Page 63 of Penalized Love

I debate how to respond. Part of me wants to brush it off and tell him it’s nothing serious. His genuine concern is touching. Before I can overthink it further, another wave of cramps hits, and I wince. Screw it, might as well be honest.

Me: Some horrible cramps amongst other things.

I hit send and close my eyes, focusing on my breathing to try to ride out the pain. A few minutes later, my phone buzzes again. Asher’s response pops up.

Asher: I’ll be there in 20.

My eyes widen. He’s coming over? Now? Why? A small thrill goes through me at the thought of seeing him, followed by panic. I’m a mess right now, sweaty and gross, and not in any state to entertain anyone.

Me: You don’t need to do that. I’ll survive. Really.

I chew my lip as I wait for his reply, praying he listens. But that’s foolish. If Asher can help someone, he’ll do it, even when it means going out of his way.

Asher: Too late, already omw. Be there soon.

There’s no way this is real life. My ex-boyfriend, who I’ve been avoiding like the plague since the kiss that shouldn’t have happened, is on his way over. Right now. While I’m curled up in a ball of period-induced agony. Just perfect.

I drag myself out of bed with a groan, determined to at least make myself somewhat presentable before he arrives. Somehow, I replace my sweat-soaked sheets and change into a clean pair of leggings and an oversized hoodie. I manage to make it to the bathroom to brush my teeth and hair and splash some cold water on my face. It’s not much, but it’s the best I can do, given the circumstances.

I’m rushing around my room to the best of my ability. As I move around, my elbow knocks over a stack of papers on Tessa’s desk.

Shit.

I take my time bending down to gather the things I dropped when something catches my eye.

It’s a small black notebook. I know I shouldn’t open it, but what the hell? She already hates me. When I do, I see a list of names written in Tessa’s handwriting.

My heart skips a beat as I recognize some names. They are people from our dorm, classmates, and even a few professors. Next to each name are details about each person, and I’m only more confused by it all. Why would she take the time to do this?

On the bright side, as I’m skimming through the pages, I notice my name isn’t among them.

Since I don’t know why she’s doing this, there isn’t much I can do. So, I place the notebook back among Tessa’s papers. I carefully stack everything into a neat pile and set it back on her desk. As of now, what’s on her desk doesn’t concern me.

I walk over to my bed, and then there’s a knock on the door. With a quick glance at the time, I can see Asher kept his word. He’s here twenty minutes later. I take a deep breath before I open it to reveal Asher standing there with a grocery bag in hand. He looks amazing, as always, in a simple t-shirt and jeans. His hair is messy, as if he’s been running his hands through it. I hate that it reminds me of how it looked when I ran my hands through it while he was fucking me with his tongue.

“Hey,”he whispers. I can see that his green eyes are full of concern as they sweep over me.“How are you feeling?”

I step aside to let him in, shrugging one shoulder.“I’ve been better. You didn’t have to come all the way over here.”

Asher sets the bag down on my desk, unpacking it.“I know. But I wanted to. I got you some stuff that might help.”He pulls out a bottle of extra-strength Tylenol, a large bag of Skittles, some chocolate, some tea, and some comfy socks.

I hold back tears at the thoughtful gesture.“Ash... Thank you. That’s really sweet of you.”

He shrugs, looking almost shy. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen him like that, if ever.“It’s nothing. I just hate the thought of you suffering alone.”He hesitates, then adds,“I wanted to see you. Evenif it’s not under the best circumstances.”

I’ll never admit that my heart does a little flip in my chest. It’s taking everything within me to keep my expression neutral.“Well, um, thanks again. I appreciate it.”

Asher nods, his gaze lingering on mine for a charged moment before he clears his throat and looks away.“You should lay back down. Can I get you anything else? Want me to make you some of that tea?”

I hesitate, torn between wanting his company and not wanting to be vulnerable around him right now. But the pain wins out, and I find myself nodding.“Sure, tea would be great. Thanks.”

Asher makes me some tea while I gingerly lower myself back onto my bed, propping myself up with pillows. He returns a few minutes later, carefully handing me a steaming mug.

“Careful, it’s hot,”he murmurs, settling himself in my desk chair, keeping a bit of distance between us.

I blow on the tea and take a small sip. It’s the perfect temperature, and he’s even added a bit of honey, which is just how I like it.“It’s perfect. Thank you.”

We sit in semi-awkward silence for a few minutes as I drink the tea and the medicine I took starts to kick in. Finally, I can’t take it anymore.

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