So instead of pushing for more than he was ready to give me, I shuffled closer to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’m sorry,” I said quietly.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever told anyone the truth.” Asher eased back to look at me. “I’m glad it was you, Mya.”
“I won’t tell a soul.”
“I know,” he said. “I have to tell them eventually. They’re already asking why I haven’t formally committed to the Pittsburgh Panthers next fall. They don’t know it’s because my future is already sealed at Pittsburgh, and it doesn’t involve football.”
“They’d understand.”
“Maybe. But I don’t want it to come between us, not when we only have a few months left of senior year. Besides, you know what Jason is like. If he found out the truth…”
He wouldn’t be able to bite his tongue. Because despite all his flaws Jason Ford protected those he cared about, and Asher was like family to him.
“There’s more, isn’t there?” I couldn’t stop the words from tumbling out. But something about the whole thing didn’t sit right with me.
“Yeah,” Asher let out a weary sigh. “If I don’t keep my end of the bargain and go to Pittsburgh like a good little lap dog, Dad will cut me off. No trust fund, no college, no future.”
“There are other ways, Asher. Scholarships for one.” I knew from Felicity that he’d been offered at least two athletic scholarships.
“It’s not that simple.” He ground out. “It won’t only be me that suffers. I have to think about Mom. Me and Dad are all she has.”
“I’m just saying—”
“Can we not do this right now?” His eyes were soft despite his callous tone. “It’s been a rough couple of days and I’m exhausted.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I should go—” I went to stand but Asher caught my hand.
“I don’t want you to leave.”
“You don’t?”
He shook his head. “Stay.”
“Asher, I’m not sure…”
“Look, I know you don’t want anything serious and I know you’re still hung up on your ex, but I like you. I like you a lot. I can go slow, if that’s what you need.”
He looked so adorable staring up at me with his big blue eyes. “Give me a chance, Mya, please. That’s all I’m asking.”
There were so many reasons it was a bad idea.
So many.
But how could I deny him when he’d trusted me with something he’d never trusted anyone else with?
“I’ll stay but I’m not making any promises. Our lives are both complicated and us being more than just friends will only complicate them further.”
“I can live with that.” He got up and hooked his arm around my waist, drawing me into his body. His eyes homed in on my lips and he started to lean in.
“Asher, friends don’t kiss.”
“Maybe we can be the exception to the rule,” he said around an irresistible smile.
A dangerous smile.
A smile I knew would get us both into a lot of trouble.
Chapter Ten
Asher
Mya stared up at me, lust and indecision swirling in her eyes. She wanted me. She wanted this. But she was still fighting it.
“I promise I won’t fall in love with you, if that’s what you’re worried about,” the words were barely a whisper against the corner of her mouth. “I know we’re heading in different directions. I know this is only temporary, but you make all the shit fade into the background.”
“Asher,” she breathed, pressing her forehead closer to mine.
“I won’t hurt you, I promise.” But you might destroy me. Because although I’d promised her I wouldn’t fall in love with her, I could already feel myself doing exactly that. It was a small price to pay though, if it meant having her in my life.
Mya fisted my t-shirt, fighting whatever battle raged inside her. Maybe it was her lingering feelings for her ex, or maybe it was the fact he’d hurt her and she didn’t want to trust another guy so soon. Whatever it was, I wanted to prove her wrong, to show her nothing else mattered except the way we made each other feel.
This time when I brushed my lips over hers, Mya didn’t resist. She pulled me closer, anchoring us together, deepening the kiss. Our tongues tangled in soft lazy licks, setting my body on fire. My hands glided down her spine, finding her perfect ass, pressing her into my rock-hard dick.
“See what you do to me,” I said against her swollen lips. “See how much I want you.”
Mya whimpered, rubbing herself on me, letting me rock into her at the perfect angle. I wanted to strip her down and take her right here on the couch, but I knew she wasn’t ready. She was only just getting her head around us being kissing friends.
“Come on,” I said, pulling away, smirking at how flushed and breathless she was. Leading her back up to the first floor, we walked in comfortable silence upstairs to my bedroom. “At least I can walk in a straight line tonight,” I joked.
“I should probably text my aunt,” she said.
“What will you tell her?”
“That I’m staying with the girls.”
I gave her a curt nod. I didn’t expect her to tell her aunt the truth, but it still stung knowing I was her dirty little secret.
“It’s just easier this way, Asher,” Mya added, sensing my change in mood.
“It’s all good,” I said around an easy smile as we entered my room. “At least your aunt gives a shit what you’re doing and who you’re with.”
My dad hadn’t cared in a long time. As long as I wasn’t tarnishing his reputation, he’d pretty much washed his hands of me. Most kids eagerly awaited the day their parents went out of town and left them home alone, but I’d been used to my own company since ninth grade.
“You want a t-shirt to sleep in?”
“I… uh…” Mya lowered her eyes, toying with the hem of her shirt. “I guess.”
With a quiet chuckle, I went over to the dresser and pulled out a clean Raiders jersey.
“Oh, hell no, I’m not wearing that.” Her nose scrunched up in disgust.
“Please.” I stuck out my bottom lip. “For me?”
“Asher, come on… isn’t there some kind of jersey ritual where you should only let your girl wear your number?”
“That’s a thing?” I teased. “I never knew.”
“I’d rather sleep naked than wear that thing.”
“Really? Because that can be arranged.”
Shaking her head, Mya fought a smile. “Fine, give it here.”
“The bathroom’s through there.” I pointed to the door.
“Oh, I remember.” She gave me a bemused look as she stalked past me, my jersey in a death grip. “I hope you cleaned up after last night,” her voice drifted back to me and I smothered a laugh.
While Mya got changed, I stripped out of my clothes and dumped them on the chair. I didn’t expect to turn around and see her standing in the doorway watching me through hooded eyes. “See something you like?” My brow quirked up as I patted my abs.