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Almost reluctantly, he retreats before straightening to his full height. I roll from the bed and scoop up my discarded clothing. When most of the garments have been collected, I turn away before yanking on my panties, shoving my arms into the straps of my bra, and grabbing my sweater. It takes a few seconds of hunting around to find my jeans. It’s like I stripped everything off in a hurry and threw them all over the place. I shake my head as more memories flash through my brain. Even though I had fun, it’ll be a long time before I drink that much again.
Once I’m dressed, I grab my small, cross body purse from his desk and dig out my phone. From the corner of my eye, I catch sight of a very naked Asher watching me.
The man is built like a Greek god carved from marble.
He’s utter perfection.
After the explosive orgasm this morning, it’s easy to understand why girls flock to him in droves. He has serious skills in the bedroom.
All those good vibes buzzing beneath my skin disappear as I open the message from Tony.
A groan slips free as I skim the text.
He takes a step toward me. “Is there a problem?”
“No. Not really,” I mutter, raking a hand through my disheveled hair. “Tony has invited me over for dinner on Tuesday.” With a glance, I state the obvious. “I don’t want to go.”
The idea of spending time alone with his family makes my belly pinch with nausea. That’s all it takes for my brain to reject the invitation. Asher closes the distance between us before slipping his arms around my body and tugging me close. I have to tilt my chin to meet his gaze.
“Then don’t. It’s not like you owe them anything.”
Air escapes from my lungs like a tire with a slow leak as I admit, “I know, but part of me feels like I should hear them out.” Now that I’ve had a couple days for the situation to roll around in my brain, my stance has softened just a fraction. Not when it comes to Tony, but toward his daughter. I can’t imagine what it would be like to deal with this kind of health issue at her age.
Is she scared?
Angry?
Resigned to the circumstances?
Kylie should be focused on school, dating, parties, going out with friends and having fun. Maybe even thinking about what college she wants to attend. Not whether she’ll make it through the next couple of years.
“Why? These people aren’t a part of your life. And they certainly aren’t your family.”
My heart clenches because it’s the truth. “I know...”
His brows lift. “But?”
“I haven’t made a decision yet. I can come up with dozens of reasons to do this and just as many not to.”
“Do you really think talking to them will give you clarity?”
I shake my head and whisper, “I don’t know.”
I really don’t.
He presses his lips together before saying, “You can’t go there alone. I’ll come with you.”
Surprise and confusion spiral through me. “Why would you do that?”
His eyes turn serious. Gone is the heat and sexy banter from earlier. “Because we’re friends, and right now, that’s exactly what you need.”
“Are we?” It feels strange to ask that question when he was just between my legs, licking me to orgasm.
“Yup.”
When his arms tighten, it only feels natural to lay my cheek against his bare chest. The steady thumping of his heart fills my ears and settles everything rioting dangerously inside me. No one in my life has ever filled me with such a sense of comfort.
How is it possible that this man does?
“Text me the time and I’ll swing by your place and pick you up after practice.”
“As much as I appreciate the offer, you don’t have to do that.”
I’ve become so used to relying on myself that I have no idea what to make of this. The truth of the matter is that I’m afraid to trust him. I’m scared to depend on someone—especially a guy like Asher—only to have him let me down. It’s so much safer to keep my walls firmly intact and hold everyone at a distance.
It's the only way not to get hurt.
He pulls away until I’m forced to lift my head from his chest and meet his eyes. A stubborn glint fills them. “I’m coming with. It’s a done deal.”
When I open my mouth to argue, he smacks a kiss against my lips before sauntering to the bathroom. My attention drops to his backside.
I can’t deny that he has a fine one.
“Instead of checking out my ass, maybe you should get moving so you’re not late for work.”
I snort and force myself to do exactly that. Although…staring at his perfectly sculpted cheeks just might be worth it.
18
ASHER
I pull the Escalade over to the curb in front of Lola’s house before cutting the engine and exiting the vehicle. Once on the sidewalk, I head to the front door and ring the bell. My hands slide over my button-down shirt, smoothing away any imaginary wrinkles. Nerves dance beneath the surface of my skin, which is strange. The only time I feel like this is when I step onto the field before a big game.
