Page 75 of Asher
Stella stood, hands pressed against the rail, chin tucked to her chest as she faced the yard. She jumped as I shut the door behind me. Her brown eyes met mine over her shoulder before she looked away quickly. I didn’t miss the red rims of her eyes. “You okay?” I asked, stepping closer.
Stella shook her head, arms wrapped around herself, effectively closing herself off.
“Hey. Come here.” I closed the distance between us, pulling her into my arms, awkwardly comforting her. Hugging someone other than Haley felt odd.Wrong.But I couldn’t stand there and let her cry alone. No matter how much I wanted to run the other way, my momma taught me better. “Breakups suck, but the guy was an idiot if he didn’t see what he had in front of him.” I rubbed her back like I would do to Nix.
She hiccupped a little as she let out a humorless laugh against my chest. She pulled back and gave me a watery smile. I moved back, keeping her at arms’ length. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” She nodded and before I had a moment to process what was happening, Stella pushed up on her toes, wrapped her arms around my neck and pressed her lips to mine. Her nails dug into the skin on the back of my neck, holding me in place.
She licked my bottom lip before I snapped out of my surprise, grabbed her arms and pushed her away. I turned away from her wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. “What the fuck, Stella?” I spun back in her direction. Crossing my arms, planting my feet shoulder width apart. “What the hell were you thinking? You know I’m dating Haley.”
Stella huffed and rolled her eyes before scowling at me. “Right, Haley.” Her voice was board. Annoyed.
“What is your problem with her?” My jaw flexed as I ground my teeth together.
She pursed her lips, turning her nose up. “I don’t have a problem with her.”
I rolled my eyes and tossed my hands in the air. “Right. You just dismiss her at every turn. You just fucking kissed me when youknowI’m with her.” Unable to stand still, I paced the deck. Driving a hand through my hair, I tugged on it as I attempted to keep the anger from bubbling up.
She snorted. “You know that’s not actually going to work out.”
I froze and stared at her slack jawed. My eyes probably looked like they were going to pop out of my head. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“She doesn’t belong here, Asher. She’s not a part of this family.”
Fuck. Haley was right. “Is that what this is really about? That she’s not Carrie?”
“It’s not…” She started but I cut her off.
“I loved Carrie, but she isn’t coming back, and I can’t stop living my life like she is. I love Haley. Nix loves Haley. That should be enough.” My chest ached. This was going to make things so much more complicated. “I need to go.”
I strode back through the house, kissing Nix on the head and promising her I would pick her up the next day.
Sheila’s eyes crinkled in concern as her gaze darted over my shoulder. “Everything okay?” she whispered as she pulled me in for a hug.
“Just fine. I need to get going. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Without turning around, I walked out the front door toward my truck.
“Asher, wait!” Stella yelled after me as I reached the driveway. Her feet beat against the concrete as she ran behind. “Just wait. Let me explain.” Her small hand hit truck door next to mine preventing me from opening it. I took two steps away, putting distance between us.
“I don’t have time for this.” I rubbed my temple.
“Just…wait.” She took a deep breath and stared directly at me. “Give me a chance.”
“A chance for what?” I bit down on my tongue as my stomach tightened. I didn’t like where this was heading.
“Date me. Be with me.”
The fuck?My head reared back. “Are you crazy?”
Stella reached for me, but I snatched my arm away. Her face fell and I tried to ignore the urge to comfort her.
“Think about it. I’m Nix’s family. I love her. Carrie will always be a part of her life if you’re with me.” She straightened her shoulders, not backing down. “It makes sense.”
“Stella.” I couldn’t keep the exasperation out of my voice. A headache throbbed behind my eye.
She stepped closer, and I stepped back. She huffed, her jaw twitched. Clearly annoyed. It was like no one had ever told her no. “Youjustsaid that my ex was crazy for not seeing what was right in front of him. Well, here I am. Right in front of you. Give me a chance.”
I held my hand hands up trying to keep her from getting closer. “Let me be clear. I’ve loved Haley for years. There is not a choice when it comes between the two of you. It has been and always will be Haley. I don’t know where this is coming from, but you need to think about what it is you want.”