No matter how energetically she waved or jumped, Asher didn’t spare her a single glance.
Her enthusiasm deflated, she couldn’t bear to wait until practice concluded.
Hayden: “Wendy, Asher didn’t look your way because he’s the Quarterback. He has to maintain focus and control the practice tempo—it wasn’t about your performance.”
Wendy nodded in understanding. After observing over an hour of practice from the sidelines, she recognized Asher’s pivotal role. Teammates sought his advice on their weaknesses, coaches included him in strategy sessions, and his opinions carried significant weight.
“I know. That’s exactly why I’d rather he never finds out about this. The comparison just highlights how pathetic I look.”
She preferred Asher remain oblivious to her mascot-stunt attempt at support.
“Should I have someone bring you ice water? Or perhaps orange juice?”
"So?" Asher asked."The public doesn’t know she’s family. You should correct them. Those rumors are absurd."Adeline lifted her chin. "And if you’re using her as a shield, it won’t work—""I like her."A soft night wind ruffled his golden hair.Asher looked down coldly at Adeline, who stood frozen across from him.“She’s not an excuse. I like her. I want to date her, to be in a relationship with her.”Through the glass door, Asher’s gaze landed on Wendy in the banquet hall. She stood below the stage, holding a pink cocktail, clapping enthusiastically for the player who had just shared an amusing story. Since her left hand held the glass, she could only clap by slapping her right palm against her arm.He frowned. Didn’t she feel any pain?She never seemed to notice how infectious her habit of freely praising others was—how much emotional warmth and value she
Oblivious, Wendy smiled and introduced herself properly.Neil kept up small talk while swiftly recruiting another unattached player, forming a trio—less suspicious if spotted.His recruit, Jasto, quarterbacked a bottom-tier Western Conference team. His sole attendance left him drifting all evening, barely noticeable."Glad I’m not invisible," Jasto drawled, one hand pocketed, the other clinking his glass against Neil’s.Neil frowned. "Why the gloom?""Red-eye flight. Just landed this afternoon. How peppy should I be? Want a demonstration pass?" Jasto shot him a glare."You, Asher, Dustin—of course you’re comfy. Home turf. The rest of us are suffering.""Perks of being League Champions," Neil said, grinning. "And quit whining—Chairman David flew in from Europe, same asNebula Group’s execs..."Wendy half-listened, her focus on Asher.He and Dustin were engaged with a sharp-su
That moment was similar to the present, yet entirely different.Back then, their relationship had been strained. She hadn’t even stopped to think what Asher’s protective gesture might have meant—instead, she found it awkward and kept her eyes shut the whole time."My girlfriend dragged me here for photos. We came last night, and I said we’d return tonight, but she couldn’t wait. I told her to come alone, but she refused."The guy’s complaints were endless, and soon Wendy caught a sigh."We just landed yesterday and barely rested before rushing here for pictures."The girl beside him immediately bristled. "Josh, listen to yourself! I want couple photos. If you won’t join, would you be fine with me posing with another man?"Josh—the guy—slouched against the elevator wall. "Why insist on couple shots?""Isn’t it romantic? This viewing deck was voted online as a must-visit spot f
The magazine’s gala had not only reserved the city’s most exclusive hotel but also provided private cars for players—details Wendy hadn’t known.That afternoon, after Simone finished her hair and makeup, she’d left with Sam. Alone upstairs, Wendy was putting final touches on her appearance when Asher’s phone rang. Without thinking, she’d headed for the garage, only to be intercepted by Asher waiting in the living room.Wendy turned and saw him on the sofa.Black suit, white shirt—just a tie short of the classic gentleman’s look.But no tie adorned him—only an unfastened button at his chest, the shirt collar straining against the muscular contours beneath.His long legs were crossed, the trousers taut over powerful thighs, his calves lean where they rested. Polished dress shoes gleamed. His typically unruly blond hair was swept back tonight, and when he lifted his gaze—languid yet int
"Of course," Wendy replied instantly.What was I supposed to say?She covered her ears—this made two people (after David) claiming Asher's feelings.A stepsibling romance? Anyone would call that unethical.Thankfully, both knew they weren't typical—no blood relation, minimal family bonds.Crucially, Asher was rational. He'd never voice his restrained feelings.Whenever this kept Wendy awake, she'd think:If Asher won't say it, I'll keep pretending ignorance.Like a ticking bomb—but with no timer, why worry? Might never explode.Once school starts, campus-star Asher might meet someone else. His current interest? Probably just because I'm the only girl he sees daily."Hayden, we're just family—like stepsiblings. But let's keep this private at school."Not wanting Asher misunderstood, she added, "The secrecy was my idea. He's too high-profile.""Got it," Hayden nodded.The nation's
Asher snapped back to reality and abruptly ended his earlier reckless actions."Thirsty?" he asked."Mhm," Wendy nodded.The door opened, revealing Hayden holding a cup of juice—it was unclear how long he'd been waiting outside.Asher took it casually. "Thanks."Before Hayden could even say "you're welcome," the door had already closed again.So, Mr. Quarterback, you're really not thinking of going back to practice? Even though it's almost over, you're not even considering it?Inside, after handing the juice to Wendy, Asher sat at the long table and picked up another cookie.Sweet, crispy, delicious...She made these.Asher glanced at Wendy.Hmm, even sweeter now—because of her.Wendy followed him to the table, her words slightly muffled by the moist cookie crumbs in her mouth. "Have you forgiven me, Asher? Are we good now? Completely good?"As she spoke, her pretty face naturally showed