Love Me Later

We Meet Again

I finished my bath quickly and then wrapped myself in a bathrobe. I headed towards the dresser and reached for the moisturizers. I walked to the bed and raised my left leg at the edge and applied the lotion. The door to my right took me by surprise when it burst open.

There I saw the 35-year-old Ashton Greene, with his eyes widened in shock. I docked behind the edge of the bed and tried to block his view of my almost-naked body.

"Jesus Christ! I know this is your house, but don't you know how to knock?"

I felt the heat shoot up to my face. I knew that I was probably blushing from embarrassment.

"Well, good morning to you too. I thought you were ready because the door wasn't locked." He said as he leaned on the door frame. " I also want to remind you that I don't want us to be late. Come down when you're done. Breakfast is ready."

He put his hands on his waistband. His sleeveless sweatshirt exposed the toned muscles on his biceps. He furrowed his brows and a smirk appeared on his face.

"Stop blushing, will you? I didn't see anything!" He said as if he was teasing me.

I grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. "Ugh! I can't believe I am going to spend six more months with an asshole like you."

He caught the pillow with his hands and threw it back on my bed. "Watch your mouth, lady. I won't tolerate that behavior in my home." He was about to get out, then he paused. "And I am happy to spend more than half of the year with you too." He winked, then he reached for the door. He pointed at the lock on the knob and locked it before he pulled it close.

I am not used to locking my bedroom door. Neither mom nor dad gets in without knocking. Not even the house helpers. I continued what I was doing. I dried my shoulder-length hair, put on light makeup, and prepared everything I needed for the day. I zipped my bag as I dashed out of my room.

I made my way to the stairs and was about to grab the main door when I heard Ashton behind me. I turned around and saw that he was also ready to leave.

"And where are you going?" he asked. He glanced at me while he was still buttoning the sleeve on his left wrist.

I furrowed my brows. I wondered how quickly he had changed into a white long-sleeve shirt, which he tucked into his black pants.

Did I really take that long to change?

"To school, I guess? Where else should I go?" I said with irritation. "I have a 9:30 class."

Ashton glanced at his watch. "Good. It's barely 8 AM. Let's have a quick breakfast." He grabbed me by my shoulders and turned me towards the kitchen.

"Uhm.. thanks. But I am good. I am actually running late." I turned around and took a step backwards.

"This place is closer to the university than your parents' home. You'll get there in half an hour." He grabbed me by my wrist and pulled me right to the dining table." Your shenanigans won't work. I know when I am being lied to."

Ashton pulled out a chair before he put his hands on my shoulders. "Now, sit."

"Look, I really have to go. I would appreciate it if you would treat me like an adult and allow me to go."

He just smirked.

"How about I treat you like an adult if you act like one?" He grabbed my shoulder again. He did not put much force into it, but he pushed my shoulders down to make me sit. "We will have this breakfast. I cannot finish all this."

In front of me is a plate of bacon, some scrambled eggs, and two slices of bread. I can also smell the coffee brewing from the countertop.

Hmm. Tempting.

I looked around for a food container and found it in the cupboard. I grabbed one, made myself a sandwich, put it inside the container, sealed it, then put it inside my bag. I glanced at the Nespresso machine and contemplated whether I should pour myself a cup of coffee or not. But then I decided against it. If I did that, I would have to wait for the coffee to cool down. I can also put ice on it, but I still have to spend an awkward number of minutes with Ashton at the dining table.

Nah! I can't do that. However...

It looks like Ashton's cup of coffee has been sitting on his cup for a while. It's not just Americano. He put something else on it. I tilted my head. From what I remember, Ashton has always been a fan of black coffee. I shoved him aside and studied his coffee closer. Ashton cleared his throat. He nodded at me as if he was asking what. Unknowingly, my lips stretched into a playful smile.

Ashton looked down at his coffee as if he understood my thoughts. He grabbed the handle before I did, but I slapped his hand and took the mug from him. I took the lid closer to my mouth. The rich vanilla scent wafted into my nose.

Ah! Caramel macchiato.

I took a sip of it. His coffee is too sweet and the taste of caramel lingers on my lips.

Does Ashton like this now? This is more like a coffee I would make for myself.

I heard Ashton call my name, but I did not pay him any attention. I walked back to the cupboard, still holding the mug in my hand. I reached out for the tumbler that I had seen earlier. I moved back to the table and put the coffee down. I opened the tumbler's lid and smelled it. It was then that I saw Ashton trying to snatch his coffee back.

"Uh-uh. Mine." I slapped Ashton's hand.

Ashton shrugged his shoulders, smiled, and answered, "Yours."

Then he pulled out a chair to sit on. "That's clean. Why do you need that?"

I ignored him. Instead, I went to the fridge, filled the tumbler with some ice, then went back to the dining table and poured the coffee in. I took another sip. Already satisfied with it, I closed the lid tightly.

"Problem solved. Enjoy your breakfast. Ta-ta!" Ashton dropped his jaw. I heard him chuckle as I zipped my bag and turned away, carrying the tumbler in my other hand.

"Unbelievable!" I heard him say.

When I turned to look, I saw him laughing and running his hand through his hair. I ran as quickly as I could and made my way through the door.

ASHTON'S POV

I knew Natasha would refuse to have breakfast with me. I won't let her outsmart me. I already know her daily schedule. Her parents also left me with a to-do list which I really didn't pay much attention to. I even teased them about it because they made it seem like I was going to babysit a toddler.

However, I did pay attention to what Natasha likes to eat and drink. Julia said Natasha rarely eats breakfast at home. She prefers to carry them to school so she can have them with her friends. But I know too that she will not voluntarily take the breakfast with her even if I put it in a container. I needed to trick her into taking it.

So I looked around my dining area and thought about where I could strategically place the containers without them being too obvious. The top left of the cupboard is just a step away from the dining table. So I placed the container and the tumbler there.

The rest is easy. I know she can't refuse the sight of bacon and the smell of coffee. I learned from Julia about the coffee flavor that Natasha wants. I even prepared the same brand. I laughed at how she acted the way I thought she would.

Satisfied with what I did, I took another mug and poured espresso shots and hot water into it, took a sip, and enjoyed the rich taste of black coffee. I absent-mindedly smiled thinking about the proud look on Natasha's face when she darted into the hallway.