Page 147 of The Sidekick

“Because I picked that lock in under ten seconds, and all you would need for a chain is a magnet. It’s not enough. I want her safe, don’t you?”

I inhale a deep breath and hold it as my eyes widen. He’s perfect. I emotionally died, and he is my reward for persevering.

Shade starts laughing in surprise at whatever look I have on my face. “Do we need to pause so you can change your panties, Tera?”

I can’t even say anything back to him at that gross comment. I’m too busy staring at Asher while he blushes and apologizes for breaking in.

“She’s not listening, and she doesn’t care about a little B&E. You just broke her, man. Give her a second,” Shade cackles as he leans back in the chair. When his smile wobbles a little, it draws me back into the conversation.

“Your job right now is to rest and relax. I’m all over this, big bro.”

“That frightens me more than comforts me, Tera.”

“Doesn’t matter. The ball is rolling. Want me to help you pack?”

Shade glares at me, “No, mom. I think I can get it.”

When he stands to walk away, I can’t help calling, “Have fun at camp, son! Call me every day. You know how I worry.”

His door slams, and I turn to Asher with a grin.

“What’s the plan?” He asks with a smirk.

“Not while Shade is here, he’ll need deniability. Also, I need to check this out. Make sure it isn’t a misunderstanding? I don’t know, I just want everything to be ok, and it’s a pipedream because reality is crap-”

“Is it? I thought things were looking up,” he gives me a pointed look, and I blush.

“Sorry.” I wince with a sheepish shrug. “On a super sad note, I need to text my yoga instructor and let him know I won’t be in for class today.”

“Really,” he raises a brow and stalks towards me.

“Really. I want to get the investigation done so I can move on to the punishment.”

“I thought you wanted it to be a misunderstanding?”

“I do. Really. Either way, they’re all being jerks, and I’m tired of letting it slide. No one messes with the people I care about.”

He chuckles softly as he stands directly in front of me. I have to look up his body to meet his eyes. The position places my face at the perfect height. I chew my lip to resist temptation. From the look in his eyes, he knows exactly what he’s doing to me.

“I need the time to psyche myself up,” I blurt out with a wince. He crouches down, meeting my eyes at a more comfortable level. I’m both relieved and disappointed.

“Why do you need to do that?”

“I need my computer, and Satan has it.” I can’t believe I’ve left it for so long. I’m a horrible parent.

“Is that your nickname for Trevor? You’re going to tell me what happened between you three. Not now, but soon.”Asher’s hand cups my cheek. I close my eyes to enjoy the sensation. “I want your side.”

I don’t want to tell him. What if he hears my side and agrees that I’m just a toy? It would crush what’s left of me.

“Could you guys stop for five seconds? I think I’m going to puke,” Shade glares at us from the hallway, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder.

“Don’t interrupt us, son. We won’t be late to camp,” Asher deadpans. He doesn’t take his eyes off my face as I laugh, so he misses the death glare Shade throws at him.

“Fuck both of you.”

“I have to get ready for work,” Asher stands and backs away from me as if he doesn’t want to go anywhere. His hand is slow to drop away from my face.

“You’re not going with her?” Shade asks warily, proving he was once again eavesdropping. I’d tell him to stop, but he gets the best secrets. I don’t want to limit him.

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