Excerpt: From The Ash

"I recognize that you are trying. But please understand that I don't want to have to defend myself constantly. It makes me feel like a circus attraction. I am not the bearded lady, alright?"

Casey grinned. "Alright. Check. No bearded lady."

Ashley smiled back, relieved. They walked to the door together and she unlocked it. Casey turned around again before stepping out. "I know you are as opposed to moments as I am, but really, thank you for sticking it out with me." He put his hand on her arm lightly in a gesture of respect.

"Just make sure I don't regret it," Ashley replied.

"You won't," Casey promised, his voice nearly a whisper. He stood in the open door, the scent of fallen leaves and crisp November air drifting in past him. Ashley was holding on to the doorknob, standing still, almost frozen in time by the unexpected sensation of Casey's fingers on her bare arm. She shivered, if due to the cold air or to his touch, he could not tell. "Thank you," she finally replied, her voice just as husky. Her cheeks were still red from their argument. She had pinned up her hair during the interview, and the ponytail was messy and hurried and strands had come lose. Together with her jeans, which were a size too big, and the [university t shirt], she looked just like any other college student after a late night study session. She looked gorgeous in a relaxed, casual way, and for the first time since their initial encounter, Casey could feel that tingling sensation on his skin again. Her lips, red and chapped from when she had been chewing on them, looked intensely kissable. She met his eyes and it looked as though she was waiting for his next move. Beyond the anger that had so recently flared up, he could see expectation, a hint of flirtation. As though she was daring him to go ahead. In that moment, it did not matter to him where she came from and who she had been. In this moment, she was just the beautiful girl he had spent the evening in engaging conversation with. He took a step forward to close the gap between them and pressed his lips to hers.

Her body melted against his, her lips parted easily, and he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her with a heat he had not felt in a long time. He pressed her close, their bodies grinding together as their kiss got deeper and more passionate.

It was Ashley who stepped back, finally. He closed his eyes for a moment, catching his breath. She pushed her hair back and straightened her shirt. "I think you had better leave now," she said. Casey nodded. "Yes. I'll ... um ... I'll call you about our next appointment." And with those words, he disappeared into the New York night.