The CEO’s stand-in girlfriend

Softening a bit

*Lucas*

I wake up to the soft glow of the evening light filtering through the curtains. My head feels like it’s stuffed with cotton, and there’s a dull ache in my jaw that reminds me of the dentist’s visit. I blink a few times, trying to shake off the grogginess, but it clings to me like a thick fog.

As I sit up, memories from earlier come rushing back… muffled laughter, the taste of something sweet, and… Ashley. My heart races as I try to piece together what happened. Did I really call her sexy? Did I say I wanted her? I run a hand through my hair, feeling a strange mix of embarrassment and confusion. It must have been a dream, right? Just the effects of the anesthesia playing tricks on my mind.

I get out of bed, my legs a bit wobbly but manageable, and make my way to the living room. The familiar sight of Ashley greets me, and for a moment, I just stand there, taking her in. She’s sitting on the couch, flipping through channels, her hair cascading around her shoulders like a waterfall. She looks effortless, like she always does, and my heart skips a beat.

“Hey, sleeping beauty,” she says, glancing up and smiling. It’s the same warm smile that’s brightened my day more times than I can count. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I survived a dental war,” I manage to say, trying to keep things light. I shuffle over to the couch, my nerves settling a bit. “What time is it?”

“Evening,” she replies, lifting her brow playfully. “You’ve been out for a while. I was starting to think I’d have to send a search party to dreamland.”

I chuckle, but there’s a tightness in my chest. “Sorry about that. I guess the drugs really knocked me out.”

She nods, her expression softening. “It’s okay. I made you some cold soup. The dentist said no hot or hard foods for the day.”

“Cold soup?” I repeat, raising an eyebrow. It sounds odd, but I’m hungry, and the thought of anything is better than nothing. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

She looks almost startled by my genuine gratitude, as if she wasn’t expecting me to be so appreciative. “You’re welcome. It’s just something simple.”

As she hands me the bowl, I can’t help but notice how her fingers brush against mine, sending a small spark through me… it must be the sedation still playing havoc with me. I take a seat next to her, and we settle into the comfortable silence, the TV flickering in the background. The soup is surprisingly good… smooth and refreshing, and I can feel the warmth spreading through me with each spoonful.

“This is really nice,” I say, savoring the taste. “You didn’t have to do this, you know.”

“I wanted to,” she replies, her voice soft. “I knew you would be hungry when waking up and it is limited what you can really eat… see it as a playback for the soup you made when I was sick.”

Her words hit me harder than I expected, and I glance over at her. She’s focused on the TV, but there’s a sincerity in her voice that makes my heart feel a bit weird. “I still appreciate it.”

Just then, she turns to me, her eyes locking onto mine. It’s a moment suspended in time, and I can feel the tension building between us. I suddenly remember the haze of my earlier confession… the way I wanted to kiss her, to tell her how I felt. My cheeks heat up at the thought, and I quickly look back at my soup, pretending to be very interested in the bowl.

“Are you okay?” she asks, a hint of concern in her voice. “You look a little… flushed.”

“Yeah, just… you know, tooth stuff,” I mumble, trying to play it off. “But this soup is really helping.”

“Good,” she replies, her tone a mix of relief and teasing. “I was worried I’d ruined it. I’m no chef, but I figured it was better than nothing.”

“It’s definitely better than nothing,” I assure her, feeling a warmth spread through me that has nothing to do with the soup.

We settle back into a comfortable rhythm, watching the movie, and I can’t help but steal glances at her. She’s so engrossed in the film, and I find myself admiring the way her lips curl into a smile at the funny parts, the way her eyes light up with every twist in the story. I don’t think Imhave ever taken time to just look at her before.

As I finish the last bite of soup, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. This is nice. Just sitting here with her, laughing at the movie, sharing these simple moments.

“Hey,” I say, breaking the comfortable silence. She turns to me, her expression curious. “About earlier… when I was loopy… did I say something totally embarrassing?”

Her cheeks flush slightly, and she bites her lip, trying to suppress a smile. “You definitely said some interesting things,” she teases lightly, but there’s a softness in her eyes that makes me hopeful.

“Interesting how?” I press, my pulse quickening.

She hesitates, a hint of mischief dancing in her gaze. “Let’s just say, you were quite complimentary about my looks… It was nice for a change.”

My heart races, the memories coming back in fragments. “Oh… I guess that Was just the drugs talking.”

She shrugs, but there’s a twinkle in her eye. “Maybe. Or maybe you were just being honest.”

I take a deep breath, feeling courageous. “Well, yeah maybe I was being honest.”

Her eyes widen slightly, and for a moment, the air between us feels charged, electric. Then she smiles, a slow, genuine smile that makes my heart swell. “I’m glad to hear that.”

And just like that, the world outside fades away. It’s just me and Ashley, sitting on the couch, sharing soup and laughter, and all the possibilities that could unfold from here. I can’t help but think that maybe this means she is not about to leave.