Chapter 182 We’re definitely still talking about that kiss when I get back
Chapter 182 We’re definitely still talking about that kiss when I get back
Asher’s eyes immediately dropped down to her still-injured ankle, concern flooding across his face and replacing every other emotion in an instant.
“It’ll probably be way too much for you right now with your ankle like that.”
His tone softened considerably with genuine care and protectiveness.
“I won’t be gone long at all. I’ll be back before you even know it.”
A small, reassuring smile appeared on his face. “I’ll also stop by a store on the way and pick up some new clothes for you.”
Love finally remembered that she hadn’t gone back to her apartment even once since everything happened.
The only reason she had rented that tiny, cramped place and bought those cheap clothes in the first place was because she had been trying so hard to hide her real identity while staying close to Danny.
Now, none of that mattered anymore in the slightest.
There was absolutely no reason left for her to return to any of it. She gave him a small, understanding nod. “Okay.”
Her smile became a little brighter and warmer as she continued. “I’ll take a nice long shower and then get some proper rest.”
She glanced around at the luxurious suite surrounding them before looking back at him with soft eyes. “Can I borrow some of your things in the meantime?”
A genuine, heartfelt smile finally broke fully across Asher’s face. “Everything here is yours to use however you want.”
His eyes lingered warmly on hers for another long, meaningful moment. “And…”
His voice dropped down quieter, more intimate. “We’re definitely still talking about that kiss when I get back.”
Love’s face instantly turned an even brighter shade of red. She quickly looked away, completely unable to hide the deep embarrassment and fluttering excitement washing over her.
Asher chuckled softly in that low, warm way of his before grabbing his jacket and heading for the door. She watched him leave, her eyes following every step until the door clicked shut quietly behind him.
Only then did she press both of her hands firmly against her burning cheeks, trying to cool them down.
“What on earth am I even thinking right now…”
A shy, giddy smile slowly spread across her entire face as she looked down at the delicious food still waiting on the table.
Since it was already there and prepared, she decided to finish eating first before doing anything else.
Not long after she finished, room service arrived to efficiently clear away all the dishes and tidy up.
Once the suite was quiet and peaceful again, Love slowly and carefully made her way toward the bathroom.
Every single step served as a painful reminder that her ankle was still badly injured.
The throbbing pain made moving around pretty difficult and slow, but she stubbornly refused to give up or call for any help.
After taking her sweet time and being extra careful, she finally finished her refreshing shower.
She opened up Asher’s closet and picked out one of his clean, oversized white shirts.
The shirt was so big on her that it nearly reached all the way down to her knees, and the sight of it made her smile softly with affection.
It smelled exactly like him in the best possible way, fresh and clean, warm and inviting, and deeply comforting.
She hugged herself tightly without even realizing she was doing it, breathing in that familiar, soothing scent over and over before climbing into the large, comfortable bed.
The moment her head touched the soft pillow, exhaustion crashed over her like a powerful wave, completely taking over.
She hadn’t fully realized just how incredibly tired and drained she truly was after everything she had been through.
Wrapped up snugly in Asher’s shirt and surrounded by his familiar, comforting scent, she drifted off into a deep, peaceful, and much-needed sleep.
When Love slowly opened her eyes again sometime later, bright golden sunlight was pouring generously through the large windows, filling the room with warmth.
She stretched lazily and comfortably before noticing a neatly folded note waiting for her on the bedside table.
She immediately reached over and picked it up, unfolding it with gentle fingers.
‘Didn’t want to wake you while you were sleeping so peacefully and looking so beautiful. A few new outfits are already waiting for you in the closet. I’m heading out to my last meeting now. Breakfast has already been ordered and should arrive soon. I promise I’ll take you out for a nice lunch when I get back.’
A big, happy smile spread warmly across her face as she hugged the note tightly against her chest, holding it close to her heart.
She missed him already, more than she could even describe.
More than anything else in the world, she just wanted him right there beside her again.
She didn’t want to leave the hotel room at all if she didn’t have to.
She only wanted to curl up safely against Asher, listen to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, and soak up all that wonderful warmth and security she always felt whenever he was near her.
After everything painful and heartbreaking that had happened with Danny, she finally understood the massive, life-changing difference between desperately chasing after someone who never truly valued or appreciated her and being completely, quietly cherished by someone who had loved her deeply and faithfully all along without ever making a big show of it.
Asher had always been right there for her through everything. She had simply been too blind to truly notice and appreciate it until now.
Halfway through enjoying her breakfast, her phone suddenly started ringing.
She glanced at the screen and immediately broke into a bright smile when she saw her father’s name lighting it up.
She answered the call without any hesitation at all. “Dad.”
The warm, loving voice on the other end instantly filled her heart with deep comfort and a sense of safety.
“Love.” His voice carried unmistakable concern and fatherly worry. “Do you want to come back to New York with us? Whenever the court needs you for anything, your mother and I can always travel with you and be right by your side.”