~ Asher's POV ~
"What are you doing here?" Zoie shot point-blankly.
Asher was caught in the moment, unsure if this was a dream. She was wearing what looked like a white nightgown underneath a beige cardigan. If Asher didn't know any better, he'd say she was some kind of angel fallen from the night moon.
"I can't sleep," he said finally. "You?"
Zoie stared at him for a second longer before responding.
"Same," she said. "I didn't know you smoke,"
Zoie eyed the cigarette in his hand. Asher took one last drag before throwing the butt away.
"Only to help me sleep sometimes," he said. Clouds of white smoke escaped his lips.
"Does it work?" she asked.
"I'm still here, aren't I?"
Asher let out a smirk. Zoie didn't say anything else in response.
Was I being too sarcastic?
"So, where's your lapdog?" Asher spoke again. Believe it or not, this was him trying to be friendly. Making small talks.
"My lapdog?" she frowned her eyebrows.
"My brother," he chuckled.
"You're calling your brother a lapdog?"
"He's stuck to your hip all week long,"
Zoie rolled her eyes dramatically in response.
"Landon's asleep," she muttered. "That guy can sleep through anything,"
Zoie pulled her cardigan tighter around her body as she came closer. Asher watched her carefully as he thought over her words. It's true, Landon was always a heavy sleeper ever since they were kids. He could fall asleep anywhere and anytime. That was something Asher always envied about his little brother.
But wait. Does this mean they're sleeping together?
Asher shuffled uncomfortably in his spot as Zoie stood next to him. She threw her gaze at the open sea and felt the wind blowing against her face. Asher swallowed hard.
"So," he muttered.
"So?"
"How long have you been seeing him behind everyone's back?"
Asher was never known to be subtle. He shot point-blankly, and Zoie's mouth fell in shock.
"What?!" she gaped.
"You and Landon are together, right?"
"No!" she scoffed.
"Really?" he scoffed back.
"Well, duh!"
Asher stared at her for a second longer, studying her face. She looked irritated, almost offended by the accusation.
"Landon and I are best friends," she reiterated.
Best friends? My ass.
"You think I was born yesterday?" Asher sneered.
"It's true! Landon's never tried anything on me!"
"Yeah, right,"
"I'm serious,"
"And I'm not dumb,"
Zoie and Asher were locked in a staring battle. No one was giving way. Asher's gaze bored deeply into Zoie, until finally, she blinked.
"Dude!" she groaned in annoyance. "You're like, the first guy I've ever been with!"
"...What?"
"I've never been with anyone, let alone Landon, alright?!"
So that night... she was a virgin...?
"Wait, you were...?"
For the first time, Asher was speechless. He just stared at her with a blank expression, unable to finish his words.
"You didn't know?" she raised an eyebrow. "Well, I guess I hid it pretty well,"
I mean, I clearly thought she was inexperienced, but a virgin?!
"Anyway, Landon and I aren't together like that, so get those dirty thoughts out of your head!" she spat as she nudged his forehead with her finger.
Asher staggered back, but he didn't mind. In fact, he was smiling.
"Why are you smiling?"
Because you were mine. Only mine.
"Nothing," he said instead, shaking his head from side to side.
Zoie narrowed her eyes at him, but she couldn't figure out what he was thinking.
"Whatever, you're such a weirdo," she concluded and turned to her heels. "I'm going to bed,"
"Wait," Asher said before she got too far.
"What?" she turned around.
Asher paused for a moment, holding her gaze. He did that on purpose. He just wanted to see her for a second longer.
"Good night, Zoie," he said finally. "Sweet dreams,"
Zoie didn't respond right away. She looked unsure like she was waiting for something. Was it so hard to believe that he just wants to say something nice?
"Okay. Good night," she said finally. "Ash,"
Asher watched silently as she turned around and headed back inside. The smile on his lips grew wider as he remembered the sound of her voice calling out his name. No one had ever said it better.
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Later that night, Asher slept like a baby. It was the best sleep he's had in weeks. Maybe his encounter with Zoie had something to do with that, because after he got back into the room, he fell straight to sleep. And even he dreamt about her too.
In his dream, he was lying on a field of grass and Zoie was lying next to him. She was wearing a sheer, white dress, and her hair was gently blowing in the wind. Asher couldn't stop looking at her, marveling at her features. She had the softest lips, rosiest cheeks, and the most beautiful eyes he'd ever seen.
And finally, after what felt like an eternity, Asher moved closer. He couldn't stand being next to her and not being able to touch her. He leaned his face forward until their foreheads were touching. Then his hand reached out to cup her cheek. He felt her leaning her face into the palm of his hand and he smiled. His fingers gently caressed her skin and they were the softest thing he'd ever touched.
"Asher..." she said lowly.
Even though it was small, Asher's chest swelled at the sound of her voice. He leaned his nose further, buried into the crook of her nose. Then as he inhaled her scent, he felt intoxicated. Like he was floating on cloud nine.
"Zoie, I have to tell you something," he blurted. The words were coming out without restraint.
"Ever since that night, I can't stop thinking about you," he admitted. "And this isn't something I'd say lightly because I don't think about anyone other than myself. Ever,"
Zoie stared at him with those bright purple eyes. Asher felt his lips tremble as he spoke. This never happened to him before. Why was he this nervous?
I must really like her a lot.
"I know this is wrong, but it's you that I want," he said again.
He waited for her response as he gazed deeply into her eyes. Those eyes were so marvelous and they spoke volumes. She didn't have to say it out loud and he already knew.
"I want you too," she said. "Only you,"
Asher's chest swelled like never before. Those were the words he wanted to hear. So with that, he claimed her lips with his. His kiss was slow at first, but it grew hot and heavy as it went on. His hand held her face tightly and her hand reached for his shirt, pulling onto his collar.
Asher let out a muffled groan as he pushed his weight onto her. Without breaking off the kiss, she rolled back in response and he hovered on top of her. Asher's hands then captured her hands and he brought them above her head. Their fingers were laced together as he pinned her down. His mouth then moved from kissing her lips to her jaw and neck.
Asher knew exactly where to kiss her. Her body told him everything he needed to know. There was a spot right below her ear, close to her jaw, that whenever he kissed her there, she couldn't help but squirm and moan.
"Asher..." she moaned.
Asher kissed her harder in response. He loved the effect he has on her. His hands then began roaming her body and they rested over her breasts. He kneaded and massaged them gently, and she was writhing harder.
Damn. She's so perfect in every way.
Asher continued attacking her neck, marking her with his kisses as his hand traveled down. He hiked her dress up to her stomach and exposed her underwear. His hand then swiftly went inside and he started stroking her clit. When he found that she was already wet, his heart started racing faster.
"I'm ready," she whispered. "I want you,"
Without wasting any more time, Asher pulled down her underwear and pulled down his pants. His manhood sprang free, hard and hungry for her. He positioned himself against her entrance and his face hovered on top of hers again. He stared deeply into her eyes before leaning down for another kiss. And with that, he delved into her soft, warm core.
"Ahh..."
Asher never felt anything more divine. It felt so nice, he didn't even want to move. He just wanted to stay there forever. And he probably did, because the next thing he knew, he woke up to the sun streaming through the window. Asher looked up at the ceiling and realized he was in the yacht's cabin. It was all just a dream, but a great sleep nonetheless.
Best one ever.
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~ Zoie's POV ~
Zoie opened her eyes to the bright sunlight streaming through the window. She blinked several times before curving up a smile. She noted the ceiling of her room, the wallpaper on the wall, and the posters she hung all over it. Her eyes glanced around the room, noting the little plants by the window that she'd be leaving today.
Yes, after a whirlwind of a summer, today was the day she was leaving for college.
Finally! I thought this day would never come.
Zoie got up from the bed with a pep in her step. She was singing in the shower, dancing as she put on her clothes, and she was chirping incessantly throughout breakfast.
Zoie's mom and dad weren't able to go with her to California since Damon had an important press conference to attend. They promised they'd come to visit her as soon as she was settled. And plus, Asher would be around, so they didn't have to worry about anything.
Speaking of Asher, after the family trip, things had gotten better with him. He was surprisingly nice and cordial toward Zoie, making her think that maybe Landon was right. And as long as Asher keeps his end of the deal, everything will be smooth sailing.
"You're gonna do great, sweetie," Damon said as he gave Zoie one last hug. "Call us if you need anything,"
"Thanks, dad," Zoie said as she hugged him back.
Zoie and her family were standing in the front yard where a big black car was parked with all her stuff. Asher brought one backpack with him and it was also in the trunk.
Asher stood at a distance with his mom by his side. They were saying their goodbyes, and so was Zoie with her family.
"I love you, sweetheart," Violet said as she kissed the top of Zoie's head.
"I love you too, mom," Zoie said as she hugged her mom.
Zoie then stepped away and met her three brothers. Zach and the twins were beaming at her.
"Don't party too hard, sis," Zander said.
"Or do," Zane winked.
"Ignore them," Zach rolled his eyes. "Stay safe, lil sis,"
"I will," Zoie said as she hugged each one of them.
And finally, Zoie came down to the last guy. Landon. He had finished saying goodbye to Asher, and now he was standing in front of Zoie.
"So..." she trailed.
"So," he followed.
Zoie felt nothing but excitement when she woke up this morning, but having to say goodbye to her family and Landon made her heart feel heavy. To be honest, Zoie would miss Landon the most out of everyone. It's kind of unfair now that Landon's back, she had to leave. There were at least four more years before they could be reunited again. The thought of that made her sad.
"I guess this is it..." she sighed.
Landon let out a smile. He seemed to have picked up on Zoie's melancholy.
"You're making this sound like it's a goodbye," he said as he tilted her chin up. "It's not,"
Landon's reassuring voice made Zoie smile.
"I'm just really gonna miss you," she said.
"Me too," he agreed. "Which is why I'll come to visit you anytime you want,"
"What?"
"Just tell me when and I'll be on the next flight out. Anytime you need me. I'm only a text away,"
"Landon, are you serious?"
Landon nodded his head in response. The biggest smile was now forming on Zoie's lips.
"But what about work?" she asked.
"You're more important," he beamed.
Zoie couldn't hold back her excitement. She was jumping up and down as she pulled Landon into a hug.
"It's gonna be so much fun having you in Stanford!" she squeaked.
"Just tell me when," Landon hugged her back and laughed.
"You promise?" Zoie said as she put out her pinky finger.
"I promise," Landon linked his pinky with hers and they did their secret handshake.
Zoie was smiling from ear to ear. Asher, who was watching everything unfolding on the sidelines, suddenly stepped in between Zoie and Landon.
"Come on, the car's waiting," he said rather impatiently.
Zoie shot him a glare and he went ahead to open the car's door for her. Zoie sighed and leaped onto Landon for one last hug. She held onto him for as long as she could before finally pulling away. Asher was tapping his feet as he stood by the door.
"Alright, alright, I'm coming!" she hissed and stomped her way into the car.
Asher closed the door shut and walked around the car, getting in from the other side. Zoie rolled the window down and waved goodbye to everyone. The car slowly pulled away and her family became smaller and smaller in the distance, until finally, she couldn't see them anymore.
Zoie sat back in her chair and kept her head forward. Her heart was racing in excitement with each mile that passed. And as the car pulled up to the airport, Asher turned to her and he could feel her energy rising.
"You ready for this?" he asked.
Zoie only smiled in response.
Bring it on.
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- - - - - - To Be Continued - - - - - -