Page 15 of Summer with a Player

Asher:Hey, gypsy girl! Got any predictions about today's game?

I roll my eyes and chuckle quietly before typing back.

Me:Hmm, let me consult my crystal ball...?? Ah, yes, it says there's a 100% chance of you kicking some serious ass on the ice tonight!

Asher:Ha! I should've known you'd say that. ??

Asher:But seriously, thank you for believing in me.

His words warm my heart.

Me:Tell me more about the game this afternoon. Who are you up against?

Asher:Michigan Vikings. They're a tough team, but we're ready for them. How's your day going?

I pause, surprised by Asher's genuine interest in my life. It still feels so new and unexpected, but it makes me feel seen.

Me:Busy, but good. You wouldn't believe the amount of blood I have in my ice chests. Good thing I’m not a thirsty vampire.

Asher:Right! I’m glad you aren’t a vampire either. ??

Me:Oh, and I saw a dog wearing sunglasses today, which made my day infinitely better.

Asher:LOL! A fashion-forward pup, I love it!

Asher immediately sends me a picture of him making a silly face.

Asher:This is my 'impressed' face.

I laugh out loud, drawing curious glances from the medical office staff as I wait for them to finish preparing their labs to give me. I quickly snap a photo of myself with a big smile and send it to him.

Me:This is my 'happy because of you' face.

Asher:Is that so? ?? Well then, I guess it's only fair that I tell you I've been thinking about our last kiss all day. Can't wait to see you after the game.

Me:Way to raise the stakes, Jet. Looking forward to it.

Asher:Good. ??Now go be amazing at your job. See you later, Elle.

Me:Good luck today! See you later, Asher.

Our conversation leaves me with a renewed sense of eagerness. On my way back to the lab, thoughts about what’s growing between Asher and me run through my head. It feels like we're on the brink of something incredible, and it’s a little scary yet exciting at the same time.

That evening, Asher comes over to my house. He's already met Florence and Calvin briefly, but tonight is the first time they're all hanging out. We gather around the pool at the center of our community, the sun has set and the pool is lit with strings of hanging light bulbs.

"Elle," Florence teases, "you didn't tell us we'd have front-row seats to the Charleston Renegades' very own Asher Gray."

"Hey now," Asher interjects with a playful grin, "I'm just a regular guy when I'm not on the ice."

Calvin chuckles, sipping his drink. "Yeah, a regular guy who keeps our dear Elle up late at night. You two really ought to be more mindful of the paper-thin walls in these tiny homes."

My cheeks flush with embarrassment, but Asher just laughs along. "Well, you know what they say about hockey players. We never back down from a challenge." He winks at me, making me smile.

"Seems like you two are really hitting it off," Florence says, nudging me with her elbow. "And trust me, Elle could use someone like you in her life."

"Aw, Flo, you always know how to make me blush," I reply, rolling my eyes but secretly touched by her words.

After a few hours, Florence and Calvin announce that it’s way past their bedtime and say goodnight. Asher and I head back to my place, and he leans in and whispers as we walk, "I'm glad I got to spend this time with you and your friends, Elle. They're amazing, just like you."

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