Page 56 of Penalized Love

I feel a blush creeping up my neck at the compliment. Is he flirting with me?“I’m just doing my job.”

“Nah, it’s more than that,”Asher insists.“You have a way of making people feel comfortable in front of the lens. It’s a gift, sunshine.”

His use of my old nickname catches me off guard again. I went from not hearing it in years to hearing it multiple times over the last couple of weeks, which has thrown me for a loop. And it does nothing to help the complex emotions I’m feeling.

I clear my throat, trying to steer the conversation back to safer territory.“Well, I think we’ve got some great material here. A few more shots of your cool-down stretches, and we should be ready to wrap this up.”

He nods, grabbing his towel to wipe his forehead again.“Sounds good. Then I’ll hit the showers, and maybe I can take you back to your dorm? I parked my car in the parking lot.”

And I didn’t bother driving today. Shit.“That’s okay. I don’t mind walking back to my dorm room.”

Asher’s gaze narrows at me.“It’s late, and you shouldn’t be walking around campus by yourself this late at night.”

I do a double take and fold my arms across my chest.“Crestwood University is pretty safe, Asher. I’ve lived in this town for the majority of my life.”

“I know Crestwood is safe, Isla. But humor me, okay?”

I hesitate for a moment, weighing my options. On one hand, accepting a ride from Asher feels like we might be crossing a line. It’s blurring the boundaries I’ve tried to maintain between us. But on the other hand, he’s right. It is late, and the thought of walking alone in the dark isn’t exactly appealing. And it’s just a car ride. Friends and coworkers ride in the same car as each other all the time.

Exes probably don’t, though. And didn’t I cross the line when I pulled him into my childhood bathroom?

Yes, Isla. You did.

“Okay, fine. I’ll take you up on that ride. But only because I don’t feel like arguing with you right now.”

Asher chuckles, a victorious grin spreading across his face.“I’ll take what I can get. Give me ten minutes to clean up and change, and I’ll meet you out front.”

I don’t mention that I could probably be back at my dorm in the time that it would take for him to be ready. True to his word, Asher emerges from the gym’s locker room ten minutes later,his hair damp from the shower and his book bag slung over his shoulder. We walk side by side to the parking lot, and neither one of us says a word.

As we reach his car, Asher opens the passenger door for me, ever the gentleman. I slide in, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach as he closes the door and walks around the vehicle to the driver’s side.

Once he pulls out of the parking lot, he glances at me before turning his attention back to the road.“Are you excited about our next game?”

At least he is keeping the conversation pretty neutral.“I am. This is the furthest away game you guys will be having, right?”

“Yeah, it’s a pretty long drive. The game should be pretty good, though, because of the quality of their team.”

“Y’all are going to do great. You’ve all been playing really well lately.”

“Thanks, I agree. So far, this season has been pretty good.”

“Stop being humble. You guys are a force to be reckoned with this season.”

“And having you there to capture all the big moments definitely helps keep morale up.”He punctuates his comment by sparing another glance at me.

I roll my eyes playfully.“Flattery will get you nowhere, Bennett.”

“It was worth a shot.”He chuckles as he pulls up in front of my dorm building. He puts the car in park and turns to face me.“Here we are, safe and sound as promised.”

“My hero once again,”I reply sarcastically.“Thanks for the ride. I really do appreciate it.”

“Anytime, Isla. I’m always happy to help.”

We just sit there for a moment, our eyes locked on each other. The air between us feels charged with sexual tension, and in the back of my mind, I can hear my brain telling me that Ineed to get out of his car. Finally, after some more nudging, I’m the first to break eye contact, reaching for the door handle.

“Well, I should head in. I have a bunch of work to finish and all that.”

“Right, of course.”Asher clears his throat.“I’ll see you at practice, then?”

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