Page 116 of The Sidekick

“Stop,” his voice is angry, and I wilt inside as a tear wells up and drops down my cheek. I want to say I’m sorry again, but I’m choked up and trying not to cry.

He takes a deep breath. His shoulders have tensed, and his biceps are flexed against my arms. I brace myself for whatever tirade he’s going to give me. I’m glad I’m hidden behind him so no one can witness any effect this is having on me.

“Are you willing to date me while you’re kind of dating him?”

“What?” I ask in confusion. Did he not hear what I just said? I’m not worth the drama that will come with my attention.

“I don’t care,” he says slowly.

I don’t know what to say to that. He doesn’t care because he thinks I’m easy and no one will know?

“All right,” he tilts his neck to the side, causing it to pop. It’s a move that Shade uses to relieve tension in his neck. Beyond our little safe oasis, there’s more quiet, angry talking than fighting going on now. I guess everything is wrapping up.

“I don’t care if there’s another guy. He has someone else. You can, too. I just want to be with you.”

“But… why?” I ask, bewildered. “Everything is a mess, and I’m a coward.”

“Because you’re worth it to me. Nothing will change that.”

“You don’t know-”

“I decide what I think and feel.”

“But there are so many other people. Easier people,” I protest. He starts shaking his head. “I thought someone in class would be your happily ever after. I’ve been trying to figure out which one it would be. The brunette was really nice.”

He freezes in place like he isn’t even breathing and utters, “Why can’t that be you?”

I don’t really have an answer for that either. “I just… I don’t think I fit anyone’s mold? I think I might be too much work. You’re a nice guy. You deserve to be happy, not stressed out all the time.”

“We all deserve to be happy,” he lets go of my thighs, releasing my arms. I swallow hard, suddenly disappointed.

When he turns and looks at me, I meet his gaze sadly, trying to smile, but it feels stiff on my face.

“Hi,” he says softly. I tilt my head as my brow furrows.

“Hi?” I let out a little laugh of confusion.

A smile kicks up on his face as he studies me.

“What?” I whisper and wipe under my eyes to see if maybe I missed a few tears. “Can you tell? I don’t want Shade to know I’m having a meltdown over here. He’ll freak.”

“Hug me.”

I blink a few times; sure I misheard him.

“I won’t say-”

My eyes widen, and I throw myself into his arms. I don’t want him to finish whatever threat that was going to become. Especially when I’m dying to feel him against me again.

He brings me close, with no space between us, resting his chin on my shoulder. I lose my breath as he surrounds me. My eyelids flutter closed at the feeling of strength and safety he exudes. I sink into that happy meditation peace that comes after a workout. I don’t know how long he holds onto me, but I don’t want it to stop.

A throat clears loudly. For once, I don’t startle, choosing to ignore the intrusion as long as I can. Asher’s arms tighten a little as I tuck my head down towards his chest.

“Hello?” Blaze asks impatiently. “Just letting you know no one died over here, and the next class is a little impatient.”

“They can wait,” he draws back to nuzzle my temple.

“Yeah, sure.” Blaze sounds really angry. He doesn’t say anything else before he walks away.

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