Ashley's POV
"Good job, Ashley. You did great, and I'm proud of you," he said, completely blindsiding me with his comment.
I couldn't even take one step as he engulfed me in an embrace. Literally, I did not move. My brain would not seem to process what was going on-was this reality, was it seriously going on right this moment, Steven seriously hugging me, being proud of me, or another dream of perfection?
The thrill that coursed through my veins fled quickly as he seemed to snap back into reality. He released me almost too fast, as if he realized he had crossed some invisible boundary.
"Um. they. they liked your design," he stammered, sounding awkward.
"Obviously," I replied with a small nod, trying to mask the nervous flutter in my chest.
The silence between us stretched for a littl
