He slid it onto a platter and cut a slice. “Try it.”
As soon as he set it before me, I speared a bite. “Aren’t you going to eat?”
He dished himself a much smaller portion. “Only so you don’t eat alone. I had a big lunch.”
He sat across from me. The first bite hit my tongue, and my eyes fluttered shut as a low sound slipped out. Who knew potatoes and eggs could taste like this? Light, not greasy, perfectly salted. The tender potatoes melted in my mouth, and before I knew it, my plate was bare.
When I looked up, Asher hadn’t touched his food. He was watching me, unreadable.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Nothing’s wrong.” He cleared his throat. “Want more?”
“Only if you eat too.”
He smirked, standing. “I was waiting for you to try it first—just in case it sucked.”
So cocky. No way he didn’t know he was good.
I finished the second helping just as quickly, this time with Asher eating beside me. When I reached for his empty plate to stack on mine, a sharp pang twisted my stomach. I tried not to wince and failed.
His expression shifted instantly. “Does it hurt?”
“Yeah. My periods are kind of awful.”
He hopped off his stool and held out his hand. “Give me your plate. I’ll clean up.”
“You cooked.” I hesitated. “I can help.”
Asher rolled his eyes. “Don’t be stubborn. I didn’t have a shitty day, and I’m not on my period.” He took my plate and fork but left the knife. I carried it to the sink. “Here—you forgot this.”
His fingers brushed mine as he took it, warm and deliberate. His eyes lingered on my face, steady, searching. It felt like he was really seeing me for the first time.
My heart thudded against my ribs.
“Peque,” Asher whispered. “About last night…I’m sorry, okay? You were right to be mad. I just—damn.” He exhaled. “I shouldn’t have said any of that. I acted like a fucking hypocrite.”
I shrugged. “You did. But you’re forgiven. I’m not angry anymore. My friend ditched me for a guy, and I had to be home before midnightanyway. My father would’ve grounded me if he’d known I went out without permission.”
“And if you go out tomorrow? Will he ground you then?”
“It’s Sunday, so I guess not. Why?”
“I want to take you somewhere. As an apology for last night. The beach, if it’s not too cold. What do you think?”
My throat went dry. It sounded like a date—even if it wasn’t—but I didn’t care. I wouldn’t miss a chance to get out of the house with him.
Ash stood waiting, rooted in place until I answered.
“The beach would be amazing,” I said softly. “I’d love to go.”
CHAPTER TEN
Asher
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