throw caution to the wind, Asher’s just the guy. I can do this, and it’ll be fun. My hope is I won’t wake up regretting it when I walk away.
And I hope I’m the one who does walk away.
I can’t argue with myself. And as far as being safe, Asher’s more than proven he’s trustworthy. He’s already done so much for me and hasn’t asked for anything in return, but I’m not ready to jump into the deep end.
Why not?
My head spins, considering all the options, weighing the best course of action, and deciding if the risk is worth the reward.
I could go on all night, but the truth is I’m tired. This whole ordeal finds me overwhelmed; my confidence is undermined. I second guess every decision I’ve made and those I’m considering.
I thought I could take on the world and thought nothing about heading out into the wilderness alone, hiking and camping in an attempt to find myself and escape my past. Now the idea terrifies me. Some might call it PTSD from getting whacked on the head. I call it discouraging.
“I don’t know. I’d hate to impose.”
“Impose? Shit, I’d count myself lucky if you say yes.” He wraps his arms around me and kisses the top of my head. “Look, it’s away from town, prying eyes, and gossiping townies. It’s the perfect place to relax. If it makes you feel any better, I offered your friend to stay there too.”
“My friend?”
“Prescott.”
“Oh.” No way would Prescott stay with a stranger. “What did he say?”
“It was a polite, yet firm, hell no.”
“That sounds just like him.”
“Well, he’ll be here in the morning, and I’m sure you’ll have tons to talk about. But in the meantime, you’ll stay with me.” He says it as if it’s a foregone conclusion.
“I appreciate it. I really do, but that’s a big ask, and you’ve already done so much for me.”
He bites his lower lip. “This might sound a bit weird, but I kind of need you to stay with me.”
“Come again?”
“Well, other than the obvious…” The crooked grin he gives is easily becoming one of my favorite features. “I kind of promised the judge I’d keep an eye on you until your arraignment.”
“What?”
He releases my hips and takes a step back. “I gave my word that I’d watch over you until the arraignment. If you want to stay in a hotel, we can do that, but my place is much more comfortable. You’ll have your own room, of course, unless…” He’s quick to add that last bit, but I’m pretty sure that’s not where he wants me to sleep.
“Who did you give your word to?”
“The judge. I had to convince him to set your bail.”
“Wow, I thought Prescott sorted that out. I’m really in your debt. I can’t believe you did that for me.”
It’s not possible, but I’m falling for Asher’s heroics. I’ve never had someone go to such great lengths on my behalf.
“Perks of knowing pretty much everyone in town. Besides, Judge Simon loves La Rouge wines.”
“You really do know everyone, don’t you?”
“Well, he’s actually kind of sweet on my mom. I may, or may not, have promised to arrange something to help get them together.”
“You did what?”
“I pimped my mom to get my girl out of jail.” He winks, and I swear my heart skips a beat. “It was either that or leave you in a holding cell through the weekend. I’m sure your friend, Prescott, could’ve gotten you out tomorrow, but I couldn’t bear thinking of you staying there all night. It’s the least I could do.”
“The least?” I place my hand on his arm. “You’ve done more for me than anyone. Thank you.” I wrap my arms around him. “Of course, I’d love to stay at your place.”
“Where I can keep my eye on you.” Another one of his devilish smirks makes an appearance. “And do very bad things to you.” The rasp in his voice sends chills down my spine.
“Bad things?” I play coy, like I have no idea what he’s thinking.
“Very bad things.”
“Like what?” How deliciously deviant can he be? I lift up on tiptoe and kiss the tip of his chin.
“You really want to know?” His arm wraps around me and he pulls me tight against him where the evidence of his arousal jabs into my hip.
“That depends.”
“Hmm… You stretched out on my bed comes to mind. I’m thinking a little rope to keep you right where I want you. And then I intend on taking my