Chapter 18. Passion Ignites

They had just ordered the food when Ashton’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. He glanced at the screen and grimaced at seeing Madison's number flashing. Slipping it back into his jacket pocket, he looked up at Hayley.

“Won’t you accept it?” She couldn’t help but think of what Jason had told her about his mafia connections. Maybe his boss was calling him!

“No, it’s Madison. She too has shifted nearby and I’m avoiding her.” It was news to Hayley and gave her immense satisfaction to know that he was avoiding the woman. In her excitement to be with him, she had completely forgotten about her.

“Why?” she asked, wanting to get an accurate picture of their relationship. “Aren’t you best friends? Or maybe friends with benefits?”

“Heck, no! She isn’t any of those. She’s more a friend who takes advantage of my goodness!” he said with an eye roll.

“Oh! How? Does she force you to sleep with her?” Ashton groaned and looked her straight in the eye.