Ashes to Ashes

Pretense

Ashton Rivers got down from his Ferrari while handing the keys to his valet in the office. He nodded to some people who greeted him. He rarely smiled at anyone in the office except when he knew them at a personal level or if he thought he can get a good booty call from someone attractive.

At best, he tries not to sleep with someone who is employed in his family's business just so he can avoid complications. But he managed to score some interns here and there. Most of the ladies he hooked up where easy to convince when keeping secrets.

Ashton knew his reputation as a playboy preceded him. In fact, if it wasn't for his wealth and posititon in the company, people would probably call him a man-w***e. Well, it's only, Ashley calls him that to his face but she does not count among those who suck up to him and suck on him, literally!

He stepped in the elevator and thought of Ashley Grayson. They have been friends since they were toddlers as their families were business partners and good friends. Naturally, their parents have this notion of keeping the business within family so they planned for their children to end up together in a blissful marriage.

Unfortunately, Ashton and Ashley didn't get to that level. It wasn't that they were not attracted to each other but rather than nobody just allowed to let things happen naturally. The notion of an arranged marriage seemed to frighten Ashton while it made Ashley question what era their parents lived in!

Anyway, whatever form of romance that could have possibly developed have fizzled out even before anything could happen. Plus, Ashton thought that he wasn't ready for Ashley's level of commitment. She didn't like sleeping around or was she loose enough to date around either. 

Ashley is all about precision. 

She dated to marry and he wasn't like that. Although, he had to admit that Ashley and him would probably have a great time banging each other. He had pictured her face in most of his meaningless hook-ups, not that he would ever tell Ashley that.

Unfortunately, aside from an accidental foreplay because they got drunk in their senior year and another steamy session during college, he and Ash have not played with fire as long as they could avoid it from each other.

Ashton would probably jump in the sack with her at any time because Ashley is hot. But, she wasn't just some girl who invited men to her bed for pleasure. Come to think of it, Ashton could not remember a time when she brought a guy home in the loft for some hook up or a relationship!

In truth, Ashton knew that if he gave in to the attraction between them, he would have to commit and he just was not ready. He did not know if he'll ever be. He cared for Ashley enough to not put her through that kind of heartache.

"Mr. Rivers, you have a 10 o'clock with Mr. Jackson." His secretary announced as soon as he passed by her desk. He nodded curtly and entered the office. He sighed and saw the paper work on his desk. Contracts that needed to be studied and then signed which, he wanted to ignore!

As vice-president, he had more responsibilities than most guys his age. He still took orders from his father though but, he knew he was being groomed to assume full control of their shares when the time comes.

He sat down and started to work. He liked being in the office and doing the work. It made him feel important and mature, at least, in one aspect of his life! He smiled when he saw Ashley's face on his cellphone as it vibrated silently on his desk.

"Yes?" He answered, putting his pen down.

"Ash, you're meeting with Jackson today right? He's trying to lowball us in that deal with putting products with his mall chain in the east coast," Ashley announced, her voice totally business-like. She always took this business way too seriously.

"Ash, you totally need to get laid. You're so uptight!" He teased. He could picture a scowl on her face and this made him grin wider.

"Seriously? What's wrong with you?" She snapped. "Don't let him lowball us."

The line went dead and Ashton could not help but chuckle. If he was ruthless in business, Ashley was even more. She could probably lead an army to victory.

He looked at the clock and closed the folders on his desk. He pulled out the contract from the Jackson file and studied it. He grimaced and then nodded to himself before buzzing for his secretary.

The drive to her parents house was uneventful and short. Ashley wasn't sure she was up for the weekly dinner get-together between the Rivers and Grayson family. 

She turned to park at the driveway and cut off the engine. She sighed and got out of the car. She wondered if Ashton was coming since he usually finds an excuse not to grace the event as much as he could.

Ashley opened the front door and decided to go to her old room first before saying hello to the folks. She silently climbed the curving staircase and she entered her bedroom.

She smiled as it looked like she hadn't left at all. She walked towards the desk and opened the drawer, pulling out a small notebook. She giggled when she saw the writing: Ashes to Ashes.

There was a time she believed that she and Ashton would eventually fall in love, get married and have babies. She doodled as she day dreamed about him from middle school to high school.

She shook her head and checked the Ashton Vault- it was still securely locked. 

She loves Ashton but she is now a level-headed and practical adult. He was not the type who would settle down especially when dictated upon.

Ashley had tried to wait around for him, refusing to date or go out with other men. She was crazy but decided to have faith. But, years have passed and Ashton showed no signs of slowing down or signs that pointed that he could be in love with her and her alone.

So, she shut her feelings away. 

She is a smart and sophisticated woman and pining away for some guy who will never change was not going to do her any good. Sooner or later she would be able to toss the vault in the bottom of the sea.

Unfortunately, their parents were ridiculously set on a union and to get them off their backs, Ashley devised a plan that resulted to them living together and playing a role in front of their parents. 

It's just once a week, Ash! She could hear Ashton's voice from years ago when she was having second thoughts of playing lovey-dovey in front of  their parents.

Ashley sighed. It was easy for Ashton to pretend since he did not have the same feelings Ahsley had from before. But, she was determined to succeed and there was no way she would lose to Ashton. She can go on pretending as far as he could or even further!

Ashley heard voices from downstairs and she quietly returned the book into her drawer. She inhaled and prayed that Ashton didn't show up tonight. She just wasn't in the mood to play right now. In fact, the past few days, she had been having trouble when it comes to dealing with her feelings when it came to him.

She entered the dining area of the house, following the voices. She emerged in the formal dining room and saw the Rivers with her parents. Everyone looked cozy and she could just imagine future holidays if ever she and Ashton eventually gets around to being married. Ashley choked back a laugh at her ridiculous thoughts.

"There she is!" Her father greeted with his arms wide open. "Hi honey!"

Ashley smiled and let her dad embrace her. She turned to her mother and kissed her on the cheeks. She did the same to Ashton's parents. It was crazy really how they acted like they did not see each other in the office on a regular basis.

"My, my Ashley. You look more beautiful than ever!" Ashton's mother gushed, holding Ashley's face in her hands. She let go and gave her arm a soft squeeze.

"Thank you." She replied with a smile before moving to take a seat at the table.

"If only my son would speed things up along and propose, eh Michael?" Ashton's dad looked at her dad.

Michael Grayson smiled, "Aw, They're still young, Phil. Let them enjoy their youth. Marriage will come eventually."

Ashley wanted to roll her eyes at her father but why waste energy. She suddenly wished Ashton was there to help buffer the grandiose ideas of their parents. He always had the knack to divert any conversation away from their non-existing love affair.

"Has my son been treating you well, Ashley?" Phil asked as they settled around the dinner table.

Ashley smiled and nodded. Not as well as w***e #6 tonight... 

She assumed that Ashton is out on a date and would be MIA at dinner.

"Ashley, do you have a dress for the gala this weekend?" Her mother asked, reaching for her hand. 

"Oh, I totally forgot, Mom. I'll go pick something up." She replied. "I could wear one of my old gowns."

Ashley triend not to laugh when both women at the table gasped dramatically. Ashley suddenly wished she had siblings so they could fawn over them instead of her. She was not into frills and dressing up that much.

"Nonsense! I will send my stylist to your office tomorrow!" Ashton's mother announced. 

In truth, nobody wore the same dress to the Gala hosted by their company as well as several other big businesses. It was almost as glamorous and important as the MET's!

"That would be a great idea, Anne!" Miranda Grasyon chirped and they both launched into an animated discussion of dresses and designers.

Ashley tuned them out as she began eating her salad. She counted to 10 praying for patience. She listened as her dad and Ashton's father discussed business. Naturally, being co-vice president, she listened in. This was more her type of scene than frilly dresses and makeovers. She is more like her father's daughter and less like her mother who is the ultimate socialite.

"A new contract will be brokered for Henderson and Kervin. They're a fairly new company but they have a pretty strong background plus Henderson has the fortune to be a good investor!" Phil said.

Michael nodded and looked at his daughter. "You will have to accompany me on this meeting, Ashley. This is something you and Ashton can definitely learn from."

As if on cue, Ashton came into the dining room looking fresh and jolly. He came around the table and gave a kiss on his mother's cheek and Ashley's mom as well.

He smirked at Ashley's direction and she instantly knew what he was going to do. She shook her head, glaring at him but he approached her and before she could do anything, Ashton leaned down and kissed her on the lips.

She casually placed a hand against his cheek and pushed him away as discreetly as possible. 

Jackass! She cursed him as he released her lips from that long smooch and settled on the chair beside her. Ashley instantly pinched him on the leg and he yelped. Good thing the parents were busy mooning over that long kiss.

Ashton smirked and leaned over to whisper in her ear. "How was that?" 

Ashley huffed and shrugged. "Oh, a four." 

"Keep lying to yourself, Ash. I could practically feel you moaning my name!" He murmured against her ear making sure his lips touched it.

She pinched him again. She always hated it when he teased her everytime they had to pretend in front of their parents. Ashton always tried to rile up her emotions just to get a reaction. Ashley also knew that he was getting in some cheap shots at a chance to paw her.

"Ashton, as I was saying to Ashley, you two should be present during the meeting with Henderson and Kervin. They want to invest in the company and it would be best if you two see how things are done."

Ashton nodded as he dug into the plate of food placed in front of him. "Sure, I read their portfolio and they seem to be a good company. I also met Stefan Henderson in a club before. Pretty solid guy albeit quite conceited."

"Oh and he's a bachelor! I think he's a year or two older than you two." Anne Rivers gushed. "What a handsome devil if you ask me! He's also such a ladies man!"

"Well, good thing my daughter is in love with your son. I'm sure this Stefan's charm will be nothing!" Ashley's mother retorted. "Besides, I can see just how much they both love each other!"

Ashley wanted to punch Ashton's face as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and kissing her on the cheek. "Don't worry, she's only got eyes for me."

"You are such a pig!" Ashley growled at Ashton as they entered the apartment after the long dinner. "I can't believe you did that!"

Ashton chuckled. "It was just a kiss, Ash. No big deal"

Ashley took of her heels and tried her best not to throw it at him. "You know I'm not like you, Ashton! I don't go around doling kisses to people!"

Ashton loosened his tie while shrugging off his jacket. 

"We're supposed to be in love, Ash. Get with the program!"

Ashley glared at him, refusing to relent. 

"It's one thing to give me a peck on the lips, Ash! It's an entirely different thing if you smooch me in front of our parents!"

Ashton unbuttoned the top two buttons onf his dress shirt and watched Ashley stomp over to the kitchen and grab a bottled water. She looked pissed. 

He sighed but could not help but smile because he knew he affected her still. In spite of the strong facade Ashely had been putting up all through the years, Ashton knew he could still make her resolve c***k, even for just a little bit.

"Come on, Ashley. It's not like you're dating anyone. I know-"

Ashley spun around and pointed a finger at him. "Don't you dare say that I want to be smooched by you, Ashton!"

He grinned devlishly and advanced towards her. He caught her by the waist and pulled her against his body. Ashley glared at him as she tried to squirm away. She checked her Ashton vault and tried to remain calm. She was used to this but something in Ashton's eyes seemed fairly new. 

"I have known you for so long, Ashley. Don't think that just because we're being flippant about all this..."

Ashley raised her eyebrow at him. "That what, Ashton? You actually have feelings for me?" She challenged.

Ashton stopped and stared at her before swooping down to capture her lips with his. She resisted and did not move as he expertly caressed her lips with his. 

"Don't fight it, Ash." He murmured against her mouth. He gave it a soft nip as he tugged at her lower lip.

Ashley controlled her breathing and her beating heart. There was no way that Ashton was going to unravel her. 

Not anymore. 

Once was enough and that one time pain and humiliation will last her a lifetime.

"Are you done? Because I have some paperwork to finish." She replied in a business like tone as his lips trailed kisses on her jawline. 

He stopped at her ear and he nipped her earlobe. Ashley gasped a little and he heard him chuckle.

"Really Ashton. I wish you'd just stick to your w****s and leave me alone." She muttered and pushed him away from her before marching towards her bedroom and slamming the door.

Ashton stared after Ashley and then sighed. He rubbed his face with his hand and decided to take a cold shower. As much as he liked making Ashley lose control over him, he always had to deal with how the teasing affected him as well.

He knew he wanted Ashley but he could not do to her what he usually did to the women he dated. Ashley is different. She deserved love and to be loved by a guy who can commit to her. He did not have the stomach to ruin her by being f**k buddies.

He sighed again as he remembered that one fateful night in college. He knew that after what he did then that there would never be a future for him and Ashley. He had messed that up pretty bad!

He wasn't naive. He knew she had been in love with him all those years. But, he was arrogant and conceited. He just thought of her as an annoying girl foisted upon him by his parents. If the situation was different, he would have banged her and then severed ties completely. But, Ashley is also a good friend. She had always been a fixture in his corner, defending him and cheering him on. 

She's his best friend and there was no way he was going to muck that up. She is the only constant good that stayed in his life no matter what he went through during his dark times.

Oh, but her lips tasted awesome. He sighed as he prepared to towel off. 

She grew up to be such a sexy woman that he was forced to use their pretense as an excuse to just be able to hold her and feel her. He liked being able to kiss her for the sheer act of it. 

Damn! I need a good lay! He thought as he marched back to his bathroom and blasted himself with another cold shower.