Page 86 of For Your Consideration

He shot me a look but didn’t say anything as he waited for me to get through the main door before we climbed the stairs together. I walked into my apartment to find Iris sitting on my couch reading a book.

“Hi, hon,” she said in a low voice. She finished the sentence she was reading, closed her book, and looked up. Her eyebrows rose in surprise as she smiled at Asher.

“Thanks for staying here tonight.” I tried not to sound drunk, but I didn’t think it was working. “How was Sophie?”

“She was a sweet little angel as always.”

“S’good.” I let out another yawn.

“I’m glad you went out, sweetie. You deserve some fun and to act your age.” She turned to look at the man beside me. “You aren’t who she left with.”

“I picked her up.”

She made a noise as she wiggled her eyebrows at me before looking him up and down. “Have I mentioned that I’m a big fan of all those tattoos? I like that you have them on display.”

When I cleared my throat, she looked back at me.

“Go home, Iris. I know it’s late.”

She gave me a hug, winked at Asher, and then walked out with the promise to come over in the morning.

“Can we talk?” I asked once we were alone.

“No.” His tone was harsh.

“Oh, right.” I turned away from him. “Thanks for picking me up.” I kicked off my boots, almost falling over if it hadn’t been for him catching me by the elbow.

“That isn’t what I meant, Sutton.” I kept my eyes down but he didn’t let go of my arm. “Can you look at me, please?”

“No. It’s fine. It’s the alcohol.” I tried to pull out of his grip but he didn’t let me go. And honestly, I didn’t try that hard. Instead, he put his finger under my chin and lifted my head so I was looking at him.

“I want to talk about everything you said. But not while you’re drunk. I want you to be clear so I know exactly what you’re thinking. Okay?”

I flushed a little and then nodded. He didn’t let go of my chin for another moment, looking me over, like he was making sure that I understood. Then he let me go and I let out a yawn.

“When will Soph wake up?” he asked in a low voice.

I squinted to read the clock on the stove. She normally slept through the night now but she liked to wake up early.

“I think I’ll get a few hours.”

“I’m not leaving.”

“What?”

“You had a lot to drink. I don’t want to leave you on your own.”

I liked that he cared—probably a little too much. Right now I felt like kicking myself for drawing that friends-only line in the sand.

“You really don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine and Iris is down the hall.”

“I’ll sleep on the couch.” He went to move around me, but I put my hand on his arm before he could pass. He looked down at me with a raised eyebrow. I decided to just go with what I wanted, blame it on the alcohol. That was the motto for tonight.

“I think your body almost gave up the last time you slept there. Can’t have that happening again. You can sleep in my bed with me. Friends can sleep platonically together.”

“Are you sure?” He rubbed the bridge of his nose and raised his eyes to the ceiling for a moment before looking over my face.

“Yes. You ended up on the floor last time.” I moved my hand down his arm and grabbed his hand, pulling him toward my room.