Evelyn's POV
It seemed to me as if Ash purposefully avoided me all day. I mean, I wasn't expecting anything special, but he was the one who pointed out that it was our one-month anniversary two days ago. Now, he acts as if today means nothing. It didn't bother me. No, I didn't have expectations. Or rather, I thought I succeeded in smothering all my expectations, but somewhere in between then and now, Ash managed to slip desire into my conscious being. It would be a lie to say that his effect didn't bother me. Oh, it bothered me. A lot. More than I could ever describe.
Adele nudged me, "What's wrong?"
I shook my head, "Just lost in my thoughts."
She gave me a curious look, "Your thoughts seem angry."
I raised my eyebrows, "Angry?"
She laughed, "Tell me what's wrong."
I shrugged, "Well, I foolishly assumed that Ash would something special today. It's our one-month anniversary and whatnot, and it was him that pointed that out in the first place. But..." I bit my lip and looked out the window, admiring how the moon managed to shine through the clouds, "I haven't seen him all day. I hate to say this, because I promised myself to not have any expectations, but I'm—"
"Disappointed?" Adele finished for me.
I nodded, shoulders slumped.
"Ev, Ash just has really poor timing. Maybe he has something planned, but doesn't know how to carry it out per say. Be patient."
"It's just better if I stop looking forward to something when there's nothing there."
Adele yawned, "Well that's all up to you. But I'm so tired today I think I'll call it a night. I'll see you tomorrow! Good night, sweet dreams and don't think about Ash!" She rambled before pushing me out of her chambers and abruptly closing the door.
What has gotten into her?
With a sigh, I reached my own quarters and prepared for bed as well. Oddly enough, none of the chambermaids stood by tonight, so I decided to undress myself behind the privacy screen. It must have been later than I thought. Just as I took my dress off, I heard something shift in the room.
"Who's there?" I called out in a trembling voice.
I reached for my nightgown and quickly pulled it out before grabbing a nearby candelabrum. I saw a shadow shift on the other side of the privacy screen.
"Reveal yourself!" I was better at faking bravery than I thought.
I backed up against the wall, ready to call for help. Suddenly the figure launched at me, prompting me to scream. A hand covered my mouth, muffling the cry.
"Shhh!" He whispered, his magnificent blue eyes bearing into mine.
My eyes widened, "Ash?"
He nodded with a smile, "You thought this would fend anyone off?" He laughed, prying the unlit candelabrum out of my hand and setting it on a nearby table.
"Well, you're the one sneaking into other people's chambers at odd times!" I shot back.
He laughed, "Your reaction itself was worth the risk!"
I looked away as my cheeks grew heated, "What ever are you doing here anyway?"
He sat me down on the edge of the bed, "Give me your hand."
I did. He sat on his knees, as if he was about to propose.
He gave it a light kiss before pulling out a velvet box, raising my curiosity.
"Evelyn, it's already been a month since we married, but it's been quite a rough month. In that time, we've grown together to form the beginnings of a beautiful bond. What I'm trying to ask is... let's start over?"
I couldn't will words to come out of my month.
He didn't need a vocal approval though. The look in my eyes said it all.
He slipped a dainty coral ring on my index finger, it settled right next to the gleaming wedding band. I watched in awe as the gold and pink shined against the candlelight.
"Is it to your liking?" He asked hesitantly.
I nodded, leaning in to embrace him, "Ash it's absolutely beautiful! How did you know coral was my favorite color?"
He gave me a sheepish smile, "I had some help..."
Adele. No wonder she rushed me out earlier. I couldn't help but laugh at my disgruntled feelings from earlier.
"What?" Ash asked, leaning so close that I could feel his breath teasingly brush my cheek.
I shook my head, "I didn't think you were planning anything."
He laughed, "Oh, this is just the beginning. Wait until your birthday!"
"Oh, I will!" Then, I frowned, "But I feel bad now, I don't have anything prepared for you."
"Well, I did get to see you change sooo..."
My eyes went wide with embarrassment, realizing that he's been in my room since I walked in.
He laughed at my expression, "Relax! I only got to see your shadow."
Relief flood over me as I realized that I did use the privacy screen. I playfully shoved him, perhaps a little too hard because he fell of the edge of the bed.
"Is this how you repay your caring, loving husband? Look I even burnt myself while making that for you!" He stuck his finger out to me.
I gasped, "Oh my gosh! You did burn yourself! Wait, you made the ring with your own hands?"
He nodded with a proud smile.
"Ash! I can't believe... It's so... Just... Thank you." I stammered, my attention not wavering from the ring.
I don't know what possessed me, but I leaned in and kissed his cheek.
"I think you missed." He smirked, pointing at his lips.
I rolled my eyes, "I admire your attempt."
I turned away, attempting to get ready for sleep, but he turned me back to face him. He gazed into my eyes, even though I desperately tried to look away. He leaned in, ever so slowly. I couldn't move. No, I didn't want to move. Desire overwhelmed all my other senses.
He stopped millimeters from my own lips.
"You're not breathing." He muttered.
He was right. I exhaled, letting out the breath I'd been holding for who knows how long. Well, he knew.
He let out a low chuckle before sitting back, "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
My cheeks flushed red, "Y-you didn't."
He raised an eyebrow, "You weren't even breathing."
"I was nervous." I answered, looking away.
He reached for my chin, slowly turning me to face him, "Why are you nervous?"
"I don't know. I wish I did. You have that effect on it." I admitted.
A satisfied smile crossed his face. This time, he leaned in and encompassed my lips into his without hesitation. The shock wore off into desire as I responded; my hands entangled in his hair, his armed encircled my waist, our tongues danced with passion.
We broke for air; our husky breathing disrupted only by the nighttime silence.
"Wow..." He sighed with a sloppy smile, running his fingers through his dark hair.
"Indeed." I responded, equally breathless.
"That was a proper thank-you." He laughed as he fell back onto the bed.
I gave him an annoyed look, "Why are you sleeping here?"
"Because I can." He stuck his tongue out.
"How mature." I muttered, taking my spot next to him.
"And my wife is irresistible." He added in a seductive voice, causing the hair on my neck to rise.
I got up and quickly wedged a pillow in the space between us, "Don't even think about crossing this barrier!"
He put his arms up in surrender, "I won't! See," he crossed his arms and turned to face the other side, "You won't even know I'm here."
I scoffed, "Good night, your highnass."
He didn't catch my sarcasm as he answered with a sweet, "Good night, love."
With a smile, I blew out the candles and pulled the covers up, still trying to calm my beating heart after that unbelievable kiss. I chose to remember it as my first.