37. Asher

Lani is staring at Harvey like she’s afraid to touch him. Her skin is pale, her brown eyes still and unmoving while Harvey stands there, holding out his hand for a shake.

He glances at me, silently asking what’s wrong with my girl.

I dip my head, whispering against her ear, “You okay, boo? What’s the matter?”

She flinches like she’s coming out of a trance and starts blinking. “I’m… You know, I…” Covering her mouth with the back of her hand, she glances at me and her vision seems to clear completely. “I would shake hands, but I’m actually not feeling very well. I don’t want to spread my germs.”

She winces.

Harvey’s still frowning at her like she’s weird, and I’m standing there trying to figure out why she’s lying.

Rising on her tiptoes, she leans into my ear and whispers, “Truth is, I think I just got my period, and this is the worst timing ever, but I’ve got a tidal wave situation going on and I have to bail, like right now.”

I bulge my eyes at her, sympathy rushing through me. Being a woman seriously sucks sometimes. Resting my hand on her lower back, I step around her so Harvey can’t see her face. She’s no doubt fighting humiliation, and I don’t want to make it worse for her.

“Do you need my jacket or something?” I glide my hand down her arm. “You could tie it around your waist.”

“S-Sure.” She nods. “Thanks.”

I slip it off, securing it for her and giving her a gentle smile. “Do you want me to walk you back?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “You hang out with… your cousin.” Her voice squeaks, and now she looks like she’s fighting tears.

“Hey, it’s okay. I’ll help you do the laundry when I come over later.” I wink at her, and she bites her lips together, forcing a weak smile. Kissing her forehead, I gently nudge her away. “You go take care of yourself. I’ll call you later, okay?”

She bobs her head, her lips trembling as she glances past my shoulder at Harvey, then dips her head and practically sprints out of the cafeteria.

“What the fuck was that about?” Harvey watches her go.

I let out an awkward laugh. “She’s having a bad day.”

“So, it wasn’t something I did?” Harvey points at himself, looking mildly worried.

“No, man. Of course not.” I slap his shoulder. “It’s just… she needed to go change.” I wince, wondering how much I should or shouldn’t say.

Harvey’s eyebrows rise in understanding. He’s got a sister. He gets it.

“Right.” Nodding, he lets out a soft laugh, then turns toward the food. “Let’s go eat, man.”

His voice trails off as we walk past a table of girls. They glance at us, and Harvey makes a point to wink and grin at the one on the end. She sends him a simpering smile before being nudged by her friend.

I roll my eyes and snicker. “You’re such a Casanova.”

“Wonder if any of them will be at the party tonight.” He wiggles his eyebrows, poking out his tongue and looking damn gleeful at the idea of getting some later.

I have no doubt he will. The guy’s a player—about as bad as Casey used to be. I wonder which woman is gonna make him fall one day. Surely one of them will. Women are powerful beings.

A smile works across my face as I think about Lani and the power she has over me. I never had any intentions of letting a woman see all of me so easily, but I’ve let her into my world, and it’s the best fucking thing that’s ever happened to me.

But I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to explain it to a guy like Harvey, who’s only after fun and flings. He’s gonna have to experience true love for himself one day and see how it can take you out at the knees… and he’ll go down happily because it’s that fucking good.