Page 93 of College-Virgin & Dark Bully Next-Door

“We should have a picnic here sometime. Play in the stream.”

“It has leeches.” I wipe my nose on my own shirt, but that’s his, too. “I didn’t want to call.”

“I know.”

“I left without calling you. I thought about it, but I …” I take a slow breath. “I’m going to talk.”

“Okay.”

I tell him everything. Tell him about Dad cleaning, helping him, Chase popping the happy bubble aggressively, our shouting match, how insane I feel. Even when it doesn’t make sense, he just listens.

When I finish, I’m exhausted. Ash rubs my back and kisses the top of my head. “Holy shit.”

“See.”

“You’re too fucking strong. If I put you in the ring, you’d slaughter every man,” he whispers.

My brow furrows, and I look up at him. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Sky, that’s so much shit on your shoulders, and you’re upset, not because there’s that much, but because you’re having trouble juggling it. Do you know how insane that is? I get overwhelmed with my job, training, and wanting to be a good boyfriend and son. I got overwhelmed by school and feeling like shit.”

“So?”

“So you’re a badass and should own it.” He hugs me again. “And not work yourself so fucking hard.”

I wipe at my nose. “I don’t know how to … to not fix a problem if I see it. If I don’t do it, who will?”

“Your dad needs to. Let the shit hit the fan and see how quickly it wakes him up. It’ll be uncomfortable, and I’m not saying I agree with what Chase said, but doing everything for someone doesn’t let them grow.”

“But …”

“But nothing. I’m right about this.” His lips brush my ear. “And I know I’m right because you’re the evidence.”

I turn to look at him, and he kisses me softly. “You should never ask me again why I want to be with you. I’m preparing to fight off every man who tries to seduce you right now.”

I croak out a laugh and wipe my eyes again. “Yeah. Yeah. Who doesn’t want a snotty, stubborn creep who collects bugs and has a tarantula?”

“Who doesn’t want a woman who is willing to take care of her own shit, push herself to be the best possible version of herself, bring others to her level, and isn’t afraid to kill her own bugs?”

We sit for a while in silence, and I wipe my eyes again and again. This is all new territory. Talking to someone about this as if it’s not mine to take care of and actually trying to think of it that way.

Should I let Dad fight his battles? Should I stop being so overbearing? Am I the reason he’s stayed the way he has for two very long years? I rub my forehead and feel Ash’s fingers across my arm.

“Wearing my shirt?”

“I didn’t realize it until I got here.”

“You look good in it.” He kisses my jaw. “And I’m glad you called. I get to help.”

“You’re a good boyfriend,” I admit.

He beams, eyes scrunching shut as he flashes his pearly whites. I take a picture, unashamed. He pushes my camera away and kisses me hungrily, licking deep into my mouth as he cups the back of my head.

I moan and thread my fingers through his hair, massaging. He draws back and leans into my hand. I keep rubbing him as I press my forehead against his chest. I’m not prepared for this Ash, the one who supports me, who takes on challengeswithme.

“Is this the real you?” I ask on a pant.

“I’ve been real with you since our fight, gorgeous. You bring it out in me.”

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