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I’d ridden the campus bus to the game, so my car wasn’t there. I took the helmet without argument, something that Asher immediately noticed.
“Everything okay, Ice Queen? You’re quieter than usual.”
I just nodded and slid the helmet on. It was good for hiding my expression, with my feelings whipping into a maelstrom in my chest.
I got onto the bike, snapping the visor down and hiding my eyes from Asher’s probing gaze. How we must have looked — him in his black leather and ripped jeans, me in my cheerleading outfit, roaring off on the back of his motorcycle — I had no idea, but I felt safe for the first time that evening.
We got back to Greek row in no time at all, and I held onto Asher’s back even once we’d stopped. It was broad and comforting, and I needed comfort right now. I really fucking needed it. I had questions that had no answers, and fears that I couldn’t escape. I felt lost and afraid. Alone.
“So, you want to tell me what’s up?” Asher asked when I finally got off the bike and tugged my helmet off.
“Why’d you come to get me?” I asked instead, hoping to change the subject.
He studied me for a long moment, seeming to decide whether he should let me get away with avoiding his question, then reached into the box behind his seat. He pulled out my portfolio and offered it to me. “I figured it was about time you got this back.”
I took the smooth leather folder and hugged it to my chest. I’d completely forgotten about it. School projects and my photos felt very unimportant right now.
“They’re really good,” he remarked after a moment.
I blinked at him, the unexpected praise cutting through my spiraling thoughts. “Really? What’s the catch? They’re really good, but…”
“No buts. They are really good. You are really good. I fully expect there to be an exhibition of your work in some world-famous gallery one day, good — how’s that?”
Tears suddenly gripped my throat. It was too much. After worrying the entire game about what Selena had told me, Asher’s compliments were dismantling my cool façade.
I blinked a few times, forcing the tears back through sheer power of will.
He raised an eyebrow at me. “You’ll send me an invite when that happens, won’t you, Ice Queen?”
I forced a laugh. “Why should I bother? By the time it happens, you’ll be too busy, off somewhere being an NHL superstar.”
He chuckled and shrugged. “Let’s hope so. But send me one, anyway. I’d like to see your photos in a gallery somewhere, one day.”
I couldn’t take the look in his eyes tonight. It was like my scared and wounded heart had ripped open and there was nothing to protect it.
“Sure.”
“Promise?” Asher pushed. He was watching me carefully, noticing that something was off faster than anyone else in my life would. This guy had gotten way too close. The lines between us were well and truly blurred beyond return.
“Pinkie swear,” I deadpanned and turned to go inside. I needed to put a locked door between me and the world so I could melt down in private.
“Did you know pinkie swears are for life? Oh, and save some time next week to come out to the cabin. Eve and Lily will be there. They’ll all think it’s strange if you’re not, seeing as we’re dating and all,” Asher called after me.
I paused and turned around. Go out to the cabin with him and his friends?
“Is that something a fake girlfriend should do?” I asked.
He just shrugged. “Should do, shouldn’t go…let’s make our own rules.”
He was waiting for my response, so I simply nodded and headed inside.
I ran up the stairs to my room and locked myself inside, distantly registering the sound of Asher’s bike roaring away. Selena hadn’t come back. I hoped she’d gone home. I hoped she was okay.
The room felt quiet and empty. I pulled my phone from my pocket and pressed my first saved number. It rang a few times. I needed answers, and there was only one person I could think of to call.
“Winter, darling? What’s wrong?” Dad’s voice came through clear and strong.
“I need to speak to you about something. It’s really important.”
