Page 50 of Be Your Forever
Mom: Larson? Oh I hope so. I just love that boy.
Dad: He better treat my girl right.
Me: Dad…
Me: See you both on Saturday.
I look up at Dr. Jacqui and her face is blurry. My fingers touch my cheeks and that’s when I realize I’ve been crying. Once I start, I can’t seem to stop, and Dr. Jacqui just reaches out to squeeze my hand, allowing me to feel the emotions as they come.
Asher is waiting for me in the parking lot, and I’ve never been more grateful that he’s his own boss. He wraps his arms around me and offers me silent comfort. When I get into the passenger seat, another set of flowers—daisies this time—are waiting for me. This has become our norm, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“How did therapy go today?”
“Good. I had some realizations, but more importantly, I finally did it.”
“Did what, bear?”
“I texted my parents and invited them over for dinner. They are coming at six on Saturday. Can you still come?” Saturdays are busy at the bar, so I won’t blame him if he can’t go.
“I’ll be there. I can just head to the bar after. You’re more than welcome to come hang, maybe we can have a repeat performance in the office.” Asher grins his boyish grin while winking at me. There are so many other things I want to try with this man, but I just haven’t worked up the courage yet. Maybe soon.
Clearly, today is the day for taking risks, because I’m placing my hand on his arm, stopping him from buckling his seatbelt.
“It’s time.” Asher blinks at me, and I watch as recognition flashes across his face.
“Are you sure?”
Am I sure? Well, a part of me still doesn’t want to do it. I’m scared and nervous, but it’s now or never.
“Yes, I’m sure.” Asher leans over to place a bruising kiss to my lips before all but jumping out the car. I follow suit and place my hand in his outstretched one. I find myself being crushed in his arms while he repeats how proud of me he is.
Asher
Her laugh is like music to my ears
Briissexyasfuck when she steps outside of her comfort zone. After gushing over how proud I am of her, I take her hand in mine and bring her over to the driver's side door. She looks at the handle like it has a poisonous snake wrapped around it.
I squeeze her shoulders before leaning down to whisper in her ear, “You can do this. I’m right here if you need me. We can take it one step at a time. I’ve got you.” Her eyes lock on mine, and I watch as trust and something else shine in her eyes. Fuck, she’s stunning.
“O-Okay. I-I can do this. I have to do this.” Bri’s hand wraps around the handle and I watch her take a slow, deep breath before pulling it open. I take a step back, but not far enough in case she needs me. Then I watch as she climbs into the driver’s seat, and I swear my heart flips inside my chest.
“Look at you sitting in this car and owning it like the badass you are. Fuck, Bri, if we weren’t in this parking lot and you weren’t doing something so scary,I’d drag your ass to the backseat and fuck you senseless.”
Bri’s laugh is like music to my ears, and I watch as her hands white-knuckle the steering wheel. She’s doing it. She’s taking back the thing that threatened to destroy her.
“Asher. Look! I-I’m doing it. I’m sitting in the front seat. I know it’s probably silly—”
I grip her chin with my fingers and turn her gaze to me. I must have an intense expression on my face because Bri inhales a sharp breath while she searches my face.
“Bri. It’s not silly. You are doing something you never thought you’d do again. Seeing you stare your fear directly in the face is so fucking hot. So, I never want to hear you say this is silly when dealing with some tough shit. You hear me?”
“Y-Yes. It’s not silly. I’m not ready to drive yet, but it feels nice to sit here.”
“How are you feeling sitting behind the wheel?”
“Well, my heart is beating wickedly fast, and I feel like I want to throw up, but I’m here. And I feel…proud of myself for doing it.”
“Damn right you feel proud. Now, look into my eyes and let's breathe together to see if we can get that heartrate down a little.” I run my fingers through her hair and just focus on breathing nice and slow. Bri mimics my breathing, and I can see the tension begin to leave her body.
