think about is how much I enjoy Asher’s hands on me. I sink into the comfort of his touch. He makes me feel not only safe, but protected.
Which is dangerous all on its own.
Whenever he’s near, I want things I shouldn’t.
Felix stands a little straighter, puffs his chest out, and breaches Asher’s personal space. They’re seconds from going toe-to-toe with each other. Fists curl. Muscles bunch.
I’m caught in the middle.
“Asher…” I press my hand against the flex of his bicep. “I’m thirsty.”
Lame. I know, but it’s all I can think of to distract the two men from initiating an all-out war.
I hold my breath, but Asher wraps his hand around my waist and spins me around.
“Yeah, let’s get you a drink.”
I need something much stronger than a drink.
Felix stands down, but his angry glare is hot on my back the whole way back to the bar. His intensity unnerves me, and he doesn’t like the way Asher took me away from him.
Grady and Grayson sit right where I left them, perched on barstools, fresh beers in hand. Their camaraderie is difficult to watch, because I miss that easy banter with my brother.
Grady jumps off his stool. “And she’s back!”
I lift on tiptoe and whisper into Asher’s ear. “I want to go.”
“Go?” His brows draw together.
“Yeah, it’s too much.”
Asher doesn’t hesitate. He’s comfortable here, surrounded by friends, and I can tell he’s eager to hang out, but he doesn’t try to convince me to stay.
“Sorry guys, we’re taking off.”
“Taking off?” Grady places a hand to his chest, like he’s wounded. “But we’ve barely begun. Come on, stay. The night is young, the beer is flowing, and the chicks…” He stops mid-sentence and gives me a wink. “Well, you know.”
All I can think of is whoever finally lands one of the Malone brothers is going to have her hands full. They’re incorrigible, hot as sin, and evidently practiced at playing the field, but as attractive as they are, I’m happy with Asher by my side.
His hand hasn’t left the small of my back and he leans down so that he doesn’t have to yell over the crowd. “You sure you want to go?”
My nod is forceful.
“The lady has spoken. I’ll catch you guys later.” He steers me out of the bar and onto the quiet of the street.
13
Evelyn
Dusk fell hours ago and a smattering of stars dust the sky. A light breeze blows my hair against my cheek and I tuck the loose strands behind my ear enjoying the quiet. It’s beautiful and I can’t help but breathe it all in. How long has it been since I’ve been outside? It feels like forever. I miss my tent, my campfire, and the solitude of an empty trail.
My stomach gives a little rumble and Asher’s soft laugh pulls me up short.
“What’s so funny?” I ask.
“I should have taken you to dinner instead of a bar. You must be ravenous.”
“I am.” I missed lunch in my eagerness to get out of the hospital and, with the arrest, found myself cooling my heels in a holding cell. “What’s good around here?”
“You like greasy diner food?”
“The greasier the better.” There’s nothing better than a greasy burger to take all my worries away. I’ve been living on trail food for months. “A burger sounds perfect.”
“Ah, my kind of girl. Come on. I know just the place.”
He takes me to a small diner and we snuggle into a corner booth. It’s quaint and empty. We’re the only customers, just what I need. Our waitress fills our drinks, takes in an eyeful of Asher, and pretty much ignores me. Good thing I told Asher what I wanted. He orders for us and the starry-eyed waitress finally leaves.
“Sorry.” He bites his lower lip.
“Does that happen to you a lot? Women falling over themselves when you’re around?”
“Is there a safe answer to that question?”
“It’s not a trick question. You can be honest.” It’s not like we’re dating. All we’ve done is kiss, and there’s the whole me grabbing his dick thing.
“Well, yeah. I’m sure you get it too. You’re a fucking knockout. I bet men trip all over themselves trying to get to you.”
“Me?”
“You don’t see it, do you?”
I’m aware of my looks. My parents blessed me with their genetics. My looks let me get away with things I shouldn’t, but I never flaunt them, and men don’t trip over themselves trying to get to me. I’ve been taken nearly my entire life and only ever had eyes for one man.
Justin