Page 65 of The Backup

“You’re trouble,” he murmurs, his lips brushing mine in the faintest of kisses.

“Oh like you don’t love it,” I reply, feeling bold.

His laugh is soft, almost reverent, as his hands slide down my sides, gripping my hips like he’s grounding himself. “You have no idea.”

The smirk is back, sharper this time. “You wore the shorts,” he says, his voice a mix of approval and amusement.

“You told me to,” I reply, my cheeks flushing.

His thumb brushes along the waistband, his touch deliberate. “You’re good at taking orders.”

“Maybe I just like making you happy,” I counter, trying to match his teasing tone.

His grin widens. “It’s working.”

For a while, it’s just us, the air charged with unspoken tension and lingering touches. But then Asher’s expression softens, his hand stilling on my waist.

“Can I ask you something?” he says, his voice quieter now.

“Sure,” I reply, my heartbeat slowing just enough to hear the faint crack in his tone.

“Does it feel…weird? You know, me and Jacklyn.”

I blink, caught off guard by the question. “What? No. Why would it?”

His gaze searches mine, as if he’s waiting for something to change in my expression. “I don’t know. Some people might think it’s…complicated.”

I reach up, cupping his cheek gently. “Asher, you and Jacklyn were a blip. Barely a footnote. It’s not even a thought in my mind.”

The tension in his shoulders eases, and a small, genuine smile tugs at his lips. “Good.”

The moment lingers between us, the air thick with anticipation as his hands slide along my waist. His lips brushagainst mine, teasing, but there’s something more in his eyes—curiosity, maybe, or a flicker of hesitation.

“Asher,” I murmur, pulling back just enough to meet his gaze. “What about you?”

“Hmm?” His voice is low, rough, the sound of it sending shivers down my spine.

“Does it bother you?” I ask softly.

His brow furrows. “Doeswhatbother me?”

“That I…” I hesitate, my cheeks flushing, but I force myself to continue. “That I used to date your frat brother. The former starting quarterback no less.”

Understanding dawns in his expression, and his lips twitch into that signature smirk. “No,” he says firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “I couldn’t care less.”

Relief floods through me, but then his smirk deepens, his eyes glinting with amusement.

“Although,” he adds, leaning closer until his breath brushes against my ear, “Idohope he doesn’t recognize your moans. Sharing a wall with Joe now would make that…awkward. Or maybe I hope he does.”

My cheeks burn, and I swat at his chest, laughing despite myself. “You’re unbelievable.”

He cocks his head and runs a hand down my side. “Well believe it.”

Suddenly, I get hit with a strange, knot in my stomach. Maybe it’s just my insecurities seeping in but…“I just…I guess I don’t know what you see in a girl like me.”

“What do you mean, girl like you? You’re fucking sexy, Sloane. Oh fuck. When you rub your ass into me like that…”

I spin and grind on him, then reach my hand behind me, and into his briefs.

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