Chapter 8

Elle

I sit alone on my tiny porch, my thoughts consumed by Asher. Each time he enters my mind, my heart rate picks up as if I've just sprinted across the sand. The way his green eyes seem to pierce through me, like he's searching for something hidden deep within my soul. The feeling of his strong, calloused hands gripping mine, turns me all the way on. Even when we're apart, the mere thought of him ignites a fire inside me that I can't quench.

"Elle, snap out of it!" I mutter to myself, chewing on my thumb nail nervously. I try hard to focus on anything else—my nursing classes, my job as a carrier, even the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore—but my thoughts always drift back to him.

"Ugh," I groan, frustration bubbling inside me. I've always been guarded, fiercely independent, and reluctant to trust others. And yet, here I am, falling for someone who could easily break my heart.

As I watch the water crash into the sand, over and over again, I question whether I'm capable of truly opening up to Asher, of allowing myself to be real with him. The fear of being hurt, of letting someone in only to have them leave me unexpectedly, pulses through me like a warning signal.

"Is this really worth the risk?" I wonder aloud, my voice barely audible above the sound of the waves.

I tally up all the reasons why being in a relationship might not be the best idea. The arguments that my mind conjures up to protect my heart from potential pain are real.

"Damn you, Asher Gray," I whisper to myself, shaking my head. "Why did you have to come into my life and turn everything upside down?"

Determined to take a step forward in my life, I wander into a quaint little shop near Love Beach, my eyes drawn to the delicate jewelry on display. I spot a thin gold chain, perfect for the crystal ball charm Asher bought me a few weeks ago. The charm has been sitting on my dresser ever since, waiting for the right moment to become a part of my life.

I pick up the chain and admire how it catches the light. My heart races at the thought of wearing this symbol of Asher's affection around my neck, a constant reminder of the confidence in myself that I’m consciously aware of.

I purchase the chain, and once it's securely fastened around my neck, the weight of the crystal ball feels significant—like a tangible representation of my willingness to let Asher in. It's not a guarantee that I won't get hurt, but it's a start.

Later, as I'm working at my carrier job, my phone buzzes with a text from Asher. I smile as I read his playful message.

Asher: Hey, gypsy girl! Got any predictions about today's game?

I roll my eyes and chuckle quietly before typing back.

Me: Hmm, let me consult my crystal ball...?? Ah, yes, it says there's a 100% chance of you kicking some serious ass on the ice tonight!

Asher: Ha! I should've known you'd say that. ??

Asher: But seriously, thank you for believing in me.

His words warm my heart.

Me: Tell me more about the game this afternoon. Who are you up against?

Asher: Michigan Vikings. They're a tough team, but we're ready for them. How's your day going?

I pause, surprised by Asher's genuine interest in my life. It still feels so new and unexpected, but it makes me feel seen.

Me: Busy, but good. You wouldn't believe the amount of blood I have in my ice chests. Good thing I’m not a thirsty vampire.

Asher: Right! I’m glad you aren’t a vampire either. ??

Me: Oh, and I saw a dog wearing sunglasses today, which made my day infinitely better.

Asher: LOL! A fashion-forward pup, I love it!

Asher immediately sends me a picture of him making a silly face.

Asher: This is my 'impressed' face.

I laugh out loud, drawing curious glances from the medical office staff as I wait for them to finish preparing their labs to give me. I quickly snap a photo of myself with a big smile and send it to him.

Me: This is my 'happy because of you' face.

Asher: Is that so? ?? Well then, I guess it's only fair that I tell you I've been thinking about our last kiss all day. Can't wait to see you after the game.

Me: Way to raise the stakes, Jet. Looking forward to it.

Asher: Good. ??Now go be amazing at your job. See you later, Elle.

Me: Good luck today! See you later, Asher.

Our conversation leaves me with a renewed sense of eagerness. On my way back to the lab, thoughts about what’s growing between Asher and me run through my head. It feels like we're on the brink of something incredible, and it’s a little scary yet exciting at the same time.

That evening, Asher comes over to my house. He's already met Florence and Calvin briefly, but tonight is the first time they're all hanging out. We gather around the pool at the center of our community, the sun has set and the pool is lit with strings of hanging light bulbs.

"Elle," Florence teases, "you didn't tell us we'd have front-row seats to the Charleston Renegades' very own Asher Gray."

"Hey now," Asher interjects with a playful grin, "I'm just a regular guy when I'm not on the ice."

Calvin chuckles, sipping his drink. "Yeah, a regular guy who keeps our dear Elle up late at night. You two really ought to be more mindful of the paper-thin walls in these tiny homes."

My cheeks flush with embarrassment, but Asher just laughs along. "Well, you know what they say about hockey players. We never back down from a challenge." He winks at me, making me smile.

"Seems like you two are really hitting it off," Florence says, nudging me with her elbow. "And trust me, Elle could use someone like you in her life."

"Aw, Flo, you always know how to make me blush," I reply, rolling my eyes but secretly touched by her words.

After a few hours, Florence and Calvin announce that it’s way past their bedtime and say goodnight. Asher and I head back to my place, and he leans in and whispers as we walk, "I'm glad I got to spend this time with you and your friends, Elle. They're amazing, just like you."

"Thanks, Asher," I reply with a smile. "I had a great time too."

"Sorry I have to go, I wish I could stay, but we have an early skate in the morning. See you soon, gypsy girl?" he says, his green eyes shining.

"Definitely," I answer without hesitation and can’t wait.

Just as we reach the steps of my tiny home, I turn to him with a warm smile, our faces inches from each other. He studies me, his green eyes sparkling under the moonlight, and then he does something that takes my breath away. He leans in and kisses me. Soft, slow, and unhurried. It's not like any kiss we have shared before - not a stolen one or one filled with lust. This one is more intimate, more meaningful.

His hands gently frame my face as his lips move over mine in a rhythm that feels recognizable yet new. His kiss speaks volumes of promises and unspoken emotions. It's passionate without being overwhelming, just enough to make the butterflies fly around my heart once more and my skin tingle.

All too soon, he pulls back just enough for our eyes to meet again. There's an intensity in his gaze that mirrors my own feelings. He brushes a strand of hair away from my face and tucks it behind my ear before leaning in once more to press a soft kiss to my forehead.

"Goodnight, Elle," he whispers against my skin, leaving me absolutely breathless.

I watch as he walks away, my hand going to my lips that still tingle from his kiss, and I feel a slow smile spread across my face.

Deep down I know this wasn't just any goodnight kiss— it was a promise of what’s yet to come. It was Asher telling me, without words, that he's in this for the long haul. That he isn't just another person who will break my heart.