257 Ashton meets Simon (1/2)

From the hospital, Sabrina and Ashton went to the grocery store.

Neither of them was very hungry, so Ashton suggested to cook for her.

”I owe you one meal a week. That kitchen needs to be used, and I get to show off.” Ashton said cheekily.

In the grocery store, Sabrina pushed the cart behind Ashton who would stop occasionally to inspect the item before putting it back on the shelf or in the cart.

”Do you like eating these?”, Ashton asked while gesturing at broccoli.

”I can't wait to get a taste.” She responded dreamily.

Ashton's eyebrow twitched. She didn't look at the produce at all. ”Are you talking about the broccoli or about me?”

Sabrina giggled. ”I didn't realize you are pointing at the broccoli.”

Ashton laughed. He likes it when Sabrina is playful.

When they reached the apartment, Sabrina removed the cardigan.

”Wow!” Ashton exclaimed.

”That dress is… Uhm… Well-fitting.” He stumbled over his words.

Sabrina smiled. She knows that 'well-fitting' is a comment about her cleavage. ”I picked it while thinking about you.”

”About me? Really?”

”Mhm…”, Sabrina hummed in confirmation and moved closer to him. ”My plan was to seduce you.”

”Well, it's working. You are taking my breath away.” Ashton leaned closer and pecked her lips. He stepped away before she was able to grab him.

”Let's cook.” He was already halfway to the kitchen.

Sabrina snorted in frustration. Does he think that he can escape her? But she knows that if they start making out, they will not cook and probably not eat either (food). She told herself to be patient. She can eat Ashton later.

They both put aprons on.

Ashton was the main chef, and Sabrina was helping. She washed and cut the vegetables and when he said that her part is done, Sabrina sat at the kitchen island and propped her chin on her palm while looking at Ashton with hearts in her eyes.

He was mixing and tasting and occasionally glancing at Sabrina with a small smile at the corners of his lips and she was sure that she never saw a better looking man in her life. Ashton is perfect.

The food was ready in time for an early dinner.

Sabrina praised his cooking. Everything was delicious.

”If I knew that you are such a good cook, I would demand as your rent more than just one meal a week.”

Ashton laughed. ”I will cook for you anytime.”

Over the meal, Sabrina told Ashton about Jackson, how they met and ended up in a relationship, how they agreed to be together for family functions, and how in the last week or so he is calling, texting, and visiting much more than usually; probably because he started suspecting that she is going to leave him.

Sabrina knows that Ashton does not want to hear about Jackson, but she needed to get it out of her system. No more secrets and no more lies.

After food, they tidied up together.

Ashton opened a bottle of wine and poured a glass for Sabrina and for himself.

Ashton was not a wine drinker, but since he is with Sabrina, he has a glass after dinner. And she started drinking orange juice during the day (the strong one, with pulp).

They moved on the sofa in the living room.

Sabrina was grateful that Ashton listened. ”I'm sorry, I know that you don't want to hear about other men in my life, but I want you to understand my relationship with Jackson because I believe that this is not over. He will not give up easily, and I hope that you are confident enough not to fall for any tricks that he comes up with. He is sneaky and the only way we can stay strong is if we don't keep secrets from each other.”

Ashton felt guilty. He knows that on the previous day he allowed Jackson to shake him up and because of that he went to his apartment for the night and they were apart which gave Jackson an opportunity to get close to Sabrina.

Ashton's trust in the strength of her commitment was weak and due to that Sabrina's morning was horrible, and the afternoon with Jackson's parents was uncomfortable as well.

”You know… yesterday when I left your studio… I met Jackson on the street.”, Ashton said after some time.

Sabrina frowned. ”I assume that he was not pleasant.”

”Jackson was not a polished gentleman which I was used to seeing so far. He told me that you are out of my league.”

Sabrina shook her head in disapproval. ”I hope you don't think that.”

Ashton inched closer and cupped Sabrina's cheek in his palm. He caressed her cheek gently with his thumb. ”I will believe what you tell me. Am I good enough for you?”

Sabrina tilted her head, to rest her cheek in his palm and smiled. ”Truthfully, I wonder if I am good enough for you. You are smart, and honest, and you work hard. And let's not forget that you are an amazing cook and smoking hot. I wish that I have your confidence.”

Ashton chuckled awkwardly. He didn't expect such a flood of compliments.