fiancée had begged him to attend her drop-in class and he hadn’t wanted to disappoint her. But he didn’t share that information with Haley. Not yet. It was too soon. Talking about Mia’s death would upset him, and Ashton didn’t want to ruin his date by getting emotional.
“I took a class my sophomore year of college,” he said instead, “and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
“No way! I never would have guessed it. You strike me as the type who likes to do extreme sports, not the downward dog. Do your friends give you a hard time for doing yoga?”
“Yeah, but once I told them Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, David Beckham and LeBron James swear by it, they quit teasing me. Yoga helps me focus and improves my mental toughness, and I wouldn’t be the man I am without it.”
“I’ve never tried it, but it looks hard, and I don’t want to hurt myself.”
“You won’t,” he assured her, hoping to put her fears at ease. “If you’d like, I can schedule a private session with my trainer next week so you can see the physical and mental benefits for yourself. You know what they say, a couple who does yoga together stays together.”
Shaking her head, Haley waved her hands in front of her face. “I better not. My best friend and I tried a Pilates class last month, and I was so sore the next day I couldn’t move.”
“And you think you can beat me in basketball? Keep dreaming.”
“Just watch me,” she quipped, all smiles. “I have skills you can’t even imagine.”
Were they still talking about basketball? Ashton wondered, wetting his lips with his tongue. Her soft, sultry tone tickled his eardrums, and her mischievous grin stole his breath. What the hell? Ashton thought, plucking at his shirt to cool down his suddenly overheated body. I’m supposed to be in control, not her!
Ashton couldn’t stop staring at her. Haley looked prim and proper in her cardigan, like a preschool teacher on picture day, but she had an edge, a side to her he wanted to get to know better. And he would. Tonight. After they toured his estate.
Exiting the room, his hand placed firmly on her lower back, Ashton led her down the hallway to the den. They discussed the décor, the African-themed paintings and the souvenirs he’d purchased during his overseas travels, which were prominently displayed on the glass shelves.
“Do you travel a lot for work?”
Ashton nodded. “Yes. As a matter of fact, I returned from Frankfurt this morning.”
“I’m so jealous. I wish I could travel more, but the foundation keeps me very busy.”
“I know how you feel. As COO, it’s my job to build and promote Rollins Aeronautics, and this month alone, I’ll be in Seattle, Orlando and Venezuela.”
A concerned expression touched her delicate features. “Aren’t you worried about your safety? Yesterday I read about the food shortages and increased crime in Maracaibo, and even locals are scared to venture out at night.”
“All the more reason I should attend the conference,” he said in a confident tone of voice. “The Venezuelan economy could use a boost, and in spite of the media reports it remains one of my favorite countries in the world. It has spectacular landscapes, some of the kindest, friendliest people you’ll ever meet and the best food you’ve ever tasted.”
“And it doesn’t hurt that Venezuelan women are stunning,” she pointed out.
“I never noticed.”
“Right. Next you’re going to tell me you’ve never been to a strip club!”
“I haven’t. It’s not my speed. I’d rather do yoga or play chess.”
Haley studied the framed pictures along the walls. “Is there anywhere you haven’t been yet that you’re dying to travel to?”
“Ibiza.” A grin overwhelmed Ashton’s mouth. “We’ll go there for our honeymoon.”
Nodding, she returned his smile. “Deal. Give me the wedding of my dreams, and I’ll travel the world with you!”
I love the sound of that, he thought, gazing down at her pretty face.
Continuing the tour, they walked through the main house and into the great room. They talked about growing up in Miami, their university days and their respective jobs. Haley was passionate about The Aunt Penny Foundation and giving back to her community, and Ashton enjoyed learning more about her hobbies and interests. Talking and cracking jokes, they moved from one topic to the next without missing a beat.
“What’s your most prized possession?” Haley asked, admiring the glass sculptures on the end tables.
“That’s easy. My car collection.”
Ashton heard his cell phone ring inside his back pocket, knew from the ringtone it was his mother and decided to let the call go to voice mail. If he answered and mentioned he was on a date, she’d race over, and Ashton wasn’t ready to introduce Haley to Joan. Not after one date. For now, he wanted to keep their relationship under wraps.
“Do you collect antique cars and motorcycles?”
“Why tell you when I can show you?”
Taking her hand, he led her down the corridor and into the garage, and flipped on the lights. It was a car aficionado’s paradise, filled with several luxury vehicles.
“Wow, what a beauty.” Haley peered inside the window of the Porsche and Ashton envisioned himself making love to her, right then and there, on the hood of his beloved sports car. But he wouldn’t. Not tonight. Even though his body had other ideas, he was going to be on his best behavior and prove to her—and himself—that he could be a perfect gentleman.
“I’ve always wanted a Porsche, but it’s way out of my tax bracket.”
Ashton studied her closely. He saw the envy in her eyes, the interest and curiosity. To impress her, he grabbed the key fob off the silver wall hook and dropped it in her palm. “Hop in,” he said, opening the driver’s side door. “Let’s take it for a spin.”
“I—I—I can’t drive your car.” Haley pushed the keys back into his hands.
Confused by her reaction, Ashton frowned. “Why not?”
“Because it costs more than I make in a year. I’d feel funny driving it.”
“Don’t worry,” he said, giving her a one-arm hug. Ashton liked touching her,, and didn’t want to let her go. She smelled of summer fruit, causing his mouth to water, and she fit perfectly in his arms. “Nothing’s going to happen. There’s not much traffic on Fisher Island. Most residents use golf carts to get around, not cars.”
Haley backed away from the Porsche, and Ashton grabbed her hand. Surprise flashed in her eyes, but he didn’t release his hold. His first thought was to kiss her, but since he didn’t want to push his luck he escorted her to the passenger-side door and opened it.
“No problem. I’ll drive.” To lighten the mood and make her feel at ease, he said, “We can stop at Pastries
