“Some doctor show. Is that okay?”
“Fine by me.” I pulled out my phone. Still no response from Asher. The text was marked read, but he hadn’t replied. In an attempt not to worry, I put it face down on the couch next to me and tried to focus on the television.
We ate dinner a little while later—sandwiches, because we were both feeling lazy—and I decided to go to bed early. As I was getting ready, my phone pinged. My stomach flipped anxiously as I picked it up.
Asher: I know it’s late, but can you come over?
I didn’t care how late it was. I replied as quickly as my fingers would move.
Micah: I’ll be there in a few.
I was glad I hadn’t changed clothes yet, not that it would have stopped me. As I pulled my sneakers on, Kieran appeared from the kitchen with a bowl of ice cream.
“Going somewhere?”
“Out.”
He nodded knowingly. “Tell Asher I said hi.”
I flipped him off and headed to my car. The drive to Asher’s wasn’t far, but by the time I arrived, my stomach was in knots.What if he wanted me to come so he could end things? Wehadagreed on a “just for the episode” rule, and the episode was all but finished. Thewhat-ifspounded through my mind as I got out of the car and headed up the front steps.
As I raised my hand to knock, the front door swung open. Asher was on the other side, dark hair damp from a shower, shirtless, low-slung sweatpants the only thing between me and, well, the rest of him.
“Hi,” I said, nervous energy zinging through me.
Asher grabbed me and hauled me inside before shutting the door, shoving me against it, and kissing me breathless. It wasn’t long before I was hard and aching and so, so desperate for him to touch me, but when we parted, I resisted the urge to drop to my knees and yank his sweats down.
“We should talk,” I said quietly.
He nodded. “You’re right. We should.” He gestured toward the couch. I took a seat, and he sat at the opposite end, turning to face me. “You first.”
“Me? I…” How was I going to tell him I wanted to stay? That I wantedhim?
He opened his mouth, inhaled deeply, and spoke before I had a chance to formulate my news. “I came out to my parents tonight.”
I sat back a little in shock, eyes widening. “You did?”
He hummed and nodded. “Yeah.”
“How did it go?”
Asher rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. “It went really well. I told them I’m bisexual and they said they love me and that was pretty much it.”
“How do you feel?”
The soft smile on his face was all I needed to see. “Great. I’m glad I did it.”
We were both quiet for a moment.This is your opportunity, my brain screamed.Say something. “I’m staying.”
“You are?”
I nodded and reached for his hand. “Max offered to let me stay until the end of the series and then some. He wants me as a permanent part of his production team, the one he’s building right here in Port Grandlin. I can stay as long as I want.” I hesitated for a moment. “As long as I’m wanted.”
“You’re wanted,” he blurted. “You’re very wanted.”
“I am?”
Asher’s voice was just over a whisper when he spoke next. “I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone in my entire life. I think maybe… maybe it wasn’t about my sexuality at all. Maybe it was just about finding the right person.”
