Asher drove us home in the Jag, music blaring so loud it resonated in my teeth—which I noticed were also aching. It was after nine when we got in, and I collapsed on the couch with a groan once he pushed me through the door to our apartment.

“Don’t get comfortable there. It’s shower time.”

“Can’t.”

“It’s happening. You’re sweaty, and so am I.”

“Just toss a bucket of water over my head.”

“Get up, and maybe I’ll shower with you.”

“Will you wash me?”

“If you’re good.”

I smiled against the cushion. “I have an early class tomorrow.”

“I know. So let’s get moving.”

“Five more minutes. Can’t yet. Brain to muscle failure imminent. Won’t work. Broken.”

Asher tapped my legs, encouraging me to move over. I shuffled, wedging myself against the back of the couch, whimpering as I stretched out, unfurling my sore legs. He climbed on beside me, lying close, nose bumping mine and arms circling my waist.

I cuddled closer and buried my face against his neck. He smelled of sweat and lingering body spray from earlier, but it was the essence of Asher I inhaled into my lungs. It was as familiar and comforting as the rest of him. We’d always balanced each other out, but since responding to Charlotte’s ad, our connection had grown stronger every day.

We teased each other like brothers. We lost our cool, and sometimes we fought, but at the end of the day, nothing could sever the bond between us. It was natural and unbreakable. Asher was a part of me in more ways than one.

“Are you falling asleep?” he whispered against my ear, kissing my temple as he rubbed my back under my shirt.

“Mm… Yeah.”

“Let me help you shower, and we can go to bed.”

“Okay.”

“Atti?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re not moving.”

“Can’t.”

He stroked my hair and kissed my forehead. “I love you. Sorry about the bike thing. You know I was just messing around, right? I’ve never been so content with life. This, what we have, it’s everything.” He squeezed me in his arms and breathed me in. “You’ve got me forever, okay.”

“You’ve got me forever too.” Sleep surrounded me, tugging me down, down, down. “I love you, baby,” I muttered as the shadowy haze enveloped me.

Then my eyes blasted open, any remnants of sleep gone. Asher’s brow was riding high on one side, and his mouth was quirked in humor.

“Oh shit! I’m sorry. What was that? That wasn’t me. I didn’t say that. I think the ghosts at the gym possessed me. What I meant to say was, I love you, Asher! I said Asher. I know you heard baby, but maybe you need your ears checked.”