Falling For Asher

11

~*~

I stand in the kitchen while my dad tells me the rules for tonight. It's Halloween and as soon as school ended, Melissa drove me to grab my things. We would be getting ready at her house so that we can arrive together.

"Don't drink too much, stay with your friends at all times, and don't leave your phone." Dad lists off, holding a stern expression.

Candice nods in agreement, looking up from her bowl of fruit. "Please be safe." She adds, pointing her fork at me.

"Got it," I say, hearing the sound of a horn outside. I give them both a hug before spinning around to leave.

Dad calls my name, "Yeah?" I ask curiously.

"I love you." He tells me, emitting a smile from me.

I repeat the words to them both, picking up my bag and waving. "Bye!" I call out one last time.

Melissa huffs when I open the door, "Finally." She turns the radio up and pulls out of my driveway.

We drive to pick up Paige from her house, James dropped her off since he'll be going back to his house. He mentioned meeting us at the party but had to help his dad with first.

"Is Asher going?" Melissa asks, facing forward while we wait for Paige to come out.

I keep my expression as neutral as possible. "Mhm." I want to ask why she cares, but hold back.

Paige jogs towards us, her dad waving at us and telling us to be safe. The two of them are close ever since her parents got a divorce last year. They manage to have a decent relationship and are both still friends.

"Bye Mr. Evans!" I yell out the window.

He gives us a smile before stepping back inside and holding the door open.

"He's so protective," Paige mutters, leaning forward from the back seat.

I smile back at her, my head resting on the seat. "That's a good thing." I remind her.

She sighs with a small smile. "You're right."

Melissa laughs, "My parents literally don't care about what I do." The emptiness in her voice is clear and it makes my heart ache for her.

We enter her neighborhood, where she types in a code and the gates open to reveal large houses. It's definitely the wealthier part of town.

There's a good amount of time until the party starts. So we make it up to her bedroom to hang out until then. I hide my irritation when Melissa brings Asher up constantly, trying to convince us all that I don't like him.

When seven thirty rolls around, we're all eager to get dressed. Paige wears her cop costume, consisting of a black low cut long sleeve, and black leather shorts that stop above the middle of her thighs. She wears fishnet stockings with knee-high, heeled boots.

Melissa wears a white bodysuit with two gold stripes down the sides and white sheer stockings underneath. She also has angel wings to go with the costume.

I wear a short white long sleeve dress that hugs my hips, paired with golden sandals that wrap around my legs. My hair is curled and I have a crown of golden leaves on my head.

We take a few pictures together before we decide to head out. We would be meeting up with Asher, James, Scarlett, and Brody. I feel pure excitement when the house comes into view.

"We're here," Mel says, parking behind a black convertible.

The street is filled with cars, parked one after another. It's the very last house on the street which offers extra space for times like these.

Being careful not to trip, I step out of the car and walk to where my friends stand. Brody whistles when he sees Paige, that leads to them bickering. I watch them in amusement, standing back from the group.

The sound of someone clearing their throat pulls me away from the pair. I glance up to see Asher standing a few feet away.

I swallow at the sight of him wearing a simple white button up, black slacks, and black suspenders with a black bow tie. There's fake blood on some part of the shirt and his hair is slicked back.

His jaw drops, as his eyes fully take me in. "You're a goddess." He notes, causing me to laugh at how corny that sounds.

"You look good." I compliment, attempting to keep my eyes off him.

His eyes fall to my mouth for a split second. "Thanks, Zoey."

I glance over at our friends, who have slowly made their way to the front door. We follow the stone pathway, being welcomed at the entrance.

Once we get inside we find where people casually stand around, with drinks in hand. James and Asher go to grab us drinks while we talk with some people from school.

I lift my head to search for them but instead make eye contact with Riley. He smiles, making his way towards me already. Parties were never his thing, Halloween being an exception.

"A Goddes?" He nods to himself. "It suits you." It isn't in a suggestive manner, and I'm used to his friendliness.

I give him a small smile, tilting my head to assess his costume. "And you're supposed to be a..."

His face drops, "A groom who killed his wife." He grumbles.

"Right, I see it now." I lie, biting back a smile.

Asher comes back with two cups, eyeing Riley, who is oblivious to it.

Riley is still smiling, sticking a hand out for Asher to take. "Hey man."

He accepts it with a small nod. I nudge his arm, causing him to force a smile.

"How's it going, Riley?" He asks in a flat tone, not attempting to hide his boredom.

It's an awkward conversation, but thankfully Riley is called and he stumbles away. I laugh, glancing up to see Asher with pursed lips.

I scoff, "Don't do that." I tell him.

He raises an eyebrow acting nonchalant. "Do what?" He asks innocently, lifting the cup to his lips.

I narrow my eyes, not answering that. The smug look on his face answers it for both of us. Even though I find it hot how he's jealous, though there's no need for that.

We drink some more and dance, Asher keeps a safe distance from me. Although his eyes can't seem to stay off of me. I gain some confidence, throwing my hands over his shoulders.

His eyes widen in surprise before he tugs me closer to him with his hands on my waist.

"You really are beautiful." His mouth against my ear makes my skin heat up.

I pull away, gripping his hand in mine and leading him away from the crowd.

The second floor has several rooms, I pick one and knock before twisting the handle. It's furnished and I'm positive that it's a guest bedroom.

I close the door, spinning around to face Asher. I place a hand on his chest, pushing him to sit at the edge of the bed. Taking us both by surprise by the action.

"Zoey?" He questions in a quiet voice, leaning back on his hands.

I can't help but laugh at his expression, his eyes gleaming yet his tensed shoulders contradicting his excitement.

We're not that drunk and I definitely know what I'm doing. I step in between his legs, his green eyes darkening. I feel his hands at my waist, observing me carefully.

"Why are you so nervous?" I trace a finger down his sharp jaw.

I watch him swallow visibly, "You're not usually like this," He chuckles, "I don't want to scare you away."

I shake my head, "Be yourself, I like when you voice what's on your mind." I admit.

His lip tugs up at the corners, "If you knew what was on my mind, you would make a run for it." He jokes, one of his hands trailing further down but staying low on my hip.

The door opens suddenly, causing us both to turn our heads.

"I fucking knew it!"