Straight To You: A Novella (Taking Chances Series Book 1) by Liwen Ho Page A

you to find out, if you dare. I prefer to keep some things a mystery.”
    “Wouldn’t you want to know everything about the guy you’re dating?”
    “Only when I’m ready to hear it. We’ve all got baggage from past relationships that would be better left at the lost and found, some preferably never to be found. It’s a delicate process, sharing about one’s past. You can’t just hang your dirty laundry out on your first, or even fifth, date. Some people aren’t ready to see your grandma undies that soon. That’s why you show your cute, lacy stuff first, metaphorically speaking. Once you’ve established a stronger connection, then you start sharing bits and pieces.”
    “Uh, all I got from that was a visual of a clothesline. I guess I can’t really relate. I don’t mind sharing about my dating experiences.”
    “That’s because you’ve got a tiny tote bag. Me, I’ve got several carry ons and even a trunk stashed somewhere.” She narrowed her green eyes. “As for your Prince Charming, I’m betting he has a suitcase... or two. Just don’t be too shocked when he starts opening them up for you.” Zoe turned toward the front door as the bell jingled. “Speaking of...”
    Ashlynn looked up to see Jeremy walk into the store. He had on a navy V-neck sweater that brought out the blue in his eyes. He smiled as soon as he saw her.
    “Hi honey.” Jeremy bent down to kiss Ashlynn on the cheek. “I know I’m early, but I couldn’t wait to see you.”
    “Oh, hi. It’s fine.” Her spirits lifted at the sight of him, though Zoe’s words still hung like a dark cloud over her head. “Hey Zoe, is it okay if I take my lunch now?”
    She waved her hand, gesturing for them to go. “Of course.” Then she leaned in and whispered in Ashlynn’s ear, “I wouldn’t want to keep a hungry lion waiting.”

EIGHT
    Jeremy took Ashlynn’s hand in his as they walked down the street. He smiled when he caught a glimpse of their reflection in a passing store window. The thought of settling down once made him cringe, but not anymore. He would be the first to admit that Ashlynn was doing a good job of negotiating her way into his heart. He clasped her hand in both of his and brought it to his lips for a gentle kiss.
    “Hmm?” She peered up at him through her lashes and saw tenderness in his blue eyes. “What was that for?”
    “I’m happy, that’s all. So happy to have found you again after all these years.”
    “Me, too.” The doubt darkening her hazel eyes contradicted her words.
    “Everything okay, Ash?” He reached over to smooth the frown lines on her forehead. “You look worried.”
    Worried? Without a doubt. Zoe’s comments still weighed on her mind and heart. They had gotten her thinking that there was a lot she still needed to find out about Jeremy. “Nothing’s wrong exactly. It’s just that I feel like there’s so much I don’t know about you and your life after you moved to Boston. A lot can happen in twelve years and I missed out on it all.”
    “Sure, well, there’s a lot I want to know about you, too. But there’s no need to rush,” he replied with an amused grin. “There’s plenty of time to catch up on our pasts.”
    “I guess so. But it wouldn’t hurt to start now, would it?”
    “I can see you’re eager. So, what kind of things do you want to know about?”
    “Well, how about what your first job out of college was or any other jobs you’ve had since then. Places you’ve traveled to besides China. Girls you’ve dated … things like that.” Ashlynn’s voice trailed off as she looked expectantly at Jeremy.
    He raised an eyebrow at the direction her questions were heading. That last topic was not one he was ready to tackle. “That’s a lot for one conversation. Which question do you want me to answer first?”
    “Um, maybe the last one? About your previous relationships?”
    “Okay,” Jeremy replied after a deep breath. “Why don’t we sit down.” He pointed to a cafe