Chapter 219

The soreness wasn't that bad anyway, just a slow throb deep in my thighs. Manageable. After I came out of the bathroom, Ashton was dressed. Downstairs, I sat at the far end of the dining table, keeping my back straight and my movements measured. Across from me, Ashton leaned on one elbow, watching me. "You not eating?" I asked without looking up. "Or are you planning to just stare at me the whole time?" "Not hungry." He added, "Slow down. No one's taking it from you." I abandoned the spoon, lifted the soup bowl, drank half, then put it down and pressed a hand to my stomach. "I'm full." "You sure?" "Yeah." "So you've got your strength back, then?" "Of course—" The words caught in my throat. I nearly bit my tongue. I looked up. He smiled. "Good. Time to pick up where we left off last night." "I wasn't aware it was a marathon." I shot to my feet. "I'm going to the studio." "It's your day off. And it's nearly three." "I don't care. I'm going anyway." I spun around and bolted for the door.