Chapter 46: Making Up

ADDY

I’m lying in bed, staring at the ceiling.

A frown creases my forehead as I glance at the date on my phone. A whole day has passed, and Asher hasn’t said a word.

A nudge on my butt makes me roll my eyes, but I don’t move.

“Why the hell isn’t he calling me or something?” I grumble, responding to the prodding. “I swear, I’m done with his crap and my stupid crush.”

Kaylee huffs before sitting down on my bed.

“You’re the one who pushed him away this time, sweetheart.”

“That’s only because I thought he’d chase after me!” I whine, not wanting to believe that he’s given up on me.

“You need to go to him. Seriously, what’s the worst that could happen? He’s really into you. I can see it. Hell, a blind person could see it. Go!”

I look at my best friend before finally nodding.

School’s just ended, and I’ve come home only to flop into bed, still in my day clothes.

I get up and start getting ready.

“Wish me luck!”

Kaylee gives me a thumbs up, shooing me out the door.

I step outside, looking toward Asher’s house only to see Jalina dragging her hand across my boyfriend’s chest.

I see red, literally.

~He’s not your boyfriend, dummy.~

~Fine, soon-to-be boyfriend, then.~

I grit my teeth as I stomp my way over to them. Blake, who’s also standing there, is the first one to see me. His eyes widen and he gulps, slowly turning toward his clueless best friend.

“Like me, my ass!” I snort loudly as I approach them.

Asher immediately looks up. For a second, he looks happy before his smile fades as he realizes Jalina is still in his arms.

He pushes her away, looking panicked, as he shakes his head at me furiously. I can’t help but think he looks cute as I come to a stop in front of them.

“Butter—” he starts, but I give him a glare before turning toward Jalina.

She gives me a smug look, but it doesn’t last as I push her further away from Asher.

~No one touches my man but me.~

“Hey!” she snaps at me, and I roll my eyes.

“Look, Jalina, I really don’t want to be a bitch, but you’re not giving me much of a choice, you know.”

“Huh?”

I pull Asher toward me, planting a passionate kiss on his lips.

“Stop touching my boyfriend!”

He looks at me wide-eyed, trying to get a hold of me, but I move away in time.

She glares at me.

I smirk at her.

“Honestly, telling me the truth was the best thing you could have ever done. I really appreciate it!” I grin.

Jalina turns toward Asher. “Baby, tell her.”

Asher shakes his head at her. “Leave, please. I’ve told you many times already. I like Addy, always have.”

She looks at him with teary eyes before turning around and storming away.

“Buttercup—”

I turn around and walk back to my house.

~She hugged him.~

~And he let her.~

~Jerk.~

***

A rustling sound wakes me from my sleep—if you could call it sleep in the first place.

I peek out from under my covers, my eyes widening.

A sleepy Asher stands at the window, looking like he’s afraid to come any closer but can’t stand to be away from me either. He takes off his shoes, then his jacket.

I gape at him as he continues to undress.

“No!” I blurt out and he stops right after taking off his sweater.

“Get out,” I say, looking at him sternly.

He shakes his head before walking toward me.

I sit up in my bed, scowling at him, but he doesn’t seem bothered by it as he comes near my bed.

My nose scrunches up in confusion when I think he’s about to explain himself, but he doesn’t.

Instead, he shoves the blanket aside and crawls into the bed beside me. He lies on his side, facing the other way, and I just continue to gape at him.

“Get out, Asher. I’m still mad at you.” I give him a slight push, my mind racing at the thought of him right next to me. My heart beats out of my chest as he turns, suddenly facing me.

“I’m tired. I haven’t slept for weeks and you’re mad at me, but I miss you. So just pretend I’m not here and be mad at me tomorrow.” He actually pouts, giving me a slight smile in the process.

I raise an eyebrow at him.

“So what you’re suggesting is that we both get sleep tonight—” I start.

“Ha! I knew that you had trouble sleeping while being apart from me!” Asher interrupts me, which earns him an ~I’m on the verge of actually throwing you out~ look. He shuts up.

“And that we forget this night ever happened tomorrow. I’ll continue to be mad at you tomorrow.”

~Why are you bullshitting?~

I just continue to give him a questioning look, completely ignoring the voice in my head. Of course, I’ve already forgiven him.

“Sure. Just because I want to see how long you can stay mad at me, Buttercup.”

I don’t answer him as I give him a slight kick. He chuckles but lies down, not saying another word. I lie down as well, staring at his back.

A couple of minutes later, when I absolutely can’t take it anymore, I prop myself up on my elbows.

I look at his back only to see that his form is moving up and down as he softly breathes in and out.

“Seriously, he’s just going to fall asleep like that?” I whisper into the quiet room, annoyed. I poke him in the arm.

“What a jerk. I should have just kicked him out,” I whine, falling back onto my pillow, throwing my arms over my face.

I’m just about to let out a string of curses as annoyance bubbles in the pit of my stomach when a strong arm drapes over my waist.

I’m frozen, peeking out from under my arms to find Asher’s back isn’t turned to me anymore. His eyes are shut, but the smirk on his face tells me he’s not asleep.

~Oh, great, he heard me. So much for pretending to be mad at him.~

“I’m irresistible, I told you.”

I give his arm a smack. “Shut up!”

His eyes remain closed, and I let out a silent groan.

“Ah, screw this!” I exclaim, pushing him onto his back with a bit of force.

Asher’s eyes pop open as I shift to lie directly on top of him. His arms wrap around me almost instantly.

“You owe me a cuddle. You didn’t wish me happy birthday,” I whisper into his ear, letting my lips graze his soft skin.

He stiffens for a moment, his grip around me tightening.

“Thank God. I was going crazy pretending I didn’t want you in my arms. I was just scared you’d kick my ass, so I kept my hands to myself.”

His words make me smile, and I push myself up to bury my face in his neck.

“By the way…”

“Hmm?”

“I did wish you a happy birthday.”

“You did not. I checked my phone all day.”

“Who said I sent you a message? I returned the birthday kiss you gave me.”

I stare at him, shocked. “You didn’t—”

“Not my fault you’re a heavy sleeper.”

I can’t help but laugh. “I spent the whole day sulking, you know.”

“I love you.”

I smile into his neck. “I love you, too!”

He plants a kiss on the side of my head.

I can’t help but grin.

His breath catches as I teasingly run my hand up his chest and into his hair, placing a kiss on his neck.

Asher’s hands glide across my back and I snuggle deeper into him, feeling utterly content.

“Damn, baby, don’t do that!” His voice is strained, and I blush, suddenly realizing what I’m snuggling into.

~Abort mission!~

I try to move off him, but his arms tighten around me.

“I’m not letting you out of my arms again.” His voice is soft but firm as he whispers the words into my ear, pulling me even closer against him.

A smile spreads across my face, and I grin into Asher’s chest. I place a kiss right over his heart before drifting off to sleep, wrapped in the arms of the boy I love.