Page 58 of Trailer Trash

The energy in the room snaps, dark and ominous.

“Right.” His chin lifts, and we stare at each other. After a tense beat, he steps back. “Well, I just wanted to stop by. See how you are.”

“Stay,” I insist, my tone a little too eager. “I mean, if ya want to.”

He glances at my open bedroom door in the distance. “I can’t stay. Have fun with the girl, though.”

I fold my arms as disappointment presses down.

“She might be good for me, Asher. Better than you.”

“Whoa. Sounds serious.”

I fidget. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

Asher walks to the elevator, smooth and calm. “Sure ya did. I guess you don’t need me anymore.”

My heart kicks my ribs. “I do! I just... you don’t come around unless...”

“Trust me. This is good.” He steps into the elevator. “Don’t get attached like you did with me.”

The doors shut, and my whole world shatters. I brace the kitchen counter, trying to stay upright. I glance at the doorway, my body compelled to go to her. Not him.

Instead, I fall onto the couch and wait for sleep.

Because Harlow isn’t a replacement for Asher. I won’t let him make her into something she isn’t. If I do, it means my new life is just a fucking band-aid to get over him.

She isn’t a band-aid. She isn’t anything. She’s nothing.

I smell my fingers, catching hints of her sweet scent. I slip them into my mouth, tasting her.

My cock twitches against my leg. In the dark, I undo my pants and stroke myself as I suck my fingers.

Thinking of her.

Aching for the girl I should go fuck.

I don’t.

15

Harlow

Date night.

Woot woot.

I am fire.

I don’t get dressed up like this often, but tonight, I am. For Jaxson.

Ting, ting.

My phone.

THE PATIENT: Have fun on your date tonight

That son of a... he is so good.