she said, resting her utensils on her empty plate. “Dinner was amazing, especially her peach cobbler.”
Ashton stood, came around the table and helped Haley out of her chair. “I’m glad you liked it. Next time you come over I’ll see to it that she makes another one.”
Next time? Her mouth watered, and her heart danced inside her chest.
“This was nice, Ashton. Thank you for a lovely evening—”
“You can’t leave. I haven’t given you a tour of the estate yet. It’s not to be missed.”
“Okay, one short tour, but then I have to go. It’s way past my bedtime.”
“If you’re tired you can stay here. I have eight bedrooms and a huge guest cottage.”
“I bet you say that to all the charity CEOs you have over for dinner.”
Winking, he slid an arm around her waist. “No, beautiful, just you.”
Ashton wondered what Haley was thinking, wished he could read her mind and dissect her thoughts. Desire simmered below the surface, filling the air with its intoxicating fragrance. Stunning, with impeccable manners and a wicked sense of humor, Haley was hard to resist. All Ashton could think about was kissing her, ravishing her mouth with his. He found her delightful, genuine and sweet, and he didn’t want her to leave. To prolong their time together, Ashton walked slowly along the winding pathway, stopping to point out the exotic fish in the man-made lake, the guest cottage and the outdoor basketball court.
“Next time you