My heart pounds as everyone stares.
“How could you!” Asher screams at the same time that I call out his name.
He doesn’t hear me, though. If he does, he’s not listening.
All I know at this moment is that this isn’t like Asher, and he isn’t okay. The words are raw as I yell out, “Asher,” and he glances back over his shoulder.
His father pushes forward, both arms out, but Brody and Griffin are there, attempting to get between. Everyone’s yelling, getting involved or spectating, but all I can see is Asher.
The hurt in his eyes. The bruise on his own jaw.
“Asher!” I call out to him again and this time I don’t stop. I don’t stop running until my arms are firmly around him. I don’t listen to the men when they tell me to step away. To get back.
My own instincts are to stay back, but I can’t. Because that leaves Asher in the middle of this. Whatever it is. I don’t know what happened, but I don’t care.
“Bri, get out of here,” Asher warns and attempts to push me away at the same time that someone’s hard body presses against mine. Someone’s been shoved. Everyone’s still yelling but all I hear is Asher, his heavy chaotic breathing and him telling me to let go. He tries again to push me from between him and his father, but I grip my wrists, making a lock of them and refusing to step away.
Closing my eyes, I resign my fate to be where I’m clinging to him.
Asher’s grip is tight on me, but I’m tighter in my hold. His voice lowers. “Bri baby, please,” he says more calmly, moving back and I feel us hit the car. I don't know whose car and I don’t care. I don’t care about anything but holding onto him.
One second, it’s like we’re surrounded; the next, the shade moves and a breeze slips through us.
Griffin’s voice tells he’s out of breath. “You all right?” He heaves and Brody calls out for someone to go home. I’m assuming Asher’s father.
I second-guess everything I saw.
“I’m fine,” Asher answers Griffin and I think maybe I can loosen my grip as I open my eyes to see Melissa watching.
The moment she sees me, her worried expression changes into one of authority.
“You all go back to your business,” she calls down the street.
Miss Jean does the same. I recognize her voice. “Nothing to see here,” she adds.
“You can let go, Bri,” Asher whispers, but his tone is different. I don’t trust it.
“You need me to do anything? Want me to …” Griffin offers although it’s obvious he doesn’t know what he’s offering.
“If you could help me get my girlfriend off of me,” Asher tries to joke, but his tone is flat again. A short huff of laughter comes from him, but it’s just not right.
I loosen my grip and look up at him, ignoring Griffin’s attempt to laugh. There’s an ache that doesn’t quit when I look up at Asher’s face. His cheeks are flushed from exertion but that’s not why his eyes are red rimmed.
“I’ll leave you guys to it,” Griffin murmurs.
I reach out slowly and take his hands in mine. He kisses my hair to keep from looking me in the eyes. I know that’s why he did it.
When he does, I turn my attention to his injuries. One knuckle is already bruised.
My heart beats slow, and with a pain I can’t describe. How can I love this man so damn much, yet have no idea what just happened when it’s obvious that it wrecked him?
“Asher,” I say and barely get the word out. The hot sun beats down on us and as I look up at Asher, he glances around the sidewalk, as if any of these people matter.
“Asher!” I call his name far louder than I should but it gets his attention. His hazel eyes pierce right into mine. I want to ask him what happened, but those aren’t the words that come out. “Are you okay?”
Asher
My hands are still shaking slightly. There’s a bruise on my right knuckles that takes up the length of my hand. I try to ignore it as we sit down and I hold the cup of sweet tea Melissa gave me.