~ Zoie's POV ~
- - - - - Two Weeks Later - - - - -
Zoie rolled over to her side as she stirred and yawned. The morning sunlight streamed through the cracks of the curtains and she realized it must be morning already. She looked from side to side expecting Asher to be asleep next to her, but he was nowhere to be found.
Hmm. That's odd.
On most mornings, Asher's face would be the first thing she sees. His arm would be wrapped around her stomach, or sometimes his legs too. Zoie got up from the bed and grabbed a cardigan from the chair, draping it over her satin nightgown. After fixing her hair in the mirror, she then stepped out of the room. She thought Asher would be standing in the kitchen because he does that sometimes. Whenever he woke up earlier than her, he'd be making her breakfast. Blueberry and banana pancakes were his forte.
But when Zoie approached the kitchen counter, she saw that it was empty. Instead, she heard noises coming from Asher's room. She followed the sounds and approached Asher's door. The door was closed, but she could hear some typing action going on. Zoie knocked on the door a few times before pushing it open.
"Hey, good morning," she greeted.
Asher was sitting at his desk, furiously typing something on his laptop. But as soon as Zoie came in, he closed the laptop shut.
"Oh, hey, good morning," he said as he got up, walking over to hug her.
"You're up early," she commented as she hugged him back. "What are you typing so seriously in here?"
"It's a paper for my poly-science class,"
Zoie narrowed her eyes in disbelief.
"Poly-science class?" she asked.
"Yeah," he shrugged.
"Wait a minute. Asher Luciano is waking up early to write a paper for class?" she teased and scoffed. "Who are you and what have you done to my boyfriend?"
"Hey, I can be up early and write papers too," he defended himself. "I'm not just a pretty face, you know?"
Zoie laughed and shoved him playfully. Asher responded by grabbing her arm and pulling her into a big, bear hug. Then, he pushed her back until she fell to the bed with a yelp. Asher was hovering on top of her, and he was smirking mischievously.
"Ash," she warned him.
"Yeah?" he raised an eyebrow up challengingly.
"We're gonna be late for Anthropology 101," Zoie said knowingly.
Asher was now rubbing his groin against her lower stomach. She could feel his rock-hard length through his boxer briefs. If she gave in to him right now, they were so not making that class at 9 AM.
"So?" he challenged again.
"It's only our first week back to school," she reminded him.
Asher was unfazed. He glanced at the clock on the wall and saw that it was 8.30 AM. He only needed ten minutes to get to school and another ten minutes to get ready. Which means...
"We have ten minutes to spare," he deduced. "Enough time for a quick one,"
"Ash!" Zoie gaped as her cheeks turned beet red.
Asher leaned down to capture her lips, but Zoie turned her face away. She really didn't think it was a good idea to be late for this class.
"Damnnit, stop fighting me, woman!" he said in a commanding tone. His voice dropped an octave lower.
Holy cow. Why does that sound so sexy?
Asher leaned down again and this time, Zoie didn't turn away. She welcomed his kiss with her parted mouth, letting his skillful lips coax her into submission.
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Needless to say, life with Asher was never a dull moment. Zoie's mornings were fun and full of energy. Going on drives with him, going to school, and spending time after that were also top notch. Zoie and Asher fell into this routine where they were almost like an old married couple. And honestly, that felt kind of nice. She didn't have to dress up or to have make up on all the time. She could be completely herself and life was nothing short of amazing.
It's funny. When you're in love, even the simplest things can make you happy.
Zoie walked down the long hallway of her campus building with a pep in her step. She was smiling to herself thinking about spending time with Asher later tonight. She glanced around at her surroundings and everything seemed beautiful. The flowers were extra pretty, the trees were extra green, and the air was extra breezy.
"Zoie!"
Suddenly, Zoie heard a familiar voice. Her smile grew wider instinctively. She turned to her side and saw Asher jogging her way. He was wearing his signature black bomber jacket and jeans.
And, boy. He is so extra handsome.
"Hey!" she beamed, walking over to him. "You're done with your class?"
"Yup," he said as he pulled her into a quick hug. "Ready to head back?"
"Yup, let's g---"
"Zoie!"
Before Zoie could finish her sentence, she heard her name being called again. Zoie and Asher turned around and saw Jo and Nic walking toward them.
"Jo! Nic!" Zoie beamed in excitement. This was the first time she'd seen her friends since the winter break. "Oh my God, I miss you guys!"
Zoie swiftly moved away from Asher to meet her friends. The girls giggled and laughed as they hugged each other. Meanwhile, Asher just stood there and smiled politely at them.
"Oh my gosh, girl, how's the break been?" Jo asked.
"It's been great," Zoie answered. "I've just been busy,"
"Seriously, we need to catch up! There's so much tea to spill!" Nic followed.
"When'd you guys get back from Jersey?" Jo asked
Zoie paused for a beat before answering, "Last night,"
Asher shot her a look. That was a lie. They've been back for two weeks now.
"Oh, no wonder," Jo said. "You must be tired,"
"Yeah," Zoie laughed nervously. "That's why I haven't called you guys,"
"That's fine, don't worry about it," Nic waved her hand carelessly in the air. "But, anyway, guess what's coming up in two weeks?"
Jo and Nic were grinning mischievously. Zoie narrowed her eyes at them.
"Our first midterm...?" she guessed.
"Nope!" Jo shook her head.
"Guess again!" Nic said.
Zoie looked over at Asher for help, but he just shrugged.
"...I dunno, guys. What is it?"
"It's Valentine's Day, you silly!" Jo exclaimed.
"Jo and I joined the student committee this semester. Our first order of business is to throw the most epic Valentine's Day party this school has ever seen!" Nic continued.
"Oh, wow," Zoie nodded along. "That sounds fun,"
"I know, right?" Jo agreed. "What can I say, I love love,"
"So, can we count on you two's help?" Nic asked.
"Our help?" Zoie looked at Asher and again, and he acted like he didn't want any part of this conversation.
"If you two don't mind helping us with the setup, we can get you free tickets!" Jo said.
"It's gonna be fun, and it's not just for couples," Nic added. "There's this whole speed-dating event for the singles too,"
"Like a real life Tinder, you know what I mean?" Jo grinned naughtily and nudged Zoie's elbow.
"Oh, ha-ha," Zoie laughed nervously. Asher was giving her a deadly glare. "I don't know about that..."
"Oh, come on, Zoe!" Nic pleaded. "It's been long enough, don't you think?"
She was referring to the fact that Miles and her broke up ages ago and Zoie seemingly hadn't moved on.
"Besides, you totally owe us for bailing on that triple date we set up," Jo added.
Zoie bit her lip and forced a sorry smile. She didn't mean to bail on that triple date, but she got kidnapped by her crazy ex. She didn't know what to tell the girls about that, so she just said she wasn't feeling well.
"Guys, I'd love to help out, but the thing is... I'm not really looking to date anyone right now," Zoie said finally, glancing at Asher for a split second. "I'm... kinda sorta seeing someone,"
"What?!" Jo exclaimed.
"Who!?" Nic followed.
"Does he go here?" Jo continued.
"Do we know him?" Nic blurted.
"No! You guys don't know him!" Zoie shook her head quickly, avoiding eye contact with Asher. "He's... someone I know from back home..."
"Oh," Jo's shoulders slumped in disappointment.
"So, is it like a long distance thing?" Nic asked.
"Pretty much," Zoie nodded, quietly glancing at Asher.
"Ugh!" Jo cringed and shook her head. "I'm sorry, babe, but I think long distance is bullshit, alright? At this age, you need to be out there and meet everyone you can meet. You can stay home and talk to a computer when you're in your forties and you're too tired of looking at hot frat guys and their abs!"
Zoie didn't know how to react to Jo's incessant rant, so she just laughed dryly.
"Don't mind her," Nic said as she pulled Jo back. "This one's a little salty after her long distance thing with Jason fizzled out last week,"
"Ugh, whatever," Jo rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
"Anyway, forget the whole speed-dating stuff, you can just come and support us," Nic said again.
"Yeah, if not for the boys, come for your girlfriends," Jo added. "What do you say?"
Zoie looked uncertain. She glanced at Asher and he shook his head no. Maybe he's got something planned for Valentine's Day too?
"Oh, I don't know, guys..." Zoie said apologetically. "You can put me in as maybe...?"
Zoie looked at Asher again and he still shook his head no. Jo followed Zoie's gaze and Asher froze when she looked at him.
"What about you, Ash?" Jo asked.
"Me?" he gaped.
"Yeah. I know at least three different frat girls who have been asking about you," she winked playfully.
"Phi beta kappa girls!" Nic added.
"Pie what?" he frowned.
"They're, like, the hottest girls on campus," Jo explained.
"Half of them are cheerleaders!" Nic continued.
Zoie's eyes shot up instantly.
"Nah, I'm good," Asher shrugged and shook his head, looking very disinterested. Zoie let out a breath of relief.
"Aw, come on!" Jo protested. "What's the matter with you two?"
Jo and Nic were looking at Asher and Zoie, waiting for an explanation. Asher didn't feel like he needed to explain anything, but Zoie felt differently. She looked at the way her friends were looking at her and Ash, and she grew afraid.
What if they notice something?!
"You know what?" Zoie spoke up suddenly. "Count us in. We'll be there!"
"Really?" Jo and Nic said in unison.
"Really?" Asher followed, staring at her quizzically.
"Yeah," Zoie nodded her head, giving Asher a reassuring smile. "It'll be fun,"
"Yes!" Jo exclaimed happily and pulled Zoie into a hug.
"Alright! We'll see you two there!" Nic followed, hugging Zoie too. "Oh, and don't forget, it's a costume party!"
The girls giggled and laughed as Jo and Nic walked away. Zoie was also smiling and laughing, waving her hand goodbye. Meanwhile, Asher was standing there with a bewildered face.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"We need to keep up appearances if we don't want people to get suspicious," Zoie whispered lowly, still keeping her smile as she waved goodbye.
"Suspicious?"
"People here think that we're related, Ash," she hissed.
"And whose fault is that?" he scoffed.
Zoie gave him a bored stare.
"Okay, I know that was my fault, but it is what it is," she shrugged. "And look, I like us the way we are and I wanna keep things that way,"
Asher let out a sigh and raked his hair with his hand, looking somewhat frustrated.
"This is our secret, remember?" she continued, giving her hand out to him. "It's just us,"
Asher stared at her hand for a second before taking it.
"Fine. If you say so," he said as he shook her hand. He then looked around, making sure no one could hear him, and he leaned closer to her ear, whispering, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go home and make out with my sister,"
Zoie's cheeks flared up redder than a boiling crab.
"Ash!" she gaped, and he only laughed as he walked away.
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- - - - - - To Be Continued - - - - - -