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2024-10-29 19:42:56ASHTON
The silver lining in the midst of losing my job and ending the tour prematurely is the beautiful scene unfolding before me today. Lavender floral bouquets fill the air, accompanied by the presence of tuxedos, a hundred close friends, family members, and a charming garden gazebo.
As the spring flowers bloom, I find myself seated in the front row, surrounded by my siblings. From this vantage point, I witness a heartwarming sight. Underneath the gazebo, my mom wears a radiant lilac dress, her face beaming with joy. Beside her stands my dad, dressed in a striking black-on-red tuxedo. Both of them exude pure happiness and contentment.
I remember being present at their wedding as a young child, although my memories have faded over time. However,
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Falling for a John 1
ASHTON "Can you tell me anything about him?" I asked for what felt like the millionth time. Though I hadn't actually been keeping count, the annoyance in Perth's bite into his blueberry bagel made it clear that my question had died a bitter death at least five minutes ago. Today was the day everything was going to change. It was doomsday, the day when my already unconventional and strange life would become colossally more complicated. I could handle shit storms while single-handedly propping up the Earth, but I liked to have at least some semblance of preparation for situations. Sure, I had a real switchblade tucked away in my pocket, but I wanted a metaphorical one too. Perth swallowed his bagel before responding. "You want to know one thing?" "Just one," I affirmed. "He's your new bodyguard." I blinked slowly, transforming my expression into a glare. "Thank you for offering up the one thing I already fucking know." It had been driving me up the wall like a possessed Spider-Man.
Falling for a John 2
Lennox Fun fact! I am scared—if not terrified—of talking to strangers. Yet here I am. Standing inside the hotel room of the man that I just met. Actually, no. I have watched some of his series that he plays on, numerous interviews that he part in and even some of the fan made videos that happen to pass by on my newsfeed. Technically, I have known him. So…I guess it doesn’t count. “What’s with that face?” He emerged from a door. Now that he is no longer smiling I could clearly take notice of his cat eye that he’s well known for. The same eyes that Daow loves about him. “N-Nothing.” Shit! Why am I even not good with lying? The pounding on my chest even grew stronger. I wonder if he could hear it. Like how he heard my stomach growl on our way to the hotel. God! Why do I keep on messing up? His lips formed a smirk. “If you think that I brought you here to do something…” he paused for a while. As if searching for the word that he’ll use. “Bad, then you can find your way out. You’re not
Falling for a John 3
ASHTON As I left the J. Son Paradise café in my sleek red Audi, I felt a strange tension in the air between Lennox and me. It all started when I handed him my eight-page list, and now we were on the freeway, heading who-knows-where. Lennox was sitting silently, reading through the list, while I focused on navigating through the traffic. Paparazzi vehicles tried to chase us like old friends, but I skillfully sped past them. Lennox finally looked up from the list and glanced at the cars around us. "I should be the one driving in this relationship," he said casually. I couldn't help but stiffen at the mention of the word "relationship." I quickly added "platonic" in my mind, but the memory of my sixteen-year-old self, infatuated with Lennox, was still lingering. At twenty-two-years-old, I was annoyed that Lennox was occupying my thoughts in such a way. He was never meant to be in my spank bank. "Number twelve," I pointed out from the list, trying to change the subject. He locked eye
Falling for a John 4
LENNOX With my luggage in hand, I took the lead, climbing up two flights of narrow wooden stairs. Ashton, much to his dismay, had to follow behind me. I knew he would prefer to be the one leading, but for his own safety, I had to be in control this time. Actually, every time we were together, I felt it was necessary for me to take the lead. It wasn't just because I was being pompous or arrogantly asserting myself. It was for his own good, to ensure he learned to trust and rely on me. As we ascended the stairs, a thick silence hung between us. Neither of us was accustomed to such uncomfortable tension. You see, I never asked to be Ashton's bodyguard. I didn't apply for the position or submit any applications. It was a role I fell into at his mother's request. I'm open to change. I embrace it. But if I had known that one of my favorite pastimes would be getting on Ashton Johnson's nerves, I might have hesitated to take on this job. Another tense moment passed before Tony warned me a
Falling for a John 5
LENNOX Fear does not grip me, not even the looming threat of losing my job. For three long years, almost every hour of every day, I have dedicated myself to shielding his mother. It's no trivial matter. She is a timid person with an insatiable craving for attention from the opposite sex. Despite her tall, slender figure and delicate features that lend her an everlasting youthfulness, she attracts unwelcome gazes. Those who seek to torment her view her as an easy target. I have endured countless instances of being spat on, taking blows meant for her—hooks to the jaw, uppercuts to the ribs. I even broke someone's cheekbone while defending her and ended up facing a lawsuit. But he was the one crossing boundaries with her. I have confronted gunmen, knife-wielders, and troublemakers brandishing absurd objects like water pistols, bags of glitter, and even sex toys—anything to inflict harm. I have whisked Regina away from fervent crowds that posed a threat to her safety, ensuring every roo
Falling for a John 6
ASHTON With a firm grip on the steering wheel, I make my way towards the grocery store, multitasking by holding my phone in my other hand. Using a notes app, I begin listing the items I need to buy, but frustration quickly wells up within me as the automated voice misinterprets my words. It reads back a garbled version of my list that leaves me annoyed and shooting a glare at my phone. Sitting in the passenger seat, Lennox finds the situation amusing and suggests I brake. Caught off guard, I slam on the brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision with a white sedan. It's only been two days since Lennox became my bodyguard, and I'm already feeling the impact of having someone constantly around. My mind is scattered, my nerves are rattled, and there's a growing tension building up inside me. Specifically, it's sexual tension. It's been 48 hours since I last had sex, and even this morning in the shower, I couldn't help but imagine Lennox while trying to masturbate. It was a futile effort to
Falling for a John 7
ASHTON Six months ago, in the dead of night, Willow Walsh burst into my room in a flurry. Her face was smothered in an avocado mask, and her brunette hair was twisted up in a pink towel. "Tony?" she whispered urgently. I was still awake, so when I heard her breezy voice, I quickly switched on my lamp. Willow's eyes fell upon the girl nestled under my covers. Both of us completely naked. Willow winced. "I'm sorry. It doesn't matter," she said, ready to leave. In a hushed tone, I pleaded, "Wait." I jumped out of bed and hastily put on my boxer briefs. "Willow," I called out as I sprinted towards the door. The girl from the one-night stand drowsily called my name, and I reassured her, "I'll be right back." I purposely left the door slightly ajar, hoping to discourage her from taking any pictures of my bedroom. Willow was waiting for me in the middle of the staircase. Rodney, stationed at the top, was engrossed in a game on his cellphone. He had been guarding my room that night, gra
Falling for a John 8
ASHTON Willow rests her chin on my chest and looks up at me. "Just the two of us. Well, except for the two strapping bodyguards, the bakery staff, and your three siblings who will join us at seven." I had invited my two sisters and brother to join us later. "I appreciate you calling the bakery in advance," I say sincerely, without a hint of sarcasm. When I asked Willow if my younger brother could come along, her immediate response was, ‘I'll reserve the entire bakery for a couple of hours.’ Willow and I don't usually shut down establishments for our own convenience. We can handle the attention from the media and the public. But Willow understood that my brother, Blake, wouldn't feel comfortable with strangers around. Instead of suggesting we leave him behind, she was the first to offer a solution that included him. "Avec plaisir," [With pleasure]she says in a smooth, silky tone. So here we are, fluent in two foreign languages for completely different reasons. I won't delve into th
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Falling for a John 117
ASHTONThe silver lining in the midst of losing my job and ending the tour prematurely is the beautiful scene unfolding before me today. Lavender floral bouquets fill the air, accompanied by the presence of tuxedos, a hundred close friends, family members, and a charming garden gazebo.As the spring flowers bloom, I find myself seated in the front row, surrounded by my siblings. From this vantage point, I witness a heartwarming sight. Underneath the gazebo, my mom wears a radiant lilac dress, her face beaming with joy. Beside her stands my dad, dressed in a striking black-on-red tuxedo. Both of them exude pure happiness and contentment.I remember being present at their wedding as a young child, although my memories have faded over time. However,
Falling for a John 116
LENNOXWhat surprises me the most is Ashton's reaction. He ignores Jesse, not giving him a lingering look or allowing his anger to take over. He doesn't storm forward to attack an unconscious body.His eyes lock with mine.He notices the blood, most likely smeared across my forehead, cheeks, and caked in my hair."Not mine," I say quietly. "Animal." Most likely.He continues to approach, unwavering and committed.I remain motionless, clutching the knife, unable to let go.We were
Falling for a John 115
LENNOX"Watch it, you little bastard," I exclaimed as I quickly snatched Warren, the calico kitten, before he could dart into security's townhouse. With a swift kick, I shut the door and Warren meowed while pawing at my cheek.My lips curled into a smile, not because of the cat, but because I couldn't stop replaying the moments I had just shared with Ashton. Every little detail kept playing in my mind: the primal noises he made, the intensity in his eyes, the raw vulnerability, and the overwhelming emotions. Damn it, I was annoyed at myself for leaving my stuff in his room because all I wanted was to be with him.But I needed to focus and make this quick.I released Warren, allow
Falling for a John 114
ASHTONThe realization seized my thoughts, and I could vividly imagine Lennox penetrating me with fervor on that very bed.Fuck. I blinked several times, snapping out of my daydream. I had been lost in my thoughts for too long. Grimacing, I focused on the six-foot-three Yale graduate who leaned casually against the dresser, observing me.A smile tugged at his lips. "Welcome back, space cadet."I scowled and unbuttoned my jeans. "I wasn't spacing out that much."His smile broadened. "Let me ask you something. How many times have you fantasized about me fucking you on my bed?"
Falling for a John 113
ASHTONThey look more like pink suede sandals with a chunky glittery heel attached. My aunt usually sticks to simple black dresses and classic heels, but these are eccentric.These are Willow.Upon seeing them, Willow stops midway down the stairs. "What are those?"Serena delicately holds the heeled sandals. "They're for you, but I'm not trying to buy your love," she says sharply. "I saw them, and they screamed Willow Eleanor Walsh, my beautiful and brilliant firstborn daughter... If you don't want them, I'll return them to the store or throw them into a fire. Watch them burn..." She tries to lift her chin, fighting back tears, quickly brushing the corners of her eyes. "Whatever
Falling for a John 112
LENNOXFor Perry, Kaleb, Seth, and even Davin, it was the only place they had ever known. They never went to college or moved elsewhere. It had always been Philly.Some people have a strong connection to a specific place, as if it's a person, an inseparable part of them. I could see that in Perry's eyes."Say I'm from L.A. one more time!" Perry threatened. People mistakenly believed we were from L.A. because that's where our fame originated.Kaleb started yelling back at the heavyset guy on the end. He was so irritated that being off-duty made him throw the rulebook out the window.Davin whispered to me, "Those S
Falling for a John 111
LENNOX"Get the hell out of Philly!" The profanity-laden heckle echoes through the smoky billiards and darts bar, its packed interior making it difficult to identify the source. However, the contemptuous stares and raised middle fingers leave no doubt about the target of the heckling.Surprisingly, it's not aimed at Ashton or Willow or any of the well-known figures. Instead, the recipient of the insults becomes apparent as I scan the crowd. Davin, who is currently arranging the pool balls, takes in the hostile atmosphere and comments, "Perry is going to lose it when he arrives."Perry, unlike us, wouldn't take kindly to someone demanding his departure from his own city. Philly is home to all of us, and the barrage of jeers began the moment Davin
Falling for a John 110
LENNOXHe cracks his knuckle and briefly acknowledges a boy who calls out his name. His forest-green eyes return to me as he says, "They were vague, but they mentioned that there might be a possibility for me to be reinstated as the CEO. They didn't disclose any details yet."I drum my fingers against my mug, the sound of my rings clinking together. You see, I don't appreciate the fact that they conveniently omitted what he needs to do. It could be anything, and they could demand anything from him."They hold the power," I remind him. He has very little leverage in this situation.Ashton nods. "I know, but it's the only hope I have. They said they would provide more information i
Falling for a John 109
ASHTON"Seven years ago," he continues, relentless. "Molly fell into the creek behind the lake house, sinking into the treacherous mud. I was halfway there, already ankle-deep in water, but you emerged out of nowhere, donning your shining white armor and carrying a ten-foot rope."His eyes are bloodshot as he says, "It's these little moments that define you. You mean everything to my siblings. To the Haynes girls, to your own sisters and brother. You've become an inescapable shadow, because when you're everything to them, I can't be anything. So who am I?" Sandro points at his chest. "Who am I? And what do I become if I follow you to Harvard? Lost and confused? I was already filled with self-loathing and bitterness, but I'd be even more resentful, waking up every day hating myself for not being more like Ashton J
