Page 35 of From Asher, With Love

I’m thankful for the shift. Weather is good. Weather is safe.

My body lightens with our new topic of conversation, despite our never-ending descent to the first floor. I read the paint on the wall and see we’re only on the forty-first level.

What the fuck?

“After living in New England my entire life, L.A. was certainly a change. I liked the warm weather, but I won’t deny I missed the changing of the seasons.”

“I can see that.” She grins, displaying her perfect teeth. “It’s like spring.”

I cock an eyebrow. “The changing of the seasons is like spring?”

She laughs, shaking her head. “I meant that nature steals from itself in the winter. Flowers wilt and dry up. The trees are forced to shed their leaves. Everything becomes dark and exposed, stripped down to its barest form. But then spring comes along and gives nature a gift.”

“So, what you’re saying is that nature is its own worst enemy.” I scoff, laughing under my breath. “Sounds like nature can be an asshole.”

“Sometimes.” She chuckles. “But that’s the beauty in it.”

“There’s beauty in loss?”

She glances at me. “No, but there’s beauty in its forgiveness.”

I can’t quite figure out what it is, but my chest is warming as we continue talking. It’s as if the small pieces of the old Charleigh I chose to forget are slowly slipping back in. I remind myself to be careful to not let her in too much, though. There were reasons I pushed Charleigh away the last time I saw her, and I need to remember why before I cross a line I don’t want to cross.

We travel down the next thirty flights in silence, the sound of our footsteps the only noise bouncing off the cement walls. About four flights back, I noticed Charleigh’s pace starting to slow. It’s now taking her nearly twice as long to travel down one flight. Her lips press tightly together as her eyes narrow. She lifts her foot as she takes a step, rolling her ankle to release the tension. I can tell she’s hiding her pain from me. I bite the inside of my cheek, trying not to laugh.

“What?” She winces again, this time more noticeably. “Why do you keep looking at me like that?”

“Your feet hurt, don’t they?”

“No.” She gives me a side glance and tips her chin up. “I’m fine.”

When we take the next step, her mouth pushes out an audible hissing sound.

I freeze. She’s a step below me, but she’s standing on the landing. The door to the thirteenth floor is behind her.

“You’re lying.” I point to her feet. “Those heels are killing you. Admit it.”

“They are not. I told you, I’m fine.”

“Quit being ridiculous. You can’t finish out these last twelve levels. We’ll take the elevator from here, and you can go home to change.”

“I said I was fine, Asher. I’m not going home to change. It’ll be a waste of time when we’re already behind.”

“Fine.” I groan. “Then, I’ll have my driver take us to a shoe store along the way.”

“Are you kidding? I’m not wasting money on a new pair of shoes, either.”

“I’ll pay for them.”

“No.” Her eyes flash with anger and frustration. “You are not buying me shoes.”

She moves to take another step but winces again. I don’t hesitate; instinct taking me over.

“Come here.” I step off the last step to get even with her and open my arms.

She takes a step back. “What are you doing?”

I keep my arms out, taking another step closer to her. “If you’re going to be stubborn, I’ll carry you the rest of the way.”

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