Page 56 of Restorations

I smile, knowing he will be. “Thank you. I’m dreading the sex talk already.”

He laughs. “You have time.”

He drops his head, and I see the darkness swirling beneath his surface. “Asher, what are you thinking?”

His lips turn upward deviously. “About whether I’d go to jail for tripping that little fucker when he runs out to recess tomorrow.”

I shake my head at him, slapping his arm, but unable to hide the laugh. “Don’t you dare.”

He laughs, and it’s genuine, surprisingly light, and so damn beautiful. His lips move closer to mine, and I take a sharp intake of air into my lungs from the close contact.

“I know I don’t have a desk in here, . . . but I’ll always be Mr. Sterling.”

Jesus. I think that one sentence just made me fucking wet. HIs voice is so deep and husky paired with the hunger in his eyes. I'm a goner. His lips press hesitantly to mine, and I kiss him softly. The sweet kiss turns heated, our lips and tongues dueling ferociously. My body is on fire for him, wanting to feel him everywhere.

But as I kiss him, I think about how I may not have changed as much as I thought. Hearing him talk about how he’ll always be there for Baz, my heart both happy and aching at the same time.

Because he’ll always be Baz’s uncle, and I know that. But for me? He said it himself, he struggles to even like me.

What am I doing?I see the good in him he doesn’t see. I know he would die for Baz without hesitation. He does everything he can to make Sebastian happy and safe. He’s amazing.

“Asher . . .”

“Viv,” he moans against my lips, but I slowly push him back, using my hand on his solid chest, drawing an uncertain look from him.

“I can’t do this.”

He sits back, studying me, looking so confused. “Baz is fine, Viv. This is the first of many fights.”

“No. I know he is.” I can’t fight the sinking feeling inside as I look away, my voice quiet as the nerves fight my words. “But I'm not.”

He looks defeated as he hangs his head. “I know.”

I climb off his bed, numbly making it to the door. I’m at war with myself, wanting so badly to feel his touch, but knowing that he was, yet again, right.

When it comes to Asher, I can’t seem to leave my heart out of it.

26

ASHER

The next morning, I walk Baz to his classroom like I do every morning, but something just isn't sitting right with me after last night.

I hate how much responsibility she takes on her shoulders. She isn’t in this alone, but no matter how much I try to convince her of that, she bears the burden. Always.

Baz is one of the lucky ones, and the kid knows it. He knows he’s loved. I haven’t been teaching long, and I only have fifteen kids in my class, but it’s already clear there are kids who are getting their needs met, and then there are the ones who aren’t.

And it pisses me off.

Viv didn’t plan to get pregnant with Baz, but she stepped the fuck up and is an incredible mother.

She may have faults, but the way she loves that kid isn’t one of them.

Ms. Bowen stands instantly to attention when I walk Baz through the door, her smile so bright, it’s blinding. “Well, good morning.” She looks down at Baz. “Are we going to have a much better day today?”

Baz nods once, but he’s not in the greatest mood today, and now that I know what happened with him and the other kid, neither am I.

“Can I talk to you for a moment?” I ask Ms. Bowen, who looks all too happy to have my attention.

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