Damon walked up to the counter with a smile on his face. "Didn't take you for someone who stays up this late," he said.
Ashley jumped and her hands flew to her chest. She looked around with wide eyes. "Jeez, Damon!" she yelled, catching her breath. "You scared the life out of me!"
Damon chuckled, raising his hands in apology. "Sorry, didn't mean to sneak up on you." His grin softened, genuinely feeling a bit guilty for startling her. "Didn't think anyone else would be up."
He moved over to the sink, grabbing a glass and filling it with water.
The steady flow of the cool water was the only sound that broke the silence in the kitchen.
He took a sip, then turned back to Ashley, leaning casually against the counter. "So," he asked, his voice softer now, "what's on your mind?"
Ashley sighed, her gaze shifting from the window to meet his.
