Page 111 of The Sidekick

“All right,” he sighs, a gentle puff of breath that makes my shoulders tense. He doesn’t seem happy even if his body language is relaxed.

“I’m sorry,” I mutter and want to slap myself. I have nothing to be sorry for.

“You have nothing to be sorry for.”

My brow furrows. Can he read my mind?

“I’m glad you came back, but I am upset that you felt like you had to leave. I need you to feel safe here. I’m not going to let anything happen to you again. What would make you more comfortable? Enrolling Shade in the class?” He sounds like that’s the last thing he wants, and I agree one hundred percent.

“Oh gosh no,” I meet his eyes again in my desperation. “Please don’t do that to me. Can you ban him? Or set up some kind of blockade he can’t get through? The ladies will murder him if they find out how much of a dictator he is. You’d be saving his life.”

That surprises a laugh out of him. It’s louder than his normal volume, and I can’t help the faint smile that kicks up in response. “I can try, but he’s a very determined person.”

“You’re preaching to the choir with that one,” I mumble and drop my eyes to the floor as I realize I’m staring at his lips.

“I bet. Do you have someone else to join you?”

My shoulders sag. Andi thinks yoga should be the name for when spaghetti noodles finally go soft. The only other people that I know do yoga are Max and Satan. I’m avoiding them at all costs right now.

“No.”

“How about one on one sessions?”

“N-no,” my eyes widen as that nightmare plays out in my head. I would probably blurt out that I want to lick his tattoos or something. All alone with that voice? Complete annihilation.

“Any ideas?”

“How about I just come back to class?” I ask hesitantly. It seems to be the most logical path right now. “I feel safer in the back. Maybe I could wear headphones and just ignore them?”

“Anything that makes you feel comfortable is fine with me. Just be sure to tell me you’re wearing headphones beforehand so I don’t think you’re ignoring me.”

That’s reasonable. “I couldn’t ignore you if I tried.”

Oh my gosh, did I actually say that out loud?

“Good,” he sounds way too happy about my confession, and I squirm in embarrassment. “Eyes up.”

I did it again! I’m suddenly looking at him like he’s the only thing I can see.

“Would you mind unblocking my number?”

My eyes widen. How did he know? Oh my gosh, Shade has told him everything about me, hasn’t he?

“Ok,” I say hesitantly. “I don’t have it with me right now, but I will as soon as I get home.”

“Thank you, Tera. My name is Asher, by the way. I’ll see you next Tuesday.”

I nod dumbly, and he gives me another soft smile before he turns away to gather his things.

I wander towards Shade in a daze, and he tosses me my mat. I fumble to catch it.

“Wait for me in the car, ok? I’ll be right there.” He doesn’t wait for a reply as he paces over to Asher. Hopefully, he takes the opportunity to tell Shade he’s banned forever. I rush away without looking back so I don’t make myself look even more infatuated with the poor man.

I’m not giving up. I’m never giving up on you.

I’ll always write these letters and hope they get to you. So you know I’ll always wait.

Always.

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