Page 102 of The Sidekick

“No, she’s not answering when I call anymore. The last thing she told me was that one of those assholes got her into a yoga class. Probably some penance Shade tortured out of him, which is amazing. I’m really starting to like that guy.”

Asher gives me a glare at that, and I shrug.

“If I had known how much she loves doing yoga, I would have put her in your class to fuck with you. Consider yourself spared the extra Max life drama.”

“Ok,” Asher snarls at me. “Advice time.”

I sit up straight and give him my full attention.

“Keep up with the texting, don’t let her shut you out but don’t be a dick, either.”

“I’m not a dick to her, asshole,” I snap back.

“Right,” he gives me a disbelieving look, and I scowl. “That’s the only pushing you’re allowed right now.”

“Allowed?” I can’t hold back the surprised bark of laughter.

Asher leans into my space with a dead serious look. “Yes, Max. Allowed. Do not test me.”

Fuck, he’s really serious.

I give a confused nod. I’m not really sure what’s happening right now, but he sounds right. I don’t want to push too hard, but I don’t want to fully back away, either. Texting is like a safe zone as long as they aren’t misinterpreted or her phone doesn’t get taken from her again. I can do that.

I know that when I talk, you listen, unlike Max. He twists what I say to suit himself. It’s one of the things I love about him. But you listen. You have no doubts or hesitance if I tell you to do something. I know it, and I guess you do, too. If we met and talked, I’m half afraid I would demand you stay with me. I’m that fucking selfish, and I know it.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Tera

I chew my lower lip as I eye the customer service desk. I’ve had all weekend to wrestle with this decision, and it’s now Tuesday. It isn’t any easier now that I’m standing here.

Should I ask to change my class to another teacher? It feels kind of like an insult to the instructor. He hasn’t done anything wrong. Unless you count being lickable with a voice made out of sin.

What if the other classes are full? What if he teaches all of them? What if I’m losing my mind right now, and I can get this done later? I’m about to be late for class.

The thought of being late is what spurs me into action. I hate being late. The guilt is nonstop.

When I get to the door, it’s blocked by a few people. I guess he’s already here because the giggling and questions about his use of Sanskrit have started. At least I’m not late.

I stand at the back, shifting from foot to foot impatiently. I’m not brave enough to ask anyone to make room for me to slip by. I hug my mat and look around the gym to distract myself.

It seems busier today than last Tuesday. There are a lot of employees on the floor guiding people through exercises as they stand confused in front of equipment they’ve probably never used before. It would take a lot of guts to start something new like that. I wish I had that kind of drive.

“If you could all move inside, we have a few people that would like to come in.”

His voice snaps my attention to him, and I meet his eyes for the first time. They’re a dark color that I’m not close enough to really see, but his gaze is intense as he looks at me.

I feel… seen? Like he knows everything about me with one look, and it makes me nervous and excited at the same time. Butterflies erupt in my belly as my cheeks begin to heat. It’s a lot like how I used to feel with Satan and it amps up my anxiety. I hug my mat tighter to me defensively.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” a cheerful voice thankfully interrupts the connection. A brunette shifts out of the way.

“It’s no problem. I was the one spacing out,” I rush to reassure her with a fake laugh. How embarrassing, getting caught staring at an innocent guy and drooling. Hopefully, he didn’t notice.

Her smile gets a little wider, and I return it, thankful she doesn’t feel as awkward as I do. I catch myself as I reach out to give her a comforting pat and snatch my hand back just in time. Random people don’t like being touched. Like the basket case I am, I hurry away to slide to my shadowy spot and set up, ready to begin.

It’s going to be ok. All of that was just in my imagination. As long as it stays there, I won’t get hurt. I’m in the back, and I’m invisible. No one can see I’m a mess.

When everyone is in place, he takes a look around the room, and his eyes narrow as he sees me in the back again.

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