Page 99 of The Last Time

“I don’t know how I’m doing,” he begins hesitantly. “I’m pissed as hell that it finally came out, and he didn’t show a lick of remorse. The bastard ruined my life but had the balls to tell me shewanted it. I hate that I didn’t get to punch him, andyouare the one hurting from it. I’m angry that my so-called wife did this to me. But in some sense,” he pauses, then sighs. “I don’t know, maybe a little relieved that the truth is out. Does that sound crazy?”

This poor man. Feeling guilty for feeling relieved. “Of course, you’re relieved, Asher. No one should have to hold onto such a painful secret. And to think that you’ve been around him foryearswithout saying a thing. I don’t know how you did it.” I meet his eyes. “Why did you do it?”

“Brie,” he says on a breath. “She already has to navigate life without a mother. I just didn’t want her to also have a bad impression of who her mother was. And I guess, also… I was embarrassed. I mean, my own wife was fucking my friend behind my back when we had a newborn baby. What does that say about me as a husband?”

I’m irritated for him right now. Why the hell would she do that? Asher was clearly a devoted husband and father. Not only to cheat on your husband but with one of his friends.

“The only thing that says about you is that you were a committed husband and father. You did nothing wrong in this scenario. Everything you’re feeling is normal. And I get why you didn’t want Brie to find out, but that’s just not fair to you to bottle it up. Plus, it’s not like she needs to know. I mean, it’s not like any of your family and friends are going to tell her, so it can still be kept a secret from her if you want.”

He smiles. “Thanks, Charlotte. Even after how I’ve treated you, you’re still willing to be so kind. You’re an incredible woman.”

“I get it. I was snooping in your personal business when I shouldn’t have. But I just wanted you to open up to me the way I opened up to you.”

He nods his head. “I know. And just so you know, I’m working on it. I know I’m not the man you deserve right now, but I wanna be. I’m trying to move on from all of this crap. Maybe one day, if I’m lucky, I’ll be that man for you.”

Tears run down my cheeks at his words. It’s what I desperately want, but I know I can’t wait around for it. That would tear me apart. I have to live my life like it’s not going to happen in order for me to put one foot in front of the other.

“Can you take me home?” I request again through my thick emotions.

I see the disappointment my answer causes him, but I don’t want to give him any false hope. This time, he listens to my request and puts the truck in reverse.

The entire ride to my house is spent in silence. I want to say more, but I’m afraid. I’m weak around this man, and too much time alone could lead to something that shouldn’t happen.

When he pulls into my driveway, I start to get out of his truck, thinking he’s just dropping me off. But he kills the engine and follows me to the door.

“You don’t have to walk me to the door,” I tell him.

He looks at me like I’m crazy. “I’m not. I’m coming inside.”

“Excuse me?” I ask, not sure how to take his forwardness.

“You just punched the man who slept with my wife. Your hand is swollen, bruised, and I can tell you’re in pain. I’m coming in to get you settled in for the night. It’s the least I can do.”

I smile. “I thought you were mad that I was the one who got to punch him and not you.”

He chuckles. “I’m willing to forgive you. Seriously, just let me come in and help. I’ll feel better if I can do that.”

As soon as we’re inside, he tells me to go sit on the couch while he gets more ice.

“Where are your painkillers?” he asks from the kitchen.

“In the cabinet to the left of the fridge.”

He’s walking back toward me with a glass of water, pills, and a fresh bag of ice tucked under his arm.

I take the pills down easily, then place the glass on my new end table, coaster underneath, of course. These cost a pretty penny, so I’m gonna be anal as fuck about it, and I don’t even care.

When it’s time for the new bag of ice, I cringe.

“I know, it’s gonna suck for a minute. But when it eventually numbs it, doesn’t it feel better?”

“Yes, but that doesn’t negate the initial pain.”

“Come on,” he sits next to me. “Give me your hand.”

I do so, and he places it gently on his leg while he shakes his head.

“I still can’t believe you got in such a good punch. Have you ever hit somebody before?”

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