Page 102 of The Backup

“You’re my hot nerd,” he adds, his grin returning. “I’ve never cared who knew. I’m just glad you don’t either.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I let out a shaky laugh. “I love you too, Asher.”

The words feel terrifying and freeing all at once, and my mind flashes to Joe. With him, I always felt like I wasn’t enough—like I was just an option. His backup plan. The girl he settled for when nothing better came along.

“I always felt like I was the backup,” I admit, my voice trembling slightly. “With Joe. I didn’t realize how much it weighed on me until now.”

Asher’s expression softens, and he cups my face with one hand, his thumb brushing my cheek. “Do you feel that way with me?”

I meet his gaze, my chest tightening as I shake my head. “No. Definitely not.”

“Good,” he says, his grin widening. “Because you’ve always been my first string.”

I laugh, the tension in my chest easing, and lean forward to kiss him. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Guilty,” he says, pulling me closer.

I stand, stretching again. “I’m going to use the bathroom.”

As I step into the hallway, I almost bump into Joe. He freezes, his eyes wide as he takes me in.

“Sloane,” he says, his voice low and almost pleading. “Can we talk? Please. Just…one more chance. I messed up, okay? I know I did, but?—”

I cut him off with a laugh, shaking my head. “Joe, no.”

“Sloane, come on. I?—”

“Bye, Joe,” I say, walking past him without another glance.

When I get back to the room, Asher’s lounging against the pillows, his coffee in hand, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

“What’s so funny?” he asks as I climb back onto the bed.

“Just ran into Joe,” I say, smirking.

His eyebrows lift. “Oh yeah? What did he want?”

I lean down, kissing him softly. “Doesn’t matter. He’s ancient history.”

Asher grins, his hands sliding around my waist. “What do you want to do today?”

I smile, resting my forehead against his. “Anything. As long as it’s with you.”

epilogue

. . .

Sloane

The sun shinesbright and warm over the campus lawn, the perfect weather for graduation. Rows of chairs stretch out across the green, filled with excited families and graduates adjusting their caps and gowns. The air buzzes with anticipation, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I let myself just breathe.

“Sloane!”

I turn toward the sound of my name and spot my grandmother waving from a few rows back, Jacklyn and Brian flanking her. Jacklyn is practically glowing, looking as stunning as ever in a flowy dress, while Brian awkwardly balances a massive bouquet of flowers.

“You did it, sweetheart!” Grandma calls out, her voice loud enough to make a few heads turn. I laugh, my cheeks flushing, and wave back.

“Go see them,” Asher says beside me, nudging me lightly with his elbow. “They’re clearly dying to celebrate with you.”

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