Page 13 of Forever Home

“Yeah, except for it being more peaceful. We raised hell around these parts in our high school days.”

My comment causes us both to laugh, my mind drifting down memory lane towards all the shit Asher, Knox, and I used to get up to. From sneaking out to parties to sneaking into people's backyards to swim late at night without them knowing.

“It’s funny how time flies when you get older.”

Gazing back at Asher, I find him staring at me with a mischievous gaze in his eyes. “I still can’t believe it.”

“Believe what?”

“Jaxson Rivers is a fucking chef.” He laughs, waving his hand dismissively in the air. As if me being a chef is an impossible task. “I mean, I know you had to find something else to do after the injury… but I never thought you’d turn to cooking.”

“Man,” I start, shaking my head with a smirk as I stare at him. “Did I say things like an arrogant ass when I was in my football days?”

Actually, yeah, I probably did sound just like Ash.

My comment causes Asher and I both to laugh as he shrugs his shoulders and takes a sip of his drink. “I mean… you were my wingman back in the day. But even after all that shit with you happened, you still came out as a very wealthy man.”

“Wealthy?” I scoff, shaking my head with a smile. “I’m comfortable.”

“Comfortable my ass.”

“Yeah, and you’re not doing so bad yourself,” I remind him. To which he gives atouchégesture.

Grinning, we toast each other for our good fortune and business sense. He waves at the waitress to bring us another round of drinks. The conversation flows from everyday nonsense that we had gotten up to into all the batshit crazy things I’ve done in search of excitement.

“You went skydivingwhere?” Asher gasps, eyes wide and a smile spread from ear to ear.

“Africa.”

“The fuck… like with elephants and shit?” I can’t help but find amusement in his words at the shock at all of my adventures since we last hung out. I might not play football anymore, but I’m still chasing the same rush.

I want adventure, while still doing what I love.

“Well, I didn’t see elephants during that part of my time there,” I reply, sipping on my drink. “But the guys and I did one of those sightseeing safaris afterward. You should try it.”

Shaking his head, laughter erupts from his throat. “I’m okay on that front. Though, from the sounds of it you’ve been everywhere haven’t you?”

“Not everywhere,” I reply with a shrug of my shoulder. “I have a bucket list I’m slowly checking off.”

“Well, it’s good to have you back here. I don’t think it would have been as… enjoyable if you hadn’t been here.”

Raising a brow, the corner of my lips perks up as I shake my head. “I’m sure there is someone else here that would have preoccupied your mind. Or, from your reputation, several someones.”

His eyes meet mine, speechless. Almost as if he is pondering over his words carefully before he speaks. “They’re ours for the pickings, am I right?” He gives a sardonic little salute with his glass, his tone surprisingly flat.

It was fun for a while, taking a different girl home every night, but it got boring. And honestly, I don’t think I can see Kylie, Sam, or… The thought of Madi’s gorgeous eyes staring up at me stops me in my tracks once more. Why is it that every time I think of this woman my cock twitches as if expecting her to warm it?

“I’m not here for that,” I tell him, clearing my throat. “I tried the wholejust for funsort of thing when I played ball and especially after I made a name for myself as a chef. Once they knew I had money, they were all over me, hoping to cash in on a rich bachelor to make their lives easier.”

But it wasn’t just the women. The worst part of fame and fortune is never knowing who your friends really are. Do they like me for me or what I can give them? I finally figured out that none of those people would be there for meunlessI called them up to take them to the next exclusive club, the next VIP event, or the next sold-out sports event. It might be my money or it might be the popularity perk that comes with having a billionaire friend, but rarely were they hanging out with me because they genuinely wanted to.

From Ash’s tone and the wry gleam in his eyes, I get the feeling he feels similar.

“I got tired of that shit,” I admit. “And when I tried to settle down and really commit…Damn,did I choose the wrong girl to try and build a relationship with.”

Ash nods, and I can see he understands me. It looks like he’s tired of playing the field too. Hell, it’s a lot of fun at first, but the high of popularity clears and reality sets in after a while.

“I take it you had a run in with a bad situation?” he asks, not really fishing but making casual conversation.

---