“Thanks, Ash. I appreciate your confidence in me,” Court mumbled.
“No, not like that. You were wonderful. In fact, there were a few moments that I actually thought Kelso was playing the part through you.”
“You too, huh?”
“What?”
Court took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. “Ashleigh, I lied to you earlier today.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I want to be that guy. No, not that guy—the guy. I’m tired of always being that guy you run to when things aren’t going your way with your dates. I want to be the guy you are running from.”
“You definitely are drunk, Court Ashton.” Ashleigh walked towards the door to go back into the bar.
Court walked after her. He grabbed Ashleigh’s arm and turned her toward him. “No, I’m not, Ashleigh. I know that this probably isn’t a good time to tell you this, but I need to tell you now. Tonight when I was singing, I heard this voice telling me to take care of you. Ashleigh, I’m pretty sure it was Kelso talking to me. See, he still wants what’s best for you.”
“Court, I can’t do this right now,” Ashleigh said.
“I know you can’t. I know you need time, but I don’t know how much time. Only you know that. I know you have to deal with losing Kelso. Just hear me out, Ashleigh. I want to be with you.”
“What about all the other girls? If you want to be with me, you know what has to happen.”
“There aren’t any other girls. I find myself comparing them to you all the time, but they aren’t you. They don’t have the hair, the eyes, the compassion you have.”
Ashleigh blushed. She had never heard Court talk like this about anyone. She still wasn’t sure if it was actually Court talking or the beer.
“Ashleigh, take all the time you need. Just remember that when you have gone through your grieving and your second or third rebound guy, that I will be right here. Well, not right here, I don’t think Mac wants me to stay that long. But, I will be there when you are ready.”
Ashleigh looked up at Court. His eyes told his story. She smiled. “I’d like that, Court.” She leaned into him for a hug. Court took a deep breath of her hair as he wrapped his arms around her. “I just need to time.”
“That’s fine.” Court slyly grinned. “My heart will always be for rent.”
# # #
About the Author
Crystal James lives in Kearney, Missouri with her husband, two boys, and two dogs. In her spare time, she teaches. Currently, she is taking a hiatus from teaching high school. She was a teacher for the past three years. Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, reading good books, and watching a good movie every now and then.
Coming Soon
Broken Roads (Hearts for Rent II)
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