Page 165 of The Sidekick

“He better,” Asher says calmly as he picks up a duffel bag from the doorway.

Max doesn’t pause as he hauls me out into the bar, making a spectacle of us both. There aren’t enough customers to make it embarrassing, but when Diana calls out, “Get it, girl!” I can’t stop the blush that takes over my face.

“Oh my gosh,” I bury my face in Max’s shoulder to hide.

Max laughs as he continues without a care. He sets me down by my car and glances back at Asher as he follows.

“Where’s your car?”

“I left it for Shade at Andi’s place,” Asher pauses at my side with a smile.

“That was sweet of you,” I grin at him, but Max has a totally different reaction.

“And the duffel bag?” His arm tenses around my shoulders.

“I’m staying with Tera.”

“You are?” I ask in surprise. I don’t remember inviting him over, not that I mind.

“I am,” he says calmly. His eyes are on Max now, and the smile has gotten smaller.

“How long have you two known each other again?” Max asks with a scowl.

“Does it matter?” Asher replies blandly.

“Yeah, I think it fucking does. Especially if you’re inviting yourself over to her place,” Max leans forward, making his height more apparent.

I’m confused. I thought they were all together on this. Asher was fine with me spending time with Max. Why can’t he have the same respect? I knew this was too good to last, even with my problems with Trevor. This is too unstable to work.

Asher looks up at him and shrugs. “One, what we do together isn’t your business unless Tera says it is. Two, Felix, Blaze, and who knows who else have keys to her apartment. They’ve also been around, unannounced, looking for Shade. I’m not letting her stay there by herself and hiding her at my place defeats the purpose of hiding Shade there.”

“Is that true?” Max turns to me with his dark frown. I nod sheepishly.

“They come over all the time. The noise was nauseating, to say the least.”

“Because he’s the older brother you never wished for,” Max grunts in frustration. “What a fucking mess.”

“Let’s just say my gas bill will go down now,” I pat his chest comfortingly with a wince.

“Fine,” he grudgingly agrees and then points a finger in Asher’s face. “If I find out you’ve done anything you shouldn’t, I will find a way to beat your ass.”

Asher doesn’t even blink as he says, “Good luck with that.”

“We’re leaving now,” I sing song as Max puffs up at Asher’s lack of fear.

“Bye, Max,” Asher gives him a cool smile and goes to the passenger door.

“Promise me you’re coming back tomorrow,” he whispers earnestly.

“I promise.” I smile warmly at him. His shoulders come down a fraction at the expression, his eyes softening as he watches me.

“I’m pissed that he gets to stay with you tonight,” he tells me as if that isn’t blatantly apparent.

“I noticed,” I cup his cheek. “Trevor needs you. You balance him perfectly. Maybe Asher needs me the same way? I’m not really sure, but it feels that way.”

He tilts his head and gives me a serious look. “I think you hit the nail on the head with that one.”

I nod and lean forward to whisper, “Now give me a kiss so I can get home and sleep.”

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