Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Unfortunately I had little luck with my online search, or with him. All I came across were aerial photos of some Hollywood Hills mansion he lived in back when he and Sabrina Wilson dated. You know, that other time. Unlike this time when their relationship is supposedly fake for PR or whatever.
Great now I'm thinking about that.
It's hard to ignore the tabloids and pictures of them that pop up every few days. An unhealthy level of uncertainty creeps in about the same time my phone lights up.
The Nicest Man Ever: You know what, the red ones are nice too.
Me: Are you high or something?
The Nicest Man Ever: Nope, I stand by what I said. Gold is my favorite.
The Nicest Man Ever: Blue.
Me: What the hell Asher?
“Yes?” his voice is deep. And here.
I snap around.
Oh my god!
I dart up so fast that I accidentally knock over the entire bowl of popcorn. I don't care how desperate it looks. I leap off the deck and into his waiting arms.
He drops his duffel and spins me around.
For a second I think we're about to kiss. In fact I'm almost the one who initiates it. But then I hear Ben and remember we’re not alone.
With a chuckle Asher places me down.
He picks up his bag and high fives Ben.
Then he turns to me with a smile.
He looks good, and happy.
“Next month, you jerk?” I shove his chest.
“What," he shrugs. "I am coming to New York City next month. And to be fair, I’m in the country now.”
“Is he here?” Mom appears with Dad close behind.
What the hell is going on?
“I wanted to surprise you,” Asher grins.
“You all planned this?” I look at my parents, and then at Asher, remembering he had a bag. “You're staying here?”
“Your Mum graciously invited me to bunk in the guest room.” He walks over and greets her with a hug. Then he shakes Dad's hand.
“We’re so glad you’re here!" Mom squeals. "Lets get you settled! I got your menu of likes and dislikes.”
Dad grabs his bag.
“I’ve got it, Abe,” he takes the duffel, giving him a pat on the back. "I told them not to send anything," he rolls his eyes. "I'm embarrassed. Please ignore it. I will have whatever."
What has Asher done with Asher?
“Um... I can show him to his room," I offer.
“But the fireworks, Elle!” Ben groans.
“We’ll be quick,” Asher ruffles his hair before following me inside.
The fireworks are a light crackling in the distance. I’m ever so cautious of Asher’s presence as he follows me up the stairs. I feel his stare, all the way down the hall to the guestroom. I stop in front of the door. His arm brushes mine.
"So which one is your room?"
"Wouldn't you like to know."
"Yes." His body presses me into the door, the sparkle in his eyes matching mine.
I surprise him by turning the handle. He stumbles inside with a look. I follow, hiding my smile.
I was not expecting the room to be made up. “I’d offer you clean sheets and fresh towels but it looks like Mom already took care of it.”
Asher drops his bag, his eyes on fire. He didn't like the little stunt I pulled just now. "Shut the door."
"Will the cotton sheets be a high enough thread count for you?" I tease, watching him slowly approach. “We said we’d be right back.” I swallow hard and look away, a poor attempt at hiding just how much I want whatever it is he's thinking. Or maybe I'm not so subtle, since I softly shut the door with a wide, eager expression.
“This won’t take long,” he grabs me by the waist and leans in.
"Is this really a good idea?" I croak.
"I dunno. Let’s find out."
His mouth is the fire I saw in his stare, his tongue the hottest part of the flame, taking me to a place I've never been before, feeling things that are brand new.
Importance.
Wanted.
Needed.
The back of my knees hit the bed and I fall. His weight lands on top of me.
"Asher," I moan.
"I'm sorry," he mumbles, his mouth working overtime, his teeth taking my bottom lip before pulling away.
"Don't be."
His mouth is quickly back on mine as he rolls his hips. I do the same.
Damn jean shorts.
And soon our low moans fill the room.
"You guys coming?" Mom yells. "You're missing the show!"
Shit.
I swallow hard before answering.
"Yes!" I shout, just as Asher rolls off me and stands, moving to the other side of the room.
"Fuck, Elle," he breathes, turning away. His palms slam into the wall.
It takes me a good minute to catch my breath. I fix my hair and shirt as I do.
Ready.
I stop at the door and turn the handle, but just as I'm about to open it his arm shoots out. His fingers slide up my side, all the way up, stopping at my chin and gently edging me forward.