“HI.” I heard a voice say to my left.  I spun around to look down the side walk.  Ashley was standing barefoot in a pair of my shorts and a tee by the patio gate smiling at me.

I felt relief flood through me. “OH!….Hi.  What are you doing out here?” I asked as I walked toward her smiling and wrapped my arms around her.  I loved the feel of her in my arms.

“I came out to get a toothbrush from my bag I left in your truck.  Then your grandma said hello and we were chatting a bit.”  Ashley replied.  I looked around and didn’t see my grandma anywhere.

“Good morning Spencer” Grams said from the patio.  I jumped out of my skin making me squeeze Ashley tighter. Damn it, she always did that.  She loved to spook the postman when he walked by to.

“Jesus, Grandma you scared the hell out of me.” I said. “Good morning to you too.” 

I heard her laughing from behind the wall covered in flowers.  I asked if her sprinklers were working this morning a little leery from last nights soaking.  She replied that they were so far and then invited Ashley and I to come over for lunch.  I looked at Ashley and she nodded.  I said that we were going to take a shower and change, then come over.

I grabbed Ashley’s hand and drug her quickly back up the walk and into the studio.

“I am really sorry you thought I left Spence.” Ashley said as I closed the door behind her.

“It’s ok.  You are still here.  I was just hoping that you would be the first thing I saw when I woke up this morning.” I replied.

“I woke up to a beautiful sight this morning.  So I am sorry you didn’t get the same.” She said softly wrapping her arms around my waist. “I think I might be able to make it up to you though.”

“Oh yeah?” I asked immediately becoming aware of her body pressed against mine.

“Yeah…come take a shower with me.” She said with a shy smile.  My heart skipped a beat as she started walking me backwards to the bathroom.