“Say what you need to say. Then I’m going to bed. It’s late.”

“The other night…I didn’t mean to sound like I was accusing you of anything.”

“Because that’s exactly what you sounded like.”

“I know. But it’s not how I meant to sound. I just get really nervous around you and before I know it, I’m saying things that I don’t really mean to say.”

“Why would you be nervous around me?”

“Are you serious? Why wouldn’t I be? You’re a little abrasive, Ashley.”

“I’m going to bed.”

“Stop, wait,” I say, grabbing her sleeve this time, “and also because…”

This was it. My moment to tell her. I took a deep breath.

“Because?” Ashley asks, eyebrow quirked.

“I want to take you on a date.”