AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“He did.”
I don’t know how, but I recover pretty quickly. No reason to lie. “Probably as payback for outing him and Shelli.”
“I’m guessing so. Gotta love brothers. Though, I never had any.”
“You couldn’t give me that luxury, huh?” He snorts as he holds my gaze. Neither of us says anything; we just stare into each other’s eyes. “So, are you upset with me?”
“No, not upset. Surprised.”
He holds my gaze, and I shrug. “No clue what to say here, Dad.”
“Why, bud? You had it so good with her. Did you really need to add sex?” he asks, and my heart jumps into my throat. “Was this just out of lust, or do you care for her?”
I lick my lips. I’m a little stunned here. “I care for her.”
He nods. “Because you told me you cared for Jasmine too. But I know you. I know you don’t take risks, and Ally is a risk. The same with Shelli. When Aiden got involved, I knew it would either be great or awful, which is the issue with our families being so intertwined. We love the Titovs, they’re great people, and we all know they put Ally on a pedestal. Hell, you too. They adore you, and taking this to the next level jeopardizes that. You do realize that?”
I swallow hard and then I nod. “I know, Dad. I’ve thought all of that through and almost lost Ally in the process because I was a jackass about the whole thing.”
“That’s unlike you. How do you mean?”
“She kissed me, and I ghosted her. She came at me, guns a-blazin’ in true Ally fashion, and all I could think was, I can’t lose this girl. I know the risks here, Dad. I do. But I can’t not be with her. I know I am navigating new territory. I’m aware of that. But we have so much history, and I don’t know, Dad, we click, like more so than just friends. And it’s good. Really good.”
He exhales heavily. “Do you love her?”
Man, talk about being kicked in the throat. I feel sweat beading at my temple as I shrug. “I’ve always loved her.”
“No, son. Do you love her?” I know what he means, but I don’t know what to say. I swallow hard, and I guess he takes that as my answer. “Mom says Ally’s always been in love with you.”
And now a kick to the balls. I feel like I’m choking as I hold his gaze. “No one knows that. She hasn’t said that.”
He side-eyes me. “She doesn’t have to say it, Asher. Everyone can just tell. And I think you do too.”
“I wish I could just feel what I feel without people telling me what I feel. Or should feel.”
His eyes fill with concern. “You’re terrified of what that can turn into.”
I blink and look away. “What does that even mean?” I ask, even though I know the answer.
“That she will have the power to break you in two, and you’ve never experienced that.” I swallow hard. Yup, I knew the answer. “I get it, son, I do. You’re a cautious dude, but it’s different with Ally. I know your mom has told you this, and I know you’re probably ignoring her, hoping you’ll be fine. And also, I know this is all new, but people get hurt, even in loving relationships.”
I bite my lip. “I’m trying—”
“I lied to your mom about Audrey dating my best friend at the time.”
I look up, meeting his gaze.
“I almost lost her because of it. Because I thought lying for Audrey was a good idea, when I knew how your mom felt about Audrey’s relationship with the guy. She didn’t want them together, and in a way, I helped hide it from her. It hurt her. If I could lie about that, what else could I lie about?”
I press my lips together. “But you guys are married, kids—”
“Because you don’t give up on the person you love.” I feel like I’m choking on a cheese stick. “I can’t tell you how you feel, Ash. Only you know that, but if you don’t plan on opening your heart to this girl, get out now.”
I look up at him, wide-eyed. “I’ll lose her.”
He shrugs. “You knew that going in. So, you need to decide what you want.”
“I want Ally.”
