Chapter 220

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 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 almost 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. I m