Page 29 (1/2)

“Ellie” Asher takes

I wrap my arms around his waist and allowthe world fall away, and just enjoy whato back to normal, and I' Asher’s friend I don't want to lose this

“I promise I won’t fake break up with you until you’re ready to call it quits” Asher presses his lips to my temple then pulls back and forcesthis thing we have is one-sided, I like spending time with you too At this point, you’re the only person I’d call my friend”

“You have friends, Asher Quit playing”

“No” He shakes his head “I have acquaintances, people I’m forced to be around, and Liam None of them I’d consider a friend You, Ellie, are the only person I’ve ever brought to ht, in any bed And my only friend”

Asher leans against an oak tree at the front entrance of Ridgewater High, ar low on his hips, even with a belt, and the navy blue button-down falls near his waist, untucked He’s got his usual ‘just had sex’ air to him, and I can’t look away

I sit in my car for a few extra seconds to watch hi I realized this weekend that there’s ht

Sure, he’s handso curves of his jawline and how the tip of his nose has a se all the tiht He has to live with ahis half-brother live a life that should be his A life of warm meals, lavish birthdays, and carefree existence I would be pissed off and keep everyone at arth too

But there’s another side to Asher people don’t ever see A sweetness that I thought was lost as he transitioned from boy to man Deep beneath that hard exterior is the kid I used to have staring contests with I loved falling into Asher’s eyes, looking for new colors in his bottomless irises The sa to chase after un on solovebox

I glance at the latch on et rid of it? He needs that with him, at home, more than I need it in my car Also, Dad would killAsher, that’s probably not the case, but it would be my luck

Asher I turn aze back to the courtyard and watch hi craziness, I said there would never be anything between us I think I’m a liar and I can’t blame the alcohol anymore

I think I’ve caught feelings for my fake boyfriend, and it sucks

I ju beside er seat and smile I haven’t seen Asher since we left the beach on Saturday afternoon He had to work at the diner the rest of the weekend, probably to pay his shitty stepdad’s rent Unable to sleep Saturday night and with nothing to do on Sunday, I foundAsher to Lia how I find h they are so different

Asher: I’m outside Where are you?

Me: Just parked Be there in a sec