Chapter 68: The Girl is Mine

BLAKE

That gave me an idea of who he was.

"Let me guess. You're Asher?" I asked to confirm, resisting the urge to march over to them and pull Rylie away from him.

Thankfully, just after he spoke, Rylie pulled away of Asher's arm.

"Boyfriend? Since when, Asher?" I yelled, struggling to keep my voice even. I smirked inwardly. Take that, Asher.

"Look Rylie baby, I'm sorry about all that happened and I'd like to explain if you'd let me," he moved towards her, possibly to take her in his arms again. I couldn't let that happen so I walked over to her and pulled her towards me instead.

"Don't bother with an explanation. She's taken. She's my girlfriend," I fought the urge to glare at him.

"What is wrong with the both of you? Neither of you is my boyfriend so what the heck is going on? You know what? I can't handle this right now!" Rylie pushed me off her and walked away, leaving Asher and I alone.

At first, none of us spoke, obviously taking the time to study each other. He was tall just like I was, was equally built, had dark green eyes, black hair which he had slicked back... I could why Rylie or any other girl would like him. In fact, in a way we weren't much different from each other.

"So... when did she dump you?" his words came out a bit mocking but I ignored it.

"I dumped her. Stupid mistake, I know."

"Yeah. I guess we have something in common. We're both stupid," he chuckled softly.

"I guess. At least I told her to her face. You didn't."

"I know. That's why I'm here. To make amends and to get her back," he stated matter-of-factly.

I didn't say anything at first as I studied his face for any sign that there was more to his statement.

"I guess that means we have something else in common. We both want the same girl."

"I guess so. The only question is, who will get her?"

"I guess we'll have to wait and see," I turned and headed back into the house.

I stepped in, closely followed by Asher. As soon as Rylie set her eyes on us, the shock, pain and hurt was visible in her eyes and I wanted nothing more than to comfort her but I couldn't. She ran up the stairs just as her dad ordered Asher to leave.

He didn't want to but he had no choice. After he was gone, I had nothing else to do but go home. I left with my family but didn't go to my room. Instead, I climbed up to the roof to have some alone time.

The next morning, I decided to pay a visit to Rylie after finding out that she wasn't feeling too good. It took some convincing but eventually, her mom allowed me to watch her just until she stirred, then I had to leave. I agreed.

Watching Rylie sleep gave me the opportunity to be alone with her, something I hadn't had the opportunity to do since our breakup and with Asher back, I had a feeling times like this were going to be harder to have.

When I came back to the room to find out that she was awake, I knew I should've left. That was the arrangement though but I couldn't bring myself to go. I hadn't been there for her when she needed me after Grandma's death but I had done the opposite. At least now, I could be there for her.

Still, I hadn't expected her to ask me to stay after feeding her but she did and I was extremely overjoyed. As I watched her drift off to sleep, I couldn't help myself. I held her hand, leaned in and pressed my lips to her forehead.

"Sweet dreams, lovely."

It wasn't long before I gave into the urge and laid my head to rest on her pillow where I drifted off to a content sleep.

I awoke to find Rylie's beautiful face so close to mine, her breath was fanning my face. It reminded me of the day I'd confessed my feelings to her.

"You look beautiful," I remarked, deciding to say something to fill the silence.

She didn't believe me and told me so but I repeated my statement because it was the truth.

"Thanks for staying with me, Blake. I really appreciate it but it's time for you to leave. Now," that brought it to an end.

I didn't want to leave but I knew that my time was up.

"I'm glad you feel better. I guess I'll see you around then..." I wanted to go on and possibly bring up Asher but I decided to just let her get some rest so I left.

Later that night, I was up on the roof again — since it had kinda become my place for alone time — when I noticed Rylie walking down the street, past my house.

I watched her walk, resisting the urge to go after her. Perhaps it was wise for me to give her space for now... Eventually, I found myself trailing behind her. She seemed to not be aware of her surroundings and so didn't notice me.

When Asher fell in step beside her, I wanted to walk up to them and separate him from her but on seeing the look on his face, I could see just how much she needed this. So I left them alone, deciding it was best to give them their privacy.

Back home, I got ready for bed but found myself standing by my window, staring out at Rylie's room. I couldn't go to bed when all I could think of was Rylie and Asher together.

Right there and then, I made a vow to myself. I had made the mistake of letting go of Rylie once, now I was going to stop at nothing until she was mine again, Asher or no Asher.