Asher’s dimples appeared, and he scanned the hallway once before leaning in, close enough his minty toothpaste breath ghosted the air between us. “I’ll show him you’re mine, Elliot.”

“So possessive. Rawr.”

Asher chuckled, but then his smile fell. “End scene. Are you ready for real?”

“I am, but I’m nervous.”

“Me too. I slept for shit. I felt all weird and uncomfortable about what we did last night after I took you home. Like super weird. I didn’t know where to put myself.”

“Me too.”

Asher shuffled and peered down the hall, not looking at me. “I-I want you to know, I’m not gonna let you down today. I promise. I’ll act the hell out of this. Do whatever I have to so you get this gig. It will be awkward and gross, but it’s about the money, right? You need it.”

“The money. It’s my sole focus. I’ll … try not to pop wood.” I cringed, hating bringing it up.

“I appreciate it. It was … disturbing.”

“Months, dude. I haven’t gotten laid in months.”

“You could rub one out once in a while and take the edge off. Mom lied. You won’t go blind, and it feels really good. Believe me. I wouldn’t have survived my teens otherwise.”

I punched his shoulder, and we both laughed. “You’re an ass. I jerk off so much I have calluses. See.” I showed him my palm, but he swatted it away.

“Don’t be gross.”

“Just saying. Besides, the hand only gets a person so far.”

“I hear you. I get it. Just try not to … stick me with your problems.” He grinned all stupid-like. “Get it?”

“You’re an idiot. Come on. We’re gonna be late, and Lewis will think we bailed.”

Asher nodded and shoved his hands deep into his pockets. He was dressed similar to yesterday in tattered jeans and a band shirt under his leather coat. I’d toned down the prep look a tad and refused to shave this morning so I was less baby-faced. I was still rocking the computer geek look, but I couldn’t help it, it was part of who I was.

We stopped at room 608, and Asher eyed me once more, waiting for my nod before knocking.

Jay greeted us at the door again, smile wide and eyes gleaming, zeroing in on me without shame as he licked a trail across his lips and mapped me head to toe.

I waited for Asher—as Ender—to get all growly, but he didn’t say a thing. Then I remembered we’d ended the scene and didn’t start it back up again.

“Come on in. Glad you could make it.”