No Strings Attached

Chapter 5~

Catching my wrist, Cherry pulled me back into the break room. “Breathe, Skylar, you’re not in trouble.” When I blinked, she frowned. “It’s Emilie. She’s been in the bathroom for a long time. Can you go check if she’s alright?” 

I nodded as she then patted my back, walking out of the room and back out towards the counter. Sighing quietly, I made my way towards the bathroom, pressing my lips together when I found the door locked. 

“Emilie,” I called with a gentle knock. I didn’t want to worry her or make her rush or anything. With things like that, it was best she take her time. She did seem a bit too pale this morning. “Emilie, are you feeling ok? I’ve got some Pepto-Bismol if you need some---” 

The door suddenly swung open and Emilie’s head appeared in the crack of the doorway, her blond hair sticking up at odd angles. Her eyes glowed and her cheeks were red as she gasped. “Skylar, hey--- um--- I’m kind of busy---” 

“Kiddo?” came a raspy voice from behind her as he appeared in the doorway. 

Ashton was buttoning up his shirt, a lazy smile adorning his flushed face as he smirked in my direction. 

Casting him a repulsed glower, I faced Emilie with an impassive expression. “We need you back at the register. I’m leaving.” Not even waiting for her response, I pivoted on my heel and marched towards the front. Slapping my apron and hat on the counter, I made full eye-contact with my boss as I stated. “I’ll see you next Saturday, Cherry.” 

I was out the front door before she even realized I’d walked out. My chest was heaving as I stormed down the block, my eyes misty and my footfalls heavy. I didn’t understand why this bothered me so much. I knew Ashton couldn’t keep it in his pants for more than a day, that was obvious. I’d heard plenty of stories of his numerous sexual endeavors. 

Plopping down on a bench, I kicked up my legs to my chest, resting my chin on my knees. Why did Ashton have to do that at my job? 

As the bench creaked with the weight of an additional person, I tensed. When they sighed, I immediately scooted further away on the bench, already knowing who that long sigh belonged to. 

“I wasn’t expecting you to call it quits.” 

Glaring at the ground, I slowly shook my head. “I did not quit. I simply could not work anymore today.” 

“Took it to heart, kiddo?” 

That’s it. 

“My name is not kiddo. It is not kid or chick or any of the other derogatory pet names you have kindly bestowed upon me.” I snapped, finally facing him as I leered up into his eyes. He blinked. “My name is Skylar; though that does not seem to have registered into your puny brain after ten years of you never leaving my house!” 

Ashton was silent as I finished my rant, my fists trembling by my sides. Never before had I ever wanted to punch someone so bad. My breathing was ragged as I stood up, turning away from him. 

When his hand shot out and caught my wrist, I snatched my arm back, only to strain my wrist in his tight grip. “I know your name, Skylar.” He said firmly, his eyes narrowing. “I don’t call you kiddo to pick on you. It’s just…” Releasing me, he sat back on the bench. “Forget it, Skylar.” 

Blinking, I gawked down at him as he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, his hair messier than ever. 

“You have a problem, Ashton Elliot March.” 

“I--- what?” His eyes widened as he lifted his head, those grey orbs piercing into mine. “What do you mean I have a problem?” 

Crossing my arms firmly over my chest, I nodded, a smile tugging on my lips. I’d finally solved the problem. “You’ve got an addiction, Ashton.” When his brows furrowed, I pursed my lips.