Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss by Maya Banks

Author:Maya Banks
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2011-11-21T23:00:00+00:00

Fifteen

“This is hopeless,” Ashley said as her shoulders sagged.

Pippa wrapped her arm around Ashley and squeezed tight. “You’re not hopeless. You’ll get it down. You’re being way too hard on yourself.”

“After three weeks, you’d think I’d be able to perform the simplest tasks in the kitchen,” Ashley said forlornly. “Let’s face it. I’m a culinary disaster.”

“Are you all right, hon? You seem really down lately and not just about this cooking stuff. Is everything okay with you?”

Ashley smiled brightly and straightened her stance. “Oh, yeah, fine. Marriage is exhausting work. Who knew? Just trying to get my routine down. I’ve been spending my mornings at the shelter so I can be at home when Devon gets in from work. I keep hoping one of my meals will actually turn out but I keep having to call in backup.”

Pippa laughed. “You’re so silly. I don’t even know why you’re bothering learning to cook. Devon doesn’t care if you can cook. The man’s obviously crazy about you and you couldn’t cook before you got married. I’m sure he’s not expecting some miracle to occur.”

Ashley bit her lip to keep from crying. The truth was, she was exhausted. Planning that damn cocktail party had turned out to be a giant pain in her ass. She was tempted to call her mother and beg for help but pride kept her from making that call.

The old Ashley would have laughed, thrown her hands up and admitted she was hopeless. The new Ashley was going to suck it up, be calm and get the job done.

“Are you coming to my party?” Ashley asked, suddenly worried she’d be surrounded by a sea of unfamiliar faces.

“Of course I am. I promised you I’d come. I know you’re nervous, but really, this is your thing, Ash. You shine at social events. Everyone loves you and you’re so sweet.”

“Why don’t you meet me at Tabitha’s place the afternoon before. We’ll get our hair done together. I’m aiming for a more sophisticated look for the party. You know, mature and married as opposed to young and flighty.”

Pippa snorted. “Flighty?”

Ashley laughed it off but she knew well that Devon considered her a complete ditz.

“I need Carly’s makeup skills, too.”

“Honey, you aren’t holding tea for the queen. You’re hosting a cocktail party for friends and business associates. We already love you. And those who don’t will. Stop tormenting yourself over this.”

“I just don’t want to look stupid,” Ashley said.

Pippa shook her head. “I swear I don’t know what’s got into you lately. You’re perfect and anyone who doesn’t think so can kiss my ass.”

“I love you,” Ashley said, emotion knotting her throat.

Pippa hugged her fiercely and then pulled away. “Are you pregnant or something? I swear you’re not usually so emotional.”

“Oh, God, I don’t think so. I mean it’s possible but I haven’t even kept up with my periods. I just remember being thrilled it wasn’t going to happen on my honeymoon. You know, the one I ended up cutting short.”

“Well, take one of those home pregnancy tests.

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