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?”
Wendy had planned to return the team's uniform on Monday, but when checking with Hayden, he suggested Tuesday afternoon instead. The entire team was taking group photos today, with players scheduled in shifts over the next two days for individual shots for the new season. His schedule would be more flexible then, and the mascot uniform wasn't currently needed."Understood, Hayden. I'll confirm with you before coming tomorrow."After hanging up, Hayden turned to the man before him. "Asher, was that acceptable?"Early Monday morning, he'd barely arrived at the training base when informed Asher was urgently looking for him. Hayden's stomach dropped—had he made some professional mistake?Turns out it concerned Wendy.And the schedule change wasn't due to his own commitments—Asher's Monday was packed with photo shoots. Tuesday afternoon was his first availability."Appreciate it." Asher clapped Hayden's shoulder before leaving, satisf
The couple who had gone out on a date the previous night returned home at eleven in the morning, bringing takeout lunch with them.After freshening up, Wendy went downstairs and locked eyes with Asher, who had just sat down at the dining table. She didn’t greet him, deliberately looking away instead.Simone was laying out the cutlery while asking Asher about the banquet last night. Hearing footsteps, she looked up at Wendy with a smile. "Wendy, did any guys flirt with you at the party last night?"Before Wendy could answer, she noticed from the corner of her eye that Asher had pulled out the chair beside him, signaling for her to sit next to him.At the table, Sam sat at the head, with Simone and Asher on either side. Wendy quickly turned to Simone and, under the pretense of chatting with her, took the seat beside her instead.It all seemed so natural that Simone and Sam didn’t notice anything odd, but Wendy knew Asher’s gaze neve
She opened her eyes, gaze hazy as she looked at Asher, her voice breathy and sweet. "Asher Voss… are you going to do it or not?"Asher’s eyes darkened, his voice dropping to a rough whisper. "One more kiss."She said it was just for tonight—but he wouldn’t let that happen. No matter what it took, he’d keep her close.A lion never lets go of its prey unless it’s dead.But he didn’t know when the next time would be, how long he’d have to wait. His hunger for her wasn’t something so easily satisfied.The lights went out, plunging Wendy into darkness in Asher’s room. She couldn’t see a thing, but with him there—with the pleasure he gave her—she felt safe, surrendering herself completely.She didn’t have to lift a finger, just lay in his arms, letting his kisses and touches carry her higher.Her pleasure came first—that was the rule.Morning c
"Asher! Hah… Asher, we—we have to stop here. We can’t keep going." She writhed, shoving futilely against him, but he pinned her wrists above her head against the wall."Why not?""You—you know why! What if my dad comes back and hears us? How would you explainthat?"Her eyes were wide and pleading, glistening with frustration.This man had the audacity to fall for his nominal ‘sister’—what wouldn’t he dare do?"Didn’t I tell you?" Asher grinned down at her. "They’re not coming back tonight. It’s just you and me—all night long."What?!"So… do you want to keep going?" He raised a brow, his expression teasing."Let me go." Wendy turned her face away, shoulders shaking, refusing to look at him.The moment he released her, she instantly shoved at his chest—not that it budged him. Undeterred, she clenched her fists and hammered his chest.
The sound of a car outside was merely Wendy’s excuse to push Asher away, but Sam and Simone really could return at any moment. Every single move she made was cautious—even the urgent need to fix her disheveled hair after being in Asher’s arms had to wait until she reached the second-floor bathroom.Leaning against the cold sink, Wendy stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her lips were slightly swollen from his kisses, glistening and plump under the light, like strawberries glistening with crimson juice.Thud-thud-thud.The sound of dress shoes on the wooden staircase echoed through the quiet house. With no one else home, every noise was amplified. Wendy heard the footsteps climbing up, deliberate and slow, as if the person knew she’d hear them and wanted to make their presence unmistakable.She pressed her lips together and closed her eyes, the lingering pleasure of Asher’s deep kiss still humming through her body. Suddenl
Post-dinner, the crowd migrated to dance under pulsating pop hits. Wendy eyed the packed floor and balked.“Want to go?” Asher followed her gaze. “I’ll lead.”Across the table, Adeline’s face darkened. She snatched her Hermès Birkin and stormed off unnoticed by Wendy, who hadn’t spared her a glance all evening.Tipsy and rosy-cheeked, Wendy stared at the chocolate box—such an odd prize.“Too crowded,” she demurred.Asher surveyed the floor where more couples kissed than danced. Understanding her reluctance, he asked, “Ready to leave?”“We can?” At his nod, Wendy swayed slightly. “I’m dizzy. Let’s go.”Asher stood up and lightly patted the man who was nuzzling Willow. "Neil, we're off now.""Mmm... later!"With each player on different schedules and no return transportation arranged, they took the elevator do