Page 121 of One More Kiss

Gen

The smellof salty air and the sound of waves crashing in the distance gives me a false sense of comfort. Since last night – or this morning, rather – I haven’t been able to stop feeling on edge. The water has always calmed me, and it almost feels like it’s trying too, but my mind or my body won’t let it.

I couldn’t go back to sleep after I went back to Margot’s bed. I also haven’t been able to think of it as our bed since Asher said something about it. I don’t know what’s going on with me and normally I’d talk to Margot about it, but something gives me the feeling she wouldn’t be so helpful with this one.

After laying there for a half hour, I got up and started making us some breakfast and snacks for the road. Although the snacks were kind of pointless since Margot ate them all within the first 2 hours of our 5-hour drive.

They went to go grab some dinner, but I opted to stay at the hotel with the excuse of a migraine coming on. My fingers massage my temples as I inhale deeply on the porches’ edge. A woman shrieks down on the beach as her boyfriend picks her up, throws her over his shoulder and carries her towards the water. The scene brings a small smile to my face remembering when Asher carried me out of the party.

“I was hungry!” Margot yells as she opens the door, causing me to turn.

“Why are you yelling?” I laugh coming into the small kitchenette area to help her with the takeout bags.

“Asher’s at the other end of the hall.” She answers.

“So, you yelled?”

“I wanted him to hear me, so yes. I did.” She says with a mouth full of fries.

“Let me in!” Asher yells. Margot stomps towards the door, opening it and staring at her brother. “Are you going to move?” He asks before Margot reluctantly removes herself out of his path.

Asher places the drinks down on the counter next to me, his arm brushing against mine causing goosebumps to raise.

“How’s your head?” He asks me, searching my face for a hint of pain.

“It’s easing up, I think.” I look away.

“Maybe eating will help. Margot ordered four orders of fries, chicken sandwiches and four orders of four-piece chicken strips.” Asher eyes Margot with judgement causing me to smile. It’s a wonder she keeps such a small figure.

“It’s food for the morning too!” She says defensively.

“Chicken strips? For breakfast?” Asher practically yells.

“Don’t judge me.” Margot says snatching up her burger and drink to come sit on the full-sized bed we’re sharing.

I eat my burger watching the two most important people in my life lovingly argue. And I have no idea what I’m going to do about Asher. The guilt and worry is eating me up inside, and it’s now I realize that either way, I will have to hurt one of the people I love most in the world.

Do I betray my best friend for loving her brother?

Or do I hurt her brother for ending something that has barely even begun?

The water laps gently at my feet and legs as I sit on the shore. Margot’s back at the hotel in a food coma while Asher and I ventured out to the water. He sits beside me his fingertips stroking the back of mine lightly.

“Asher,” I sigh. “We need to talk.” I say softly watching his fingers roam across my hand gently.

“Don’t.” He says simply.

“Don’t talk?” I scoff.

“Don’t ruin this,” he begs.

“This is wrong, Asher.” I try to reason.

“Then why doesn’t it feel wrong?” He asks taking my hand in both of his.

“I don’t know. Maybe we’re lying to ourselves.” I say while pulling my hand out of his. I look back out towards the water, the disappointment in his eyes burning a hole in my chest.

“Give me this weekend, Genny. Let me prove to you this isn’t wrong.” He says standing when I do.

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