Free Take Me Down (Suits in Pursuit) by Lauren H. Kelley

shoulders, wandered up and down her curvy form. “You’re beautiful.” The genuineness in his tone surprised Ashley.
    “You’re late.” She didn’t mask her disapproval.
    Sebastian nodded. “I’m sorry.” He reached into his pocket and retrieved a shiny metal object. “I had to make sure everything was ready for our date.” Reaching down, he grabbed her hand. “For you.” A surge of energy bolted through her body.
    Ashley snatched her hand away from his clutches and opened her fingers. The object that Sebastian had placed in her palm stared back. “A key.” She frowned and then parted her lips to speak.
    His index finger flattened against Ashley’s lips shushed her reply. “Before you make assumptions about my gift, let me assure you that it’s not what you think.”
    A million thoughts raced through her head at once. Curiosity leading the pack of rogue questions, “This wouldn’t happen to be a key to your hotel room?” she blurted out.
    Amusement danced in Sebastian’s eyes. “Noooo,” he replied, exaggerated.
    Ashley’s arms coiled around her waist. “Then I suppose this is the key to your heart,” she quipped with pursed lips.
    He leaned against the doorframe. The amusement in his eyes spread to his shapely lips. “Noooo. I don’t give away the key to my heart easily. That key must be earned.” Luscious lips now grinned broadly at her. “I think you’ll find that this key unlocks a place more suited to you.”
    Eyebrows arched, Ashley inhaled a deep breath. “Fine. I’m intrigued.”
    Sebastian extended his hand. “Great! Let’s find out what the key opens. Shall we?” Ashley placed her hand into his. The feel of him made her chest tighten.
    Sebastian paused. He faced Ashley. “I want tonight to be special for you. A guy only gets one second chance.” His large hand molded to hers gave her heart palpitations.
    She eyed him cautiously, watched the small creases in his brow wrinkle. Diverting his gaze, Ashley noted a rusted tin watering can that had blown onto its side. She was like that can, knocked down, a bit tarnished around the edge, but she still had a purpose to fulfill. Conceding with a smile, “All right.” Eager gray eyes stayed fixed to her. “Let’s go.”

Chapter Six
    “Push it all the way in.”
    “I’m trying, but…”
    “Don’t force it. You’ll break the thing.”
    “Wait, wait… I think it’s in. Yes, it’s in!”
    “Now, turn it to the right. Then push hard.”
    The door screeched open. Sebastian lifted Ashley’s freshly manicured hand. The coral polish matched perfectly the floral print dress she wore. He always appreciated a woman who took pride in her appearance.
    “That was quite a challenge,” Sebastian said, taking measured steps, not wanting to get too close and not willing to get too far from Ashley. He guided her inside and then released her hand.
    Ashley scanned the space. Her mouth fell open. Silence. For the first time since meeting the feisty beauty, she had nothing to say.
    “Well, what do you think?” Sebastian studied her face. Watched her expression contort with emotion he couldn’t place.
    Still nothing.
    “Ashley, say something. You always have something to say.” He wondered if the surprise had been too much. After all, he had no intention of becoming serious with her, or any other woman. “I hope this isn’t inappropriate. I wanted to make up for the way I treated you before.”
    Ashley blurted out, “Sebastian, I can’t… I don’t… How did…,” she stammered. Her brows scrunched inward, forehead wrinkled. “Why did you bring me here? Did Kerrigan put you up to this?”
    Sebastian frowned. “Uh, no. I wanted to do something nice. Did I do something wrong?”
    She cupped her mouth. Spun around slowly. “This is a…” Ashley blew out a hard breath.
    “This is Robin’s Nest. Belongs to a buddy of mine. The entire place is ours for the evening. We’ll have dinner, do a little dancing, talk. You do eat,