Page 15 of The Backup

“He deserved it.”

We sit like that for a while—minutes? An hour? I lose track. His arm around me feels grounding, a warmth I didn’t realize I’d been missing.

“You just came on my face,” I laugh suddenly, breaking the quiet.

He chuckles, shaking his head. “I did. Never did that before. Just felt right.”

“You don’t do this a lot?”

He smirks. “It’s been a while for me.”

I stand, heaving a soft sigh. “Alright. Well, I guess I better get going.”

“You sure you don’t want to stick around?” he asks, his voice soft, almost hopeful.

“That sounds lovely, but…I think it’s best if I head home tonight.”

“I understand.”

I glance at my panties on the arm of the chair but decide to leave them. There’s something freeing about not putting them back on.

“Guess I’ll see you. Good luck at the game tomorrow.”

“Thanks.”

Despite the situation—despite him standing there completely naked—it doesn’t feel awkward. His confidence, the easy way he moves, makes it all strangely natural.

“Hey, Sloane.” He takes my hand as I turn to leave, his grip warm and steady. “I don’t know what this is—was? Tonight. But I want to see you again. And if you need anything, let me know.”

My eyes drop to the floor, a faint smile tugging at my lips.

“I will. Thanks.”

I open the door to his room, peeking to make sure Joe isn’t in the hallway, then slip out the side door of the frat house and into the night.

I feel like Ishouldfeel dirty.

But really?

I feel exhilarated.

Freer than I’ve been in a long, long time.

four

. . .

Asher

“Be ready today, Asher,”Coach Connelly’s voice booms as I lace up my cleats Saturday morning.

“Of course, sir.”

“I’m serious.”

“I know you are. And Iamready.”

Look, I’ve been the backup quarterback at Mystic Falls for four years now.

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