Page 123 of The Sidekick

I’m confused by the casual greeting. I mean, casual for Shade.

Did he invite him?

Oh my gosh, that’s why I drove him! I can’t run away unless Shade’s with me. He knows I won’t leave him stranded. My arch-nemesis has one upped me once again! I’m ridiculously happy about it. The ache in my chest eases away.

Asher looks around him, and a smile breaks free when he sees me. Or maybe he doesn’t. I could be a blob of color, and he thinks I’m a plant or something.

His smile turns into a smirk as he raises a hand and crooks his finger. Whether it’s for me or not, I find myself walking directly to him as if he has me on a string. Once I stop in front of him, his smile returns, softer this time.

“You look beautiful.”

I glance down at my normal jeans and t-shirt outfit and back at him like he’s crazy. If this is beautiful, he should up his standards.

“Thank you?”

Shade shakes his head in disgust and walks away.

Asher slides his hands into his pockets. “If my being here makes you uncomfortable, just tell me. I was a last-minute invite. I guess Shade didn’t tell you?”

“It doesn’t make me uncomfortable,” I reassure him in a panicked rush. I’m really excited he’s here, and I get to spend more time with him.

“Of course, Shade didn’t tell me. He’s a dictator, so he knows what’s best for me.” My giggle gets muffled behind my hand as I watch his smile get wider. He has a beautiful smile.

“Have you thought about overthrowing him?” He suggests softly. It sounds like we’re conspiring to take down an army.

“Only daily,” my hand drops as my grin becomes smug. “I’m waiting for him to get comfortable, so it really shocks him.”

I look around for Shade and see him frozen in front of the back room where they always sit. He’s not ready to go in without backup. All of the giddy feelings inside me drop flat.

“I know we don’t know each other well,” I cringe at that understatement. In total, I’ve known him for about five hours. “But could I ask you for a favor?”

“Of course,” he answers as if he’s a genie here to grant my wishes. It must be nice to be unfazed by everything.

I rise onto my tiptoes to whisper in his ear, and he leans towards me obligingly.

“Shade is having some trouble, and I was wondering if you could help me distract him?” I ask hopefully and drop down to study his face. I’m not above using sad puppy eyes to make him give in.

His brows dip down slightly, and he looks thoughtful.

“I don’t want you to feel pressured or anything, but if we can be jerks to him tonight, it would help him a lot. It’s his love language. I want my dictator back in fighting form.”

“Having a bad day, is he?” He gives me an affectionate smile that warms me inside.

“Yes, and he’s about to face a table full of jerks, so distraction is mandatory, or he’ll start moping again.” I intertwine my fingers and hold them up as I shamelessly beg.

He laughs at my gesture. “You’re too sweet, angel. We can focus on Shade tonight.”

“Thank you so much,” I grab his bicep without thinking and give him a pleading look. “I hate that he’s upset. He deserves better.”

“I’m sure I can think of some choice phrases for him,” he grins at me, and I grin back in excitement.

I bounce on my toes and give him a quick celebratory hug. Or I try to. He smells delicious, and I’ve pressed myself fully to his chest, my head tucked under his chin. He radiates heat. My nipples are more than happy to be here.

Before he can return the embrace, I jolt back in embarrassment. My face flushes an unattractive red, and I hurry away from him.

“Normal people have boundaries, Tera. No random hugging,” I remind myself. Can I just not be me for a little bit? I feel like it’s a fair ask.

“I’m not normal people with you,” he assures me from over my shoulder.

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