228 The Fourth of July party 12 (1/2)

Sabrina wanted to melt in Ashton's embrace and to drift away in the waves of lust which were swelling within her. But the guilt was not allowing her to let go of her sanity and she inched away with difficulty.

”I am sorry, Ashton…”, she said breathlessly, not daring to look him in the eyes.

He licked his lips nervously. ”You have nothing to apologize for.”

”I can't…”

He put his finger over her lips, preventing her from speaking further. He knew that she is about to bring up Jackson and her engagement and he didn't want to hear about it. Not now. Because whatever happened was wonderful and he does not want to taint this memory, even though there is a strong chance that it was a one-time thing. ”I understand. I promise that no one will find out about this and I will never ask for anything from you.”

Sabrina finally lifted her gaze and met Ashton's.

Sabrina exhaled and again she confirmed that Ashton is a total opposite from Jackson. Ashton would have every right to demand more, after all, it's just the two of them in his apartment, and they already kissed. She started it. Or he could threaten that he will expose her infidelity or at least tease her… Yet here he is with a warm smile, and gaze full of sincerity (and a tinge of sadness), assuring her that he will never use this against her. Oh, how she wishes to kiss him again but… ”Do you mind if we go back to the party?”

He shook his head, indicating that he doesn't mind, and she could see that he struggled to move away from her, but he still did it.

…

In the garden behind the Anderson family's villa…

Mia spotted Sabrina walk toward them.

”There you are! The fireworks will start soon…”, Mia's voice trailed away, and her eyebrows shoot up when she saw Ashton two steps behind Sabrina.

”Where have you been?”, Mia asked Sabrina in a half-whisper while her eyes darted toward Ashton.

Sabrina cleared her throat. ”We went to Ashton's apartment.”

At Sabrina's words, Hunter's gaze moved to Ashton.

Ashton lifted his hands defensively and he explained: ”You know that I'm lacking space. Rina went to see the apartment and suggest solutions.”

Hunter scrutinized Sabrina. ”And, what solutions did you come up with?”

”I just saw the place. I will think about various options that might work and next week Ashton will come to my design studio and we will discuss the possibilities that match his needs and his budget.”, Sabrina responded and went to get herself a drink. She needs something strong. Something stronger than orange juice with pulp.

It's not about the way they acted or spoke, but it was the fact that Sabrina answered Hunter's question that made Hunter want to know more. Sabrina is seven years older than Hunter, and even now she treats him like a kid (most of the time). Whenever he asked Sabrina about her whereabouts, Sabrina would say that it's none of his business, and now she answered politely and even provided details – this is suspicious.

Hunter's gaze moved to Ashton.

”Why are you looking at me like that? Do you think that I would do something to your sister against her will?”, Ashton snorted and went to join Mike, Jake, and Derek. They are exactly where he left them, still eating kebobs. He wondered if they are eating non-stop. It is almost two hours how he left!

…

Sabrina took a seat at the bar and ordered herself a drink. She gazed around and she could not see Max and Liz or Quentin and Brianna (aka Sabrina's latest bestie).

She saw Hunter and Mia chatting over a plate of food in Hunter's hands. The way they look at each other and laugh occasionally tells her that her baby-brother is happily in love. She wondered if all engaged couples are like that. Probably.

Sabrina can't ignore that since her chat with Liz, she is questioning her 'relationship' with Jackson. Everywhere she looks Sabrina sees happy couples and she must admit that she and Jackson are anything other than a happy couple. And then that kissing with Ashton woke up unknown fire she didn't feel in a very long time. Actually, she never felt like this before.

Sabrina's eyes were drawn further to the left, toward the table where Ashton was sitting with his three friends. She could not hear what they are talking about, but the mood seemed good.

”How are things?”, Grace asked when she took her seat next to Sabrina.

Sabrina hoped that Grace didn't notice where she was staring. ”OK. Are you enjoying the party?”

Grace nodded. ”Very nice party, as usually. Actually, this one was livelier than the previous ones.”

Sabrina knows that Grace is talking about McKenzie. That girl was always so set on Max, that Sabrina knew it will not end up good. Thinking about Max… ”Did you see Max and Liz?”

Grace shook her head. ”Not for at least half an hour.”

”What about Quentin and Brianna?”

Grace shook her head again. ”I didn't know that's her name, but I didn't see them for at least one hour. I assume that they left the party.”

”You don't see anything. Why are you here?”, Sabrina asked jokingly.

”Hey, my task was to keep a certain person on her toes. Now that drama is over, I am a free agent.”

Both Grace and Sabrina laughed.