Page 29 of Outside The Wire

“Not tonight,” he answered, a faint smile touching his lips.

“You know I come home every day and do this.”

“What’s that?”

“Walk into my house all alone and survive.”

He strolled over to me, wrapping his arm around my waist and tugged me closer. “Well, maybe I’ll have to come over every night and make sure it’s safe.”

“That might be slightly drastic.”

“Maybe.”

God, he was so devastatingly handsome. How was I supposed to go to sleep when all I could think about was that kiss? I wanted more, and now he was in my house. What would he think if I suggested he stay? Would he think I was a slut? Maybe that’s what he was waiting for—an invitation. I could just open my mouth and say the words. I was a big girl. I could do it. Women did it all the time. It wasn’t that hard. I just had to say the words. Asher, would you like to?—

“Good night, Holly.”

I swallowed hard, chance gone. “Good night.”

He leaned and pressed another kiss to my lips, this one short and sweet. Then he turned and was out the door, turning back for just a moment. “Make sure you lock this behind me.”

“I will.”

As soon as the door closed, I sank down on the couch and sighed heavily. It wasn’t fair. I would have to wait days to see him again. How was I supposed to go to sleep after such an amazing night? It wasn’t possible.

Of course, I could stay up stalking him online. That could take up the whole night.

I sat upright when a knock sounded at the door. He was back. I jumped up and rushed over to the door, a grin splitting my lips. He came back. I swung the door open and smiled at him.

“Forget something?”

“Nope, but you did.”

I glanced down, then back at him. “Um…”

His eyebrow raised and he pointed to the door.

“Oh, you meant immediately after you left.”

“I did,” he smiled.

“And you stood out there waiting for me to lock up.”

He nodded. “Yep.”

So, he hadn’t come back because he missed me. That was slightly disappointing, but he hadn’t left until he knew I was safe. Mega bonus points in his favor.

“I will lock the door as soon as I shut it.”

“I would appreciate that. Otherwise, it’s gonna be a long, cold night for me.”

“Well, we can’t have that,” I laughed. “But I wouldn’t make you freeze.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Nope. I’d bring you some hot cocoa.”

He laughed at that. “Good night, Holly.”

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