Page 21 of Summer with a Player

"True," I agree, smiling at her warmly. "And for that, I'm incredibly grateful."

I sink deeper into the sand, my hand absentmindedly finding Elle's as the moon hangs low in the sky

"Asher," Elle murmurs, her voice barely audible above the sound of the water. "Have you ever... wondered if you're meant to be with someone?"

Her question catches me off guard and I'm at a loss for words. As I glance down at our intertwined fingers, my mind races with thoughts of doubt and fear. Am I truly the person Elle deserves? Can I overcome my insecurities and give her the love she needs?

"Sometimes," I admit hesitantly, swallowing hard. "I wonder if I'm enough, you know?"

"Enough?" Elle echoes, her eyes filled with concern. "You're more than enough, Asher. Don't ever doubt that."

As much as I want to believe her words, a nagging voice in the back of my mind whispers otherwise. I feel the grip of my past tightening around me, threatening to pull me under.

Just as she's about to say something else, her phone rings, cutting through the intimate silence.

"Sorry, I have to take this," she says, pulling her hand away and answering the call. "Hello? Yes, this is Elle."

As she speaks, I notice the tension in her voice. Her eyes dart nervously between me and the ocean, as if she's searching for an escape.

"Okay, I understand," she says finally, ending the call. "Asher, I'm so sorry, but I have to go. My boss needs me to cover a shift at the lab. A driver broke down and is way behind on his pickups. I have to go do the rest of the route."

"Right now?" I ask, taken aback by the sudden change of plans. "But we were just..."

"Ash, please," Elle interrupts, her voice strained. "I don't want to go either, but I can't say no."

A knot forms in my stomach as I watch her gather her things and hurry off towards her house. The evening that began with laughter now feels emotionless and distant, leaving me with nothing but doubts and unanswered questions.

As I sit alone on the beach, my thoughts drift back to our conversation. Is this what we're destined for? Can two broken people ever truly find happiness together?

The sea offers no answers, only the steady, unrelenting rhythm of the tide. And as I stare out into the vast expanse of darkness, I feel the weight of my fears and insecurities crashing down around me, leaving me to question whether pursuing a relationship with Elle is the right choice after all.

But despite the uncertainty, there is something that’s undeniably happening, and I cannot simply walk away from it.

Chapter 12

Elle

I sit on my porch, my mind consumed by images of last night with Asher's expression and the hurt in his green eyes when I left him alone on the beach.

When I think of him, my heart beats hard, and butterflies take flight in my stomach. I've never felt like this before. Falling for Asher is like diving headfirst into uncharted waters, but I can't help myself. He's charming, kind, and fiercely dedicated to his team. I want to be there for him, to support his dreams and share in his happiness.

But I failed him last night. Instead of comforting him, I let my fear of losing my job take control and ran like a coward. I chewnervously on my thumbnail, the habit offering little comfort now.

"Enough," I whisper to myself, determined to set things right. I need to find Asher and apologize, even if it means looking like a fool. It's time to prove that I can be my own person, separate from the unethical ways of my gypsy upbringing, and not sacrifice those I love for my own goals in life by pushing them away despite the outcome.

I bound off the porch, hop in my car, and make my way towards Pawleys Island. I scan the few streets, searching for any sign of Asher, but I don’t see any. So, I park back in my community and walk Love Beach.

As I walk along the shoreline, guilt and remorse weigh heavy on my chest like an anchor. I know I hurt him, and the thought of causing him pain makes my heart ache. If I want any chance at building a future with him, I have to take responsibility for my actions and be honest about my feelings.

I look up toward the restaurants lining the seawall street and I finally see him sitting inside one at a table.

I spot him through the window of The Sand Dunes Bar & Grill, where he’d said that he often goes to relax and unwind. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that sooner. Taking a deep breath, I muster the courage to approach him. As I step inside, I'm greeted by the lively hum of conversation and the scent of sizzling burgers.

"Hey, Asher," I call out softly, my voice barely audible over the noise. He looks up, surprise flickering across his expressive green eyes as they meet mine. I offer a nervous smile, my thumbnail once again between my teeth.

"Elle, hey," he replies, a guarded expression on his face. "What brings you here?"

"Can I sit?" I ask hesitantly, gesturing to the empty seat across from him. He nods, and I slide into the booth, feeling the weight of the words I need to say. "Asher, about last night... I'm really sorry for leaving you like that."

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