20. Lennie

20

LENNIE

“ K ennedy, what do you think about renting my house when your lease is up on your apartment?” We’re all hanging around the pool, Asher’s friends, all eight of them, who welcomed me with open arms when they arrived. I met a few before now, obviously Jagger, who’s working on the electrical, Luke being my boss, and last night, Asher took me to Johnny’s club for a drink to relax after a long week at work. Plus his parents and their significant others, and then there are Kennedy and Briar. These two hold a special place in my heart. Briar has taken to me as if I’ve known her since the moment she entered the world. Kennedy has a flare about her that draws you to her, with her infectious laugh and always keeping the glass half full when I can see there are times when she’s ready to toss the towel in and have a good cry.

“Did Asher put you up to this?” He warned me she may give me push-back .

“Actually, no. I did tell him about my idea. You know he’d love to have you closer to him, but honestly, the way things are going between your brother and me, it makes no sense to keep two houses. Your brother’s is the optimal place to live in, believe me. He offered to move into my place, but what sense does that make when there’s a pool here and extra room?” I shrug my shoulders and take a sip of the fruity concoction Asher’s stepmom brought over. The dynamics between everyone are like watching the Johnson family when they’re around. A hodgepodge of personalities, a mix of laughter, sometimes bickering, but all in all, it’s full of love.

“I’m not sure. It would depend on the cost, if I can get out of my lease early, and so many other factors.” I’m waiting for her to tell me what the deal breakers would be, but she doesn’t elaborate.

“Well, so here’s the deal. My aunt Estelle left the house to me. It’s paid, free and clear. It helped me when I felt like the world would swallow me whole. When I moved to Whispering Oaks, all I thought about was starting fresh. Never in a million years did I think I’d meet Asher, especially fresh out of a divorce.” Asher has kind of given his people the lay of the land when it comes to my past. Obviously, Jagger got a front row seat. The others have not, thankfully. “Anyways, I don’t know your price range, and I’m not looking to get rich, just enough to cover some of the expenses I can recoup a little and to cover the property taxes is all I’d ask for. I know you have Briar to think about, and the last thing you want to do is uproot her.” Kennedy looks at me like I’ve hit the nail on the head .

“How do you know that’s my number one worry?” Her eyes move from mine to Briar, who is being tossed in the pool by Trent. There are several adults here. Kennedy could take a much-needed break and close her eyes, but I doubt she’ll ever relax. I know I wouldn’t in her shoes.

“Maybe Asher hasn’t told you everything, and that’s okay. I raised my sister from the time my parents brought her home till the day she turned eighteen. I also legally adopted her when our parents kicked the bucket.” I make a noise and then drag my thumb along my neck.

“I’m so sorry.” She’s quick to apologize.

“No, it’s for the better. They weren’t great to begin with. The best thing they did was bring Minnie into the world. I’m just glad they didn’t have any more babies before they succumbed to their drug use and selfishness.” I take a long sip of my drink. The alcohol is starting to go to my head, and before long, I’ll either need food or a nap, or maybe both. “Anyways, what I’m trying to say in a roundabout way is I get it. Minnie and I stayed in a lot of not-so-great places. Things got better as the years went on. I’d love to help you, and I promise I’m not trying to lay it on thick. The offer is yours if you want it. If not, I’ll keep it as is, and it can sit empty until one or more of the many adopted family members come down here to use it.”

“Wow, no wonder my brother loves you. You barely know me, yet you’re offering me a leg up. You’re truly genuine, and you’ve been through hell and back, yet you’re not letting it knock you down. And Asher says I’m independent to a fault.” I look at her, realization hitting me straight in the chest .

“Well, the feeling is entirely mutual. Think about my offer, and while you do, I’m going to go find your brother.” I stand up from the lounger I was vegging on. The weather in Florida goes back and forth during winter. Some days it’s blistering cold, the humidity sinking deep into your bones, and you’re shivering so much your teeth chatter. Then three days later, you’re able to enjoy a day by the pool where the sun warms your skin to an almost crisp red. That’s exactly what today’s weather is doing, and since Asher has a heater for his pool, it can be used year-round.

“I will, thank you, Lennie. Truly.” I nod, realizing she’s more than likely not going to take my offer. I’d love to push the subject with her, but there’s no way I’d want someone to do that to me if I were in her shoes. Therefore, I’ll let it sit like it is, especially while the electric is being re-run for the second time, and then go from there.

“Hey, Tysen, have you seen Asher?” I ask when I make my way through the throngs of people, not seeing him anywhere. He’s the tallest in the friend group and is able to see over everyone’s head, whereas I’d need to stand on a chair to even attempt to look.

“Hey, girl, I think he’s in the kitchen grabbing the rest of the meat to grill.” He nods toward the sliding glass door. I peek around another person. I’m pretty sure it’s Johnny, but my eyes are peeled to the inside of Asher’s house.

“Thank you!” I bob and weave, say my hellos here and there, nod when necessary, basically dodging everyone until I’m opening the door and watching my man. Asher has his back to me. He’s shirtless, only wearing a pair of swimming trunks, and I have to clench my thighs together to stave off the need I always have for him. I can see the tattoo on his forearm in cursive ‘ Live the life you want to live’ along with his back piece, a memorial surrounding his life—Briar’s favorite flower, his mom’s handwriting, his sister’s favorite color weaved in and out, and then there are pieces of his best friends and his life as a firefighter. I wonder if anyone would notice if we snuck away for a quickie. I mean, five to ten minutes max, and we’d be back. Who would know?

“Hey, gorgeous.” He looks over his shoulder.

“How’d you know?” I ask, my feet scurrying through the kitchen to get to him.

“Lennon, can smell you and feel you.” He abandons whatever he has in front of him, turning around when I’m in reaching distance. Asher’s arms band around my waist. We’re plastered to one another, my arms looping over his shoulders, and he’s ready to kiss me senseless.

“Asher, I need to tell you something,” I interrupt him.

“Yeah? What’s that, gorgeous?” There’s not a lick of worry in his tone when most would think the worst.

“I love you.” I rush the words out. A pressure in my chest releases, and the breath whooshes out of my lungs.

“Say it again,” he mutters, deep and grave.

“I love you, Asher Fontaine.”

“I know, gorgeous.” I’m not sure what I was expecting, and I’m at a loss for words until he carries on. “I know because I fuckin’ love you, too.”

“Asher,” I breathe his name on a sigh.

“Gonna kiss you now and hope like hell that’ll tide us over till everyone leaves. If not, I’ll be kicking them out,” he states before he drops a toe-curling, mouthwatering, soul-shaking kiss on my lips.