Page 104 of The Backup

“Oh, I don’t know,” I say, biting my lip to stifle a smile. “Just that this all started because I thought you were cute in the library that night.”

His laugh is warm and unrestrained, his hands sliding down to rest on my hips. “So you admit it—you made the first move.”

“I said no such thing,” I shoot back, but the way his grin grows makes my heart race.

“Keep denying it, Texas Tornado,” he says, leaning closer, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur. “But I know the truth. And I’m never letting you live it down.”

“What on earth am I going to do with you?” I say, rolling my eyes but unable to keep the smile off my face.

“You don’t know what to do with me?” His hands tighten slightly, pulling me closer. “You seemed to knowexactlywhat to do last night when I was?—”

“Asher!” I hiss, glancing around to make sure no one’s close enough to hear, but he just laughs, his grip firm and steady.

“You’re cute when you’re embarrassed,” he says, his voice dropping to a low rumble. “But I mean it, Sloane. Texas better get ready, because we’re going to make one hell of a team.”

“Is that so?” I ask, arching an eyebrow as I lean closer, letting my lips brush against his ear. “You planning to boss me around on and off the field, Coach Knox?”

The groan that rumbles in his chest sends a thrill through me, and his hands grip my hips. “Keep that up, and we’re going to be late to celebrate with everyone else.”

“Who says I care?” I whisper, my fingers trailing up to his neck.

“Tempting,” he mutters, kissing me hard, leaving me breathless before pulling back with a grin. “But I’m saving the rest of that for tonight. Texas Tornado.”

I roll my eyes, laughing as he laces his fingers with mine. “Come on, Hot Nerd,” he says, tugging me toward the crowd.

And as we weave through the chaos of graduation, his hand warm and sure in mine, the future doesn’t just feel less scary—it feels damn near perfect.

THE END