SWNOVELXO Chapter 7: Boundaries and Temptations
Boundaries and Temptations
Zack couldn't shake the memory of last night. Walking in on Ashley, her mother, and her sisters dancing nude was an image that seared itself into his mind. It wasn't just the shock of the scene—it was how effortlessly sensual they all seemed, especially Ashley.
It was the way her curls had bounced with every sway of her hips, how her smooth, freckled skin caught the light, how she froze when she saw him, her mismatched eyes widening before darting away. The tension that had hung in the air was unbearable.
Now, standing at his door, Ashley seemed a little less composed.
"Coffee?" she asked, her voice carrying an edge of hesitation.
Zack arched a brow, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Coffee? After last night, I thought you'd want to avoid me for a week."
Ashley rolled her eyes, but the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her confidence. "Look, it was… awkward. But we're adults, right? Let's just pretend it didn't happen."
"Oh, you mean pretend I didn't walk in on you doing the most scandalous version of Dancing Queen I've ever seen?" Zack teased, his smirk widening.
Ashley crossed her arms, her t-shirt pulling taut against her chest. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"Maybe." Zack pushed off the doorframe, grabbing his jacket. "Alright, lead the way. But if this is a setup to humiliate me, I'm getting payback."
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A Café with Chemistry
The café Ashley picked was a cozy little nook hidden away in the city. It was the kind of place that felt like a secret, with dim lighting, mismatched furniture, and the faint hum of soft jazz in the background.
Ashley led them to a corner booth, sliding in with a grace that Zack couldn't help but notice. Her curls spilled over her shoulders, the oversized sweater she wore slipping slightly to reveal one smooth, freckled shoulder.
"You're staring," she said, her lips curling into a knowing smile.
"Can you blame me?" Zack replied, leaning back in his seat. "You don't exactly make it easy to look away."
Ashley's cheeks darkened slightly, but she didn't look away. "You've got a sharp tongue, Zack. Wonder if it's good for anything else."
The air between them crackled, and Zack felt a rush of heat he wasn't sure was from the coffee they ordered.
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A Shared Plate
After their drinks, Ashley suggested a bite to eat. She led Zack to a nearby fusion bistro, her hand brushing his arm occasionally as they walked. The place was intimate, with dim lighting and an exotic menu that promised bold flavors.
"Trust me," Ashley said, ordering for them without hesitation. "You're going to love this."
The sour pork arrived on a beautifully arranged platter, the aroma alone making Zack's mouth water. They sat closer now, the table small enough that their knees brushed beneath it.
Ashley picked up a piece with her fingers, holding it up to Zack. "Here. Try this."
Zack raised an eyebrow but leaned in, taking the bite. His lips brushed her fingers slightly, and the corner of Ashley's mouth twitched in a barely contained smirk.
"Good, huh?" she asked, licking a bit of sauce from her own finger.
"Delicious," Zack replied, his voice lower than he intended.
Ashley leaned back, her legs stretching out beneath the table to rest against his. "Told you I know what I'm doing."
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The First Round
By the time their beers arrived, the tension between them was impossible to ignore.
"So," Ashley said, swirling her glass, "are you always this quiet, or do I make you nervous?"
Zack chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. "You? Nervous? Not a chance. But I'll admit you're… distracting."
"Distracting, huh?" Ashley leaned forward slightly, her curls falling across her face. "That's one way to put it."
Zack's gaze dropped briefly to her lips before returning to her mismatched eyes. "What's the other way?"
Ashley's smile widened, and she took another sip, her tongue darting out to catch a stray drop. "You'll figure it out."
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A Walk on the Wild Side
By the time they left the bistro, the night air felt charged, the cool breeze doing little to cool the heat that had built between them.
Ashley's arm brushed against Zack's as they walked, the city lights casting a soft glow over her freckled skin. She looked over at him, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"You know," she said, her voice low, "I'm not usually this nice to guys who catch me dancing naked."
Zack laughed, running a hand through his hair. "Oh, so this is you being nice? What does it look like when you're mean?"
Ashley stopped walking, turning to face him. Her lips quirked into a smirk as she stepped closer, her face inches from his. "You don't want to find out."
Zack's heart raced as her mismatched eyes held his. "You're trouble," he murmured.
Ashley's smile widened. "And you love it."
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A Moment That Lingers
They reached the front door, neither of them in a hurry to end the night.
Ashley hesitated, her hand resting on the doorknob. "Thanks for today," she said, her voice softer now.
Zack stepped closer, his hand brushing hers. "You're welcome. But I have a feeling this isn't over."
Ashley looked up at him, her mismatched eyes flicking to his lips. "Maybe it's just getting started."
Before Zack could respond, she pushed the door open and disappeared inside, leaving him standing on the porch, his mind racing and his pulse pounding.