Page 71 of Alpha Varsity

Andy:

Come with me or don’t, babe.

Ugh. Really? What a pain in my ass. He’s purposely jerking my chain.

Me:

Fine. Pick me up at the school so I can put a few of my paintings in the car.

Andy:

Send the address.

I send the address and start the car, trying to ignore the queasiness in my belly. I should tell Asher.

I will tell him. But not until right before Andy comes. I don’t want his wolf to get crazy possessive and for him to act irrationally.

I shove down my misgivings as I turn the ignition and drive to the alley behind Sweet Treats. Once I’m there, I forget the whole thing because Asher’s leaning against the old brick building that used to be a mill. It belongs to Mrs. Angelson, who owns the bakery, but I don’t think she uses it for anything.

I climb out of the car.

Asher looks up and down the alleyway then beckons me to the door. He turns the knob when I get there and ushers me in.

I’ve looked in the windows in the past. It looked like old equipment and storage bins. I suck in a breath when I take in the scene now.

The place has been completely cleaned up. Storage bins are stacked neatly at one end, but at the other, drop cloths have been spread, and there’s an easel set up in front of the window.

“I thought you could use this as your studio. You know–if you don’t want to paint at school.” Asher flashes a grin.

His dimples break my heart. Literally split itright in two. I’m a puddle, warm and glowy and completely done-for. Asher has conquered my every resistance.

When I don’t say anything, he says, “Or no big deal if you prefer working at school.”

“No,” I say quickly, running to throw my arms around his waist. “I freaking love this. Thank you so much. Are you sure it’s okay? I mean, with Mrs. Angelson?”

“Totally sure. She’s happy to have it used by someone.” His hands slide down my back and grab my ass. “And it gives us another safe place to meet until the end of the school year.”

“Oh yeah?” I purr, sliding my hands under his shirt to get to bare skin. “Are you going to put a mattress in here?”

“I’ll figure something out.” His voice is a low growl as he picks me up by the waist and carries me toward the storeroom. “I need to taste that pussy of yours right now.”

“Uh uh,” I disagree. “I’m tasting you first tonight. Put me down, big guy. I’m going to show you my thanks.”

Chapter Nineteen

Asher

For the second night in a row, I sleep at Lotta’s. This time it wasn’t an accident.

She didn’t kick up a fuss yesterday, so I figure it’s now allowed. It’s way hard to leave her bed when she’s naked and warm and coated in my fluids. I set an alarm, so I’m up before dawn.

“Asher…” Lotta rolls over to face me. I brush the black hair back from her smooth skin. She’s so fucking beautiful. “What do you want to do after high school?”

“This,” I answer immediately. Because this is it for me. I’ve arrived. Sleeping in Lotta James’ bed is more of a future than I ever imagined for myself.

I sense a touch of worry in her, though, so I sober. She wants out of this town, I know that.

“Coach thinks I might get a football scholarship somewhere.” I shrug. “It’s not like college is a dream for me or anything, but I’m also not tied to Wolf Ridge, if that’s what you’re asking.”

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