So much for these useless fucking shields.
Why did I say that? These aren’t things I talk about. They’re safe in my head and with my therapist only. Jocelyn doesn’t need to hear about my loneliness and insecurities.
But that stupid phrase.
Any girl would be lucky to have you.
Spoken by every woman who didn’t think a man was good enough for her ever. None of them acknowledge the hefty yet unsaidbutthat follows.
You’re great, but...
You’re such a good guy, but...
You’re fun to be with, but...
Silence follows my words. Joss blinks, brown eyes wide, and then she throws her arms around me. I stiffen at first, but finally settle into the embrace.
This is so awkward.
Whydid I say that?
“I don’t know why you’re alone,” she finally says. “But I know it isn’t because you’re not good enough. I’m one-hundred percent certain on that, okay?”
I settle my cheek on the top of her head. “Who deemed you the expert?”
“You did. When you made me your ride or die.” She squeezes a bit tighter and lowers her voice. “I’m sorry you’re alone, Asher. I’m here with you, though. I know that’s not good enough, but maybe it’s good enough for now?”
A trickle of warmth finds its way into my blood. The urge to chuckle at her sweetness is a hard one to suppress. Here’s emotionally stunted Joss giving what she’s able to give—a simple hug and a promise to sit beside me and weather the storm.
Adorable woman.
“That’s always been good enough,” I say.
She lifts her head to meet my eyes. “I didn’t realize you believed this about yourself. I hate that you have these thoughts.”
“I’m not unhappy,” I say, hoping to backtrack us out of this Asher-is-pathetic vibe.
“I didn’t think you were. But you’re lonely. I can be lonely with you, if you want.”
The smallest smile tugs at my mouth. Caring Joss is impossible to resist. I give a slight nod because that’s what we’vebeen doing for three years anyway—being lonely together. “All right. Let’s be lonely.”
She continues to stare. For some reason, her gaze lowers to my mouth, and she throws on her thinking face.
Not a fan of this.
Don’t want her thinking about my mouth. That makes me think abouthermouth. Spend far too much time actively avoiding thinking about her mouth. Those thoughts can only lead to bad places.
“Youarea catch,” she finally says. “I don’t care if you don’t believe me right now. I’ll keep saying it until you do.”
Stubborn woman.
“Don’t you have work to do or something?” I ask.
She summons a sickly sweet smile and releases me. “Nothing’s more important than you, honey dear.”
My phone dings with a LEGENDARY page. I pull up the message. “I have to go.”
“Fine. Go. Leave me like always. Woe is me.” She presses the back of her hand to her forehead.
