Page 148 of The Sidekick

“No. We need to be apart sometimes. I better get it through my head now,” he sounds like he’s trying to convince himself. “Besides, she knows she can do this on her own. Don’t you, angel.”

He doesn’t ask.

It puts a little steel in my spine. He’s confessed everything, tearing himself open and leaving his emotions at my feet to trample on without a care. He saw me last night and what a mess I really am, and he still sees me as strong. He’s offering my bestie a hiding spot while he’s depressed. Who does all of that for a joke or to play with someone’s emotions? No one.

I straighten in my seat and nod, sliding my jaw into the stubborn angle.

“Finish your smoothie and take your time,” he tells me seriously. “Don’t rush. If you need me for anything, call.”

“I will,” I assure him with a bright smile. He’s like a character in a turn-based game. I’ll tag him in and sit back to watch the destruction.

“Bye, Tera,” Shade says in a wheedling tone.

I hurry off the couch and throw my arms around him, knocking him back a step. He laughs and hugs me back for once. He’s seriously hurting if he’s hugging me back.

“Be safe. Don’t be a jerk to random strangers.”

“No and no.”

I giggle and squeeze him tighter. “Ok. Try to make new friends at camp, sweetie pie.”

He makes a disgusted noise and shoves me away to walk out.

“Wait up, son,” Asher calls, then turns to me. “Where’s my hug?”

“Wait! Your phone!” I run into the bedroom and bring it back to him.

“Thank you, angel,” he takes it from me and leans down to kiss me gently, a light press of his lips to mine that lingers. I sway forward and part my lips a little, inviting a deeper kiss.

“No,” he pulls back and shakes his head. “Or I’ll say fuck it and close us in the bedroom for a week.”

My eyes widen because he sounds absolutely serious.

Asher lets out a frustrated sound and brushes a hand over my throat. I feel the stroke all down the front of my body and sway again.

“Fuck,” he snaps and walks out, closing the door behind him.

“Have a good day?” I say, bewildered. I would have been ok with the week in a locked bedroom idea.

“Don’t forget to call me.”

I startle and look at the door. He sounds like he has his head pressed against it.

“I won’t.”

“Good.”

I watch as he stomps barefoot into the parking lot. Shade tosses him the keys, laughing at him.

Babygirl,

I’ve missed you. Everything about you.

I’m so damn sorry.

I will explain in person why I said what I did. I don’t want anyone else reading it, but I want to tell you. Just you.

Chapter Forty-Nine

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