Page 594 of One More Kiss

Chapter3

Asher

Kristee’s hand is within mine. Our fingers are intertwined.

She asked me why my heart would break if she wasn’t here.

It’s a valid question. It shouldn’t. I don’t know her. I met her twenty minutes ago.

But I DO care. It really would break my heart.

She was going to kill herself. She just flat out said it like she was saying she was going to dinner.

She has demons, too.

I don’t know if we battle the same demons, but I should tell her. I should let her know that I fight against my own demons all day, every day.

She isn’t alone. Neither am I.

Maybe we can be each other’s light. The darkness can’t win if we fight it with light.

Taking both of her hands in my larger ones, I lean forward, resting my forehead against hers. As outrageous as this is, it feels right. Natural. Like home. “Because you matter, Kristee. You matter. You matter to me…

“I have a proposition… spend tonight with me. Let’s get to know each other. Let’s explore the city. Let’s look at it with new eyes. Let’s see each other...

“And if you still feel the same way when the sun rises, well, you can let the demon’s win. But tonight… tonight let’s fight like hell. Let’s live.”

Her eyes are glassy as she fights back tears. I feel them in my own. The thought of this beautiful woman feeling so insignificant has my heart in a vice. Thunders sounds in the distance. The sound echoing within my chest.

Does she truly have no one who cares for her?

I understand. I empathize. Because even though I know it’s untrue, I feel that way, too.

Tonight, I’m going to show Kristee that she’s wrong. She matters. Maybe by convincing her, I can convince myself, too.

All she has to do is accept my offer.

Will she?

Please accept.

Finally, she jerkily nods. Elation fills me as she says, “I’ll spend tonight with you, Asher.” She laughs. The sound is high pitched. “This is crazy. I don’t even know you, but I don’t want to break your heart. So yes, Asher. I’ll spend tonight with you… living.” She shrugs. “Though, it’ll have to be cheap. I gave you the last twenty dollars I had, and I don’t have anything else on me…”

I laugh with genuine humor.

Like money matters to me. That’s the one thing I have in abundance. Thanks to my last name and my trust fund.

Squeezing her hands, I mutter, “No problem. I’ve got you. Money is one thing I never have to worry about.” Her eyes widen and she blinks with surprise. “I’m fucking rich as shit. But the saying is bullshit. Money certainly does not buy happiness.

“So, what do you want to do tonight? Dinner? Dancing? Just walk? Whatever you want to do, we’re doing it. Tonight is your night, Kristee.”

She squeaks, “You’re rich?! Are you serious?”

Throwing my head back, I laugh as my hands tighten on hers.

I feel light… happy… free.

Smiling down at her, I nod. “Filthy rich. I have more money than I know what to do with.” Her eyes are as wide as saucers as she stares up at me with her lips slightly parted. She gasps. Leaning down, I lightly brush my lips over hers. I didn’t intend to do it. It wasn’t a conscious decision. She gasps again, her breath dancing over my lips as I pull back.

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