“You sleep with a sound machine, don’t you?”
“No.” He looks away as he mumbles, “I listen to music.”
I let out a real laugh. One that I feel in my bones. He is beaming at me by the time I get myself together.
“You are a weird dude, but hey, as long as you are happy.”
“Did we just become best friends?” he asks, quoting some movie he keeps trying to get me to watch.
“No, and no, I don’t want to watchStep Brotherswith you.”
“I think you’d like it, man.”
Before I can answer him, she walks out, stealing my attention.
My eyes track her as she moves from the back door, heading our way. My stomach tightens as she gets closer.
Will she talk to me?
Part of me wants to make Yak disappear, but the other part is thankful he is here as a buffer.
“Oh, look. Here she comes,” he whispers to me.
I slap his chest before smiling at her.
“Hey, Aspen. Can I get you anything?” I ask.
She looks between me and Yak before she gives me a soft smile. “No. I got it. Thank you, though.”
“Are you having a good time?” Yak asks.
She pulls out a water before she stands, looking around the yard.
“Yeah. I like how it’s like a real family here. This is what I wish I had when I was a kid.”
I like hearing that she likes it here. I am starting to as well.
When she takes a drink of her water, some of it dribbles down her mouth to her neck. I would kill to be able to lick the path it takes, ending at her pillowy lips.
“It really is. We are happy to have you here. Aren’t we, prospect?” Yak nudges me.
I smile at her. “Of course. I mean, you belong here. This is your family. I’m glad you are finding happiness here.”
She gives me an odd look. “Looks like you belong here too. Don’t think I didn’t notice you two cutting up over here. I’m glad you have someone to hang out with.”
I go to contradict her, but Yak throws his arm over my shoulder. “Asher and I are practically brothers now. We share secrets and all that. Don’t we, buddy?”
I roll my eyes. “Yep. You know it. We even have sleepovers and braid each other’s hair.”
Her eyes light up at my joke, making me feel like I am a damn god.
“I can picture that. I bet Yak is the small spoon. Aren’t you?” she teases.
“You know it, but I’m willing to share if you ever want to switch places,” Yak jokes back.
I see what he did. He gave a subtle nudge. I want to smack him for it, but her cheeks blush as she shrugs.
“Maybe I will take you up on that one day. You boys enjoy your day.”
