Page 95 of Love is a Dance Step
She hung up, her mom’s words rolling through her mind. Her truths had to be stronger than the lies. But what were her truths? That was the problem, wasn’t it?
She didn’t know how she felt.
And part of her wondered if whatever they’d started was worth the cost.
“Lo!” At first, she thought she’d imagined the voice. Then, he called louder. “Lola.”
Lola turned to find Asher strolling toward her, a duffel hanging off one shoulder and a grin stretching across his face. He dropped the duffel and ran the rest of the way. Before she could even process his presence, he swept her into his arms and lifted her off the ground.
“Asher?” She pulled back to look at him. “You’re here?”
“I missed you.” As if those three words explained everything, she crushed herself to him, wrapping her arms around him, fearing he might disappear. For so long, she’d been surrounded by near strangers who only knew her as one of Drew’s dancers. But this man… oh, this man knew her as everything she was.
“What are you doing here?” She couldn’t keep the skepticism from showing on her face.
He set her back on her feet, his face sobering. “I’ve been following the tabloids.” Sympathy entered his gaze. “I’m sorry you’ve been caught up in Drew’s media storm. It’s not fair to you. I figured you could use a friend. Plus, New York City, baby! I needed a night or two away.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re here.” Even after everything, seeing Asher was like being in the comfort of her own home.
Her old feelings tried to rise to the surface, but she squashed them as thoughts of Drew filled her mind and soul. Being with Asher had never lit her on fire that way. Never had her needing more like she needed her next breath.
That was how she knew. She didn’t love Asher except as her very best friend. He was her person and always would be.
“Do you have a hotel room?” She eyed his bag.
“Yeah, it’s a floor below this, but I wanted to see you first.”
That made her smile as she slipped her room key into the slot and pushed the door open. “Well, come in. Welcome to the Drew Stone and Noah Clarke tour.”
Asher lifted his bag and followed her in, stopping when he saw Brooke and Nolan arguing over a TV show.
They stopped arguing when they caught sight of Asher.
“Hello?” Nolan looked from Asher to Lola in question.
Lola gestured to Asher. “This is Asher. Ash, meet Nolan and Brooke.”
“Hey.” Asher shot them his usual confident smile. Unlike Lola, meeting new people didn’t bother him. He could be comfortable around anyone… well, anyone except his brother. “Is Drew around?”
Brooke lifted a brow. “You can’t just waltz into this hotel and expect to meet Drew Stone.”
Asher gave her an amused smile. “He’s my brother.”
Her mouth fell open.
Nolan stood. “Oh, you’rethatAsher.” He stuck out his hand. “Good to meet you.”
Asher took it. “Likewise.”
“Are you in town visiting Drew?” Brooke crossed her arms. “Because he’s not staying at the hotel.”
Asher nudged Lola. “Nope, I’m here to see my favorite girl.”
Brooke and Nolan shared a look Lola couldn’t decipher.
“Well.” Brooke clapped her hands together, excitement in her eyes. “Now that you’ve come to see Lola, you can convince her to come out tonight.”
Lola groaned. She already knew what Asher would say.
