Page 38 of Asher

“You said it shouldn’t have happened, Asher. That makes it a mistake.”

“No. It doesn’t.” I met her glare with my own.

“Fine, what about the kiss after Bennett’s wedding?Youwalked away. Practically ran up the stairs. Away. From. Me.” Her hand shook as she placed it on her chest. She was angry or upset. I couldn’t tell.

“Because I basically attacked you.” My voice rose and her eyes widened before slitting.

“Did you see me arguing? Fighting you off?”

“We were drunk.”

“Okay, so that’s why you acted like it never happened?” She jutted her hip to the side, the slit from the towel widening ever so slightly. Fuck, I wanted to rip it from her body and show just how much I wanted her. But I didn’t think that would go over so well right now.

“I never acted like it didn’t happen. I made you coffee fully ready to discuss the next morning whenyouran and didn’t talk to me for almost a week.”

Her jaw flexed. “We talked.” She crossed her arms.

I scoffed. “Not really. Texting is not talking, Haley. You know that.”

“Fine. Explain it to me. When you decided to come back downstairs and cover me up for the night what did‘that was a mistake’mean? Please, I’m dying to know how mistake means anything other than a mistake.”

“It was a mistake.” I started, but Haley cut me off.

“Wow.”

“You didn’t let me finish.” I stepped closer and grabbed the back of her neck. I needed her to really see me, even though she was trying her damn best to avoid my gaze. “Thekisswasn’t the mistake, Haley. The mistake was walking away from you. The mistake was when I didn’t throw you over my shoulder like a goddamn caveman and drag you to my room. Themistakewas that I didn’t kiss you all night. But knowing what I know now, I’m glad I fucking didn’t.”

Her back stiffened and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Wow. So being a virgin is a turnoff for you.”

I groaned, shoving my hands through my hair and looked up at the ceiling. “Fuck.” I cursed. I was screwing this all up. “It’s the exact opposite. If I would’ve taken you upstairs that night, I would’ve fucked you.”

“It takes two to tango, Asher. You’re so sure I would’ve let you.”

“Would you have?” I asked, my tone daring her to argue. When she said nothing, I continued. “That’s what I thought. I would’ve fucked you and you deserve so much goddamn more than that. Especially for your first time.”

“Says who? You?”

“Yes, me.” I slammed a fist against my chest. “I say, Haley.Damnit.I didn’t even know if you were interested in more than a one-night stand. You go out with a ton of guys. How was I supposed to know that I would be any different? I wanted more than one night, and you have never said anything to make me think that you wanted that, too.”

Her jaw dropped as she reared back like I physically slapped her.Shit.That came out wrong. “Is that how you really see me, Asher? Like the girl that goes out and sleeps with any guy willing to give her attention?” Her voice was hurt, quiet. My gut dropped out of my body at the look on her face. She took a step back out of my reach and crossed her arms over her stomach.

I thrust a hand into my hair, running it down to the back of my neck, gripping it with both hands. Fuck. I was going to be sick. “No. Haley, No. That’s not what I meant.”

“It’s what it sounded like.” She whispered as one tear slipped down her check. She quickly wiped it away.Shit, shit, shit.

“Let me explain.” I begged.

“No.” She shook her head and held a hand up to stop me from moving toward her. “I have shown up for everything, Ash.Everything.Anytime you needed me and even when you didn’t, I was there. I have spent more time at your place than mine because I had feelings for you. I wanted to be around you all the time. YouandNix, because I know you two are a packaged deal. I settled for being your friend even though I wanted more. I had to come to terms with the fact that you didn’t want me or elseyouwould’ve made a move that you didn’t call amistake. So yes, I went on dates. I tried, Ash. I truly tried to get over you. I haven’t, but I will.” Another tear rolled down her cheek.

In three large steps, I moved to cup her face. My thumb wiped away the tears that I caused. “I don’t want you to get over me,” I whispered pressing my forehead to hers.

“Don’t you have Stella back home waiting for you?” Her voice was resigned, and my breath burned in my throat.

I flexed my fingers. “She isn’t what you think, either.”

Haley grabbed my wrists and pulled my arms down. “What I think, Asher, is that I need some time. Alone.”

“Haley. I won’t walk away from you right now. Can I please explain? Can I tell you my side?”