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Falling for a John 15
LENNOX The saltshaker slips from my fingers, falling to its side. Tony glanced at me as I straightened the salt shaker on the table. It was a simple gesture, but it triggered a surge of jealousy within me. I found it absurd that I could feel this way about an anonymous celebrity wearing a beanie at a bar. My ex-boyfriends would have found it hilarious that I cared so much about a twenty-two-year-old famous person. I unwrapped a piece of gum and just as I peeled off the foil, Ashton, sitting across from me, asked an unexpected question, "What's your favorite color?" A smile formed at the corners of my mouth. "My favorite color?" I repeated, as if he had asked me something trivial. Well, it was a kindergarten-level question, but in that moment, I couldn't help but think that Ashton's interest had shifted from that other guy to me. Ashton crossed his arms and challenged me, "What kind of high school names someone valedictorian when they can't even answer their favorite color?" Leani
Falling for a John 16
ASHTON I tense up, my face betraying no emotion except for the sharp definition of my cheekbones. It was inevitable that I would have to face Lennox, no matter which alternate reality I found myself in. He was always there, an unavoidable presence. A cringe-worthy thought enters my mind. "What?" Lennox asks, absentmindedly fidgeting with his silver rings. He notices my gaze fixed on his hands. That all-knowing smile of his drives me crazy, and I swear he's just a second away from saying, "Do you like that?" And I realize, I overthink things way too much. I refuse to share the intimate details of my second thought. How his father, Dr. Burke, checked on me when I had a rash on my genitals at the age of eleven. It was just chlorine irritation. But imagine if Lennox had been the one examining me—shudder with me. I gesture towards him. "The mere thought of you being my doctor gave me a mild stroke." I pretend to be surprised. "If only you were my doctor, you might actually save me now
Falling for a John 17
ASHTON I’ve said all those words before: be the bigger person. Walk away. You’re feeding into their bullshit. Violence solves nothing. You’re the CEO of a nonprofit. Stop. Stop. Breathe. Leave. I let about fifteen feet divide me and the bartender. Backing up. Backing away, all the while he’s talking shit. “What about your sister,” he laughs mockingly. “Blanca Johnson—another wet slut. Bet she puts out twice as much as your mom. Is she a little sex addict too?” I taste acid on my tongue, but words burn the back of my throat. Dying inside of me. And Lennox can’t provoke the bartender. If these insults eat at him, he can’t show me either. I’m in a thundering boat of one. Trying to steer myself towards the door. I almost get there. And then he says, “I hope she locks her doors at night.” I go rigid. Motionless and still faced towards him. “What’d you say?” He laughs. “I hope she keeps her doors locked. You know how many men would break through just to taste her—” I lose it. Te
Falling for a John 18
LENNOXSwiftly, I skimmed the screen. 25 Reasons Why Ashton Johnson Is Like Colton Haynes!He slowly scrolled down to the first bullet point, and I saw words: Ashton Johnson fights with his fists first and talks later. Just like Colton! I compared the most recent video of Ashton losing his cool at a Philly pub with an old video of his Uncle Colton Haynes outside a diner.Ashton played the video of his uncle and increased the volume, barely audible in the club. Colton couldn't have been older than twenty-five in the footage. He was unshaven, with a tan from the sun, and had a brooding look. The tabloids liked to call him an aggressive jackass.Colton grabbed his helmet off his black Ducati. A preppy-dressed man snickered and jumped up on the curb near Colton, taunting him, "How's that Rees pussy, Colton Haynes?""Go fuck yourself," he growled, gripping his helmet tightly. Colton stood his ground, focused on the man like a predator ready to strike. The intensity in Colton's eyes reminde
Falling for a John 19
ASHTON Neither of us uttered a word as we drove home, the silence hanging heavy between us. Each passing second only added to the weight, making time feel slow and burdensome. Lennox reached out to adjust the air vents, his tattooed fingers moving languidly, almost sensually, as he opened one. A rush of cold air gushed out, but it did little to alleviate the heat that seemed to radiate from my skin.I found myself licking my lips repeatedly, a nervous habit that seemed futile. My arousal grew, pulsating with an intense desire to be satisfied, to be touched and to touch in return. I forced my gaze onto the highway, gripping the leather steering wheel tightly, my hands clenching with determination. Lennox's heated gaze shifted back and forth between the road, where paparazzi trailed my Audi, and me. It was a constant oscillation: road, then me; road, then me.I was used to being watched and observed, constantly under the scrutiny of strangers, cameramen, and people in general. But neve
Falling for a John 20
ASHTONI groaned inwardly as my dad's name flashed on my phone screen. Just what I needed. Reluctantly, I sat up, and Lennox followed suit, still facing me. Our arms rested on the back of the seat, our connection unbroken.Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for whatever news awaited me. It seemed like bad timing was a constant in my life. Lennox reached over and pressed the accept call button, handing me the phone. It was his way of saying, "Go ahead, talk to your dad, wolf scout. I'm here for you.""Hey, Dad," I greeted, putting the call on speaker so Lennox could listen in.It was a reflex, really. Over the years, and especially as my bodyguard, Lennox had earned my trust. Now, I could trust him enough to share this moment with me
Falling for a John 21
ASHTONGrant Walsh, my uncle, has the most incredible office out of all the members of my family. It boasts an unrivaled view of the breathtaking Philadelphia skyline. Whenever I find myself in the sleek city high-rise that houses Walsh Inc., I can't help but lose myself in either the mesmerizing sight outside the window or the collection of memorabilia displayed on my uncle's shelves and walls.On this particular day, rain is relentlessly battering against the glass, accompanied by the deafening roars of thunder. Despite the storm raging outside, my attention is not captured by its fury. Instead, my gaze is fixed on a framed National Geographic magazine hanging on the navy-blue wall.The magazine cover features a rugged, dark-haired man in his late thirties, his skin tanned by the sun. Against a
Falling for a John 22
ASHTON"Of course you do," Uncle Colton says, tossing his wadded napkins into a paper bag. "You're always on his fucking side."After a pause, he finally looks up at me, his tough brown eyes meeting my steady forest-green gaze. I speak up, saying, "I didn't know there were sides.""There are sides," my dad stands up and reaches over to Uncle Colton's lap. "I'm always on the side with the good food." He grabs the paper bag and settles back down next to me. "Taco?" He tries to break the tension, but I refuse to let it go."I'm not always on Uncle Grant's side," I counter. "He called me an idiot last week. Why would I side with that?" I try to suppress a smile as I gesture toward Grant, who raises an eyebrow. We were playing chess, and when I lost, he assured me that I didn't stand a chance with my IQ compared to his.In a subtle manner, he called me an idiot. He doesn't deny or object. And I appreciate his blunt honesty, so I actually cherish that memory."You tell me, Tony," Uncle Colt
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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
