Heat

Chapter 1: Introduction

Ashley sat bored out of her mind as she waited to see her mother's appearance for her and her

stepfather's wedding that was about to start in like 25 minutes.

Sitting alone in an apple-white, mid-thigh silk dress that complimented her skin tone. Her maroon red

hair was styled in a bun with a few curled strands falls in front of her face that stained with light-make

up which made her already beautiful features more beautiful.

Staring into space, the laugher of the other bridesmaids echoed in her empty mind as she just sat there

staring.

“Ashely, sweetheart, how do I look?” Her mother's fainted voice echoed in the mix of gasp.

“Ashely, are you alright? ASHLEY!” Snapping out of her trance, Ashely turned to her mother, who

looked stunning in a beautiful lace white gown that tugged gently behind her.

Her face was covered by a see-through veal and her black hair was curled stylishly which laid gently on

her shoulders.

“Are you alright, darling?” Her mother asked slowly, approaching her daughter who's eyes filled with

unknowing tears.

“Yes, I'm just glad, you're happy mom, ” she replied as her mother pulled her into a motherly hug.

“I love you, sweetie, ” her mother whispered in her ear.

“I love you too, mom, ” she whispered back snuggling more into her mother's embrace.

1 year later...

Ashely jogged downstairs in her tracksuit as she got ready to go for a run. On her way, she entered the

kitchen to fetch a bottle of water.

“Hey, honey!” Her mother greeted her while having breakfast with her husband.

“Good morning, mom, good morning, Roger, ” she greeted back while searching for a bottle of water.

“You know, you can call me dad, right, ” Roger said with a reassuring smile.

“I know, but it's just so foreign to me ever since, you know, ” she said, glancing at her mother who sent

her an 'I'm sorry' look.

“It's alright, Ashely, call me whatever you want as long as it makes you comfortable, ” he said as she

gave him small a smile.

“Thanks, Roger, now I gotta go, enjoy your breakfast, ” she said, getting ready to leave. Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Okay honey, have fun on your run and be safe, ” her mom yelled as Ashely jogged towards the front

door.

“OKAY MOM! I WILL!” she yelled back before opening the front door.

As Ashely was about to rush out she abruptly stopped when she saw a young man who was about to

ring the doorbell. The sight before her instantly made her weak in the knees leaving her speechless.

The guy stood before her in a white t-shirt with a black leather jacket over it, black pants that fit

perfectly over his thick, muscular thighs, and black shoes. He had black hair nicely parted with fades to

the sides and back of his head. He wore tinted sunglasses blocking his eyes and the right side of his

nose laid a sexy nose piercing. His lips were thin but still plumped and he had the sharpest jawline she

has ever seen, his neck was covered with different designs of tattoo and so was his hands.

In his hand was a green army duffle bag that caught Ashley's attention. “Is he from the army? Who is

this guy?”

Clearing his throat snapped her out of her thoughts. “Uh, does Roger James live here?” He asked as

his deep, husky voice sent chills down her spine. Without taking her eyes off him, she yelled.

“ROGER, THERE'S SOMEONE AT THE DOOR FOR YOU, ” both Ashley and the guy stood there

waiting for Roger's arrival.

Soon his footsteps were heard. “Ashely, I thought you left-

Roger's words trailed off as he saw the guy in front of the door. Ashely stood in between them in

confusion.

“Jake!” Roger said in a breathy tone.

“Hey, Dad!”