Page 99 of Penalized Love

I can’t help but chuckle at Asher’s quick-witted response, all the while rolling my eyes. I place a hand on his chest before turning my head to speak to Wilder. “He couldn’t wait to get back here to hop on the mic.”

“Is he going to sing about his sorrows after Coach handed him his ass at dinner?” Wilder wiggles his eyebrows as if he’s so proud that he came up with that on the fly.

Jade approaches us and pokes Wilder in the shoulder. “Really? Can you at least let them walk in before you start?”

I throw Jade a big smile before I lean over to give her a hug. As I pull back from Jade's embrace, I feel Asher's hand on the small of my back. I glance up at him and watch as the smile on his face grows.

"Come on, let's show them how karaoke should be done." He takes my hand, intertwining our fingers as he leads me toward the karaoke setup.

We all walk into the living room and find the rest of our group there. Levi and Hailey are cuddled up on the couch laughing at Knox and Blaise, who are having a debate over song choices.

“Isla and I are going first.”

I do a double-take and narrow my gaze at my boyfriend. “We are?”

Asher gives me a firm nod and intertwines his fingers with mine. “You’re going to do great, and I know the perfect song for us.”

He guides me up to the makeshift setup in the living room before selecting the song he wants us to sing. My stomach is threatening to leave my body as I wonder what song he has in mind for us. The debate between Knox and Blaise comes to a haltwhile Levi, Hailey, Wilder, and Jade all turn their attention to us.

I know what the song is as soon as the first notes play out. I don’t need the lyrics that appear on their television screen or any help from our audience. “Rewrite The Stars” by Zac Efron and Zendaya holds a special place in my heart and reminds me of the journey that Asher and I have been on.

As the familiar melody fills the room, I meet Asher's gaze, and I swear the world around us fades away as he begins to sing. My emotions get the best of me as his eyes never stray from mine. I almost forget that he’s finished the first verse and the chorus and that it is now time for me to join in.

My voice trembles slightly as I begin to sing. Although I cannot sing, you wouldn’t be able to tell that by watching Asher. His gaze never leaves mine as I continue the song, and it’s almost as if he’s staring right into my soul. When we begin the chorus together, goosebumps appear on my skin because I can see and hear every ounce of love that he has for me in his eyes and in his voice.

As the final notes of the song fade away, applause breaks out around us. Asher pulls me close, his forehead resting against mine as we catch our breath. He gives me a kiss on the lips.

"I love you, Isla," he murmurs, his words a secret meant only for me.

"I love you too, Asher," I whisper back.

We take the moment for ourselves before Asher turns to everyone and says, “I’m not done. It’s time for ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’.”

Wilder groans. “He’s never going to let the rest of us get up there and sing. I’m grabbing another beer.”

The whole room erupts into laughter, and I’ve never felt happier or more invincible. Asher has given me so much inthe short period of time we’ve been back together. I know that whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together.

Always.

For now though, I can’t wait to share the surprise I’m planning for him.

38

ASHER

There are so many things that I’m grateful for, but I can’t list them. However, being back on the ice is definitely one of those things.

The energy in the arena is on fire, and I swear I can hear the roar of the fans echoing on every surface of this building. This game has been insane, and while we are down by a goal, there’s a sense of peace and calm that surrounds me even in the chaos.

I know we’re going to score again. We’re going to win.

And the most important thing of all? I’m happy. I’m so fucking happy, even in this stressful situation, that I could break out and dance on the ice in front of everyone.

This isn’t the time for that, but it’s something I’m willing to do. But for now, I need to focus on helping our team win this game even though, in my mind, we’ve already won.

As I’m waiting for the whistle to blow and the puck to drop, something catches my eye. I do a double take because right behind the bench, I see my mom and Avery. They are here. My sister’s holding a homemade sign that says“Go Asher! You’re #1 in Our Hearts!”Mom is smiling, her hands clasped in front of her as if she’d just finished clapping.

What in the world? Didn’t Mom have to work? Avery probably has a basketball game this evening, right?

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