Page 58 of The Backup

Me: Okay, fine. It was better than good.

Asher: Better than anything you’ve had before.

I hesitate for half a second before replying.

Me: I’m not arguing.

His response comes quickly, as if he’s been waiting.

Asher: Damn right, you’re not. And tonight, you’re going to be sitting there, watching me, wishing we were alone again.

Me: What makes you think I’m not wishing for that already?

I grin to myself, then pull up the camera on my phone. Tilting it down, I snap a quick picture of my legs crossed in tiny, fitted shorts that ride up just enough to tease. My bare thighs gleam in the soft light of my room. I send it without a caption, my heart pounding.

His reply comes in seconds.

Asher: Fuck, Sloane. Are you trying to kill me?

Me: Just returning the favor.

The three dots appear again, then disappear. My pulse races as I wait, until finally, his next message comes in.

It’s a photo.

I tap to open it, and my breath catches. He’s in the gym, clearly mid-workout, his athletic shorts riding low on his hips. The fabric clings in all the right places, and my gaze zeroes in on the very obvious outline that has my cheeks burning.

Asher: Your move.

I bite my lip, heat pooling low in my stomach as I stare at the photo.

Me: I don’t think I can focus tonight.

Asher: Good. I don’t want you to.

Me: You’re trouble.

Asher: Yeah That’s true…but you’re saying it like you aren’t, too. Which you are.

My breath hitches as I read his words, the heat in my cheeks spreading all the way down.

Asher: Make sure you wear those tight little shorts tonight.

Me: Oh? Why’s that?

Asher: So I can watch you squirm.

Me: You’re evil.

Asher: And you wouldn’t have it any other way.

I drop my phone onto the bed, my heart racing and my body tingling with anticipation. Asher Knox is impossible. And the worst part? I don’t want him to stop.

The laughter and chaos of trivia night continue to fill the living room. Jacklyn, clipboard in hand, takes her hosting duties seriously, while Brian keeps the drinks flowing and the competitive banter alive.

Kiki and Eric are practically falling over each other with laughter as they argue over an answer, while Ted remains laser-focused on me.

Jacklyn reads the next question. “What ancient civilization is credited with inventing concrete?”

---