36-Asher

I've been sitting here watching her.

The way her hair sways when she moves her hips to the music.

Her smile makes me want to give her a smile in return.

Tia is the complete opposite of me, but she's a perfect match in some ways. She challenges me in a way that makes me want to be better for her, to take care of her.

After the attack, she kept her distance from me, and I respected the boundaries she laid out for us. The image of her and Shorty being hung like cattle and beaten within an inch of their lives as they struggled gutted me. That feeling of helplessness is one I don't ever want to experience again.

We never really spoke about what happened to her, but she let me hold her without saying a word. And I was ok with that. A part of me was afraid of losing her, even though we had never defined our relationship, but I haven't been with anyone else since I met her.

If she decides not to pursue me the way I want to with her, I would be happy to have her friendship, as long as it keeps her in my life.

Even after all the shit they have been through, they rise back up with their heads held high. They are the strongest and most incredible women that I have had the pleasure of knowing—and loving.

Do I love Tia? It's probably too soon to tell, but I will say that she makes me feel alive and accepts me for who I am and not because I'm a baseball player or going pro. She sees beyond that, the way Shorty does with Donnie. Tia is not fake and is loyal to a fault. I'll never have to worry about her cheating on me or breaking my heart like my ex did.

"Are you going to talk to her?" Shorty stands beside me wrapped in a big beach towel. I glance down at my Shorty and notice the light is back in her eyes. After losing Jo, I thought for a moment that we lost her too.

"Nah. I'm just enjoying the view." I smirk and turn my eyes back to Tia on the dance floor.

"Tia is an easy person to love, Ash. Sure, she puts on the tough act, but behind that mask, she wants to be loved and cared for. For once, be put first."

I nod and drink my punch, keeping my eyes on Tia.

"I think you're good for each other."

My gaze returns to Shorty. "Oh, yeah?"

Shorty nods and leans on her side with her arms crossed as she looks to where the girls are dancing to "Nuestra Cancion" by BrunOG. "You make her feel special. You notice the little things about her, and you're not afraid to remind her of how special she is. Tia had a hard life growing up. When a man who is supposed to care for you and keep you safe betrays that promise and tarnishes your innocence, a sense of worthlessness washes over you. You grow up thinking that no man will ever love you because you're not deserving of being taken care of or being loved."

I shake my head in disgust. "I can't imagine what you and Tia went through, Shorty. I wish I could make it better for the both of you," I say softly.

We stand beside each other in silence.

I push off the wall and wrap Shorty in my arms, resting my chin on her head. She doesn't hesitate to wrap her arms around my waist.

"Sometimes us broken girls just want to be hugged. This is enough for us," she mumbles against my chest.

"Everything ok here?" Donnie walks up with concern etched on his face.

I nod, and Shorty giggles when my chin musses her hair.

"Yeah, bro. Everything's good." I pull Shorty away, and she leans in and places a kiss on my cheek.

"I will always love you. Tia is lucky to have you by her side. Please don't give up on her. She'll come around, I promise." She pulls back, and Donnie pulls her to his side in a protective stance.

"Oh, yeah?" I tuck my hands in my pocket. "How can you be so sure?"

She gives me a smile that sends a warm sensation into my gut. "Because we don't give up on those who are willing to fight for us." She winks, and Donnie takes her away.

Her beauty takes my breath away.

I turn to face the dance floor and take in Tia as she stares at me longingly. I always know when she needs a hug or a reminder that I still want her in every way.

Before I know it, my feet are moving toward her. She rests her hands on her hips and cocks her hip with that attitude I love so much.

"So, Papi Chulo. Do you plan on dancing with me, or just staring at me all night?"

I chuckle and put my hands on her curvy hips and squeeze.

"Tia, will you dance with me?" I ask as "Million Reasons" by Lady Gaga fills the room.