13. Wiley
THIRTEEN
Wiley
We both know our Las Vegas marriage isn’t legal, but as far as I’m concerned, Asher Scott is my husband and I’m his wife. He even bought me a ring.
As the flight home lands in Sydney, I find myself wishing it would be delayed somehow, so the outside world can’t intrude on this little bubble we’ve made. But my business can’t be put on hold. And Asher has a game tomorrow. Thankfully, it’s in Sydney.
As we collect our luggage, Asher tucks a strand of my unkempt hair behind my ear, leaning down to it. “I think we’ll need to hold off on more…marital relations tonight.”
“Need to build up your stamina, husband dearest?” I tease, but I understand he needs to rest and focus on his game.
“You’ll pay for that, little wilding,” he jokes, slapping my ass.
“Yes please,” I play along, as he grabs both of our suitcases.
Ines is waiting for us outside, arguing with a ride share driver, trying to get her to move. “About time,” she yells, flipping the guy double parked the bird. “This asshole was about to wish he didn’t get out of bed this morning.”
“Well, don’t just stand there, lover boy,” Ines nods at Asher. “Get those bags in the back.”
Offering him a smile, rolling my eyes, he obliges and loads our bags before jumping in next to me, his hand finding its way into mine.
“So, how was Vegas?” Ines probes, tearing out of the airport, heading to the Dingoes team hotel.
“Life-changing,” I sigh, shifting closer to Asher, the kiss he lies on my head sweet and loving.
“And for you, cute boy?” Ines digs, and I can’t help but laugh, Asher shaking his head. The mischievous twinkle in her eyes more like my old friend. Things between her and Simon must be going well.
“The most spectacular time of my life with more to come, I hope.” Peering up at him, my heart flip-flopping and my breath stalls in my chest.
“Do tell,” Ines says, her tone a mix of amusement and sadness.
“Ines, you know I love you, right?” I shift forward in my seat, placing a hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze.
I’ve told her just about everything that Asher and I have discussed about our future. She knows as much as we’re willing to share. I also know she still has doubts, and she doesn’t want to lose her friend.
“I know. I know,” she sighs, her shoulders slumping. “And just so you know, Simon looked over your business profile and wants to invest in your aesthetician parlour. That’s a beauty parlour for you, pretty boy.”
“I know what it is. I’m not a selfish prick. Wiley’s work is important, and she’s fucking fantastic at it.” Asher frowns, Ines’s tone over-protective. “I will never hurt Wiley, Ines, that I can promise you.”
“Good, because I know how to make your death look like an accident. Besides,” she adds quickly, her tone shifting. “I’ve convinced Simon to buy a holiday house down in your little haven.”
I’ve known Ines long enough to see the shame in her eyes. She knew what she was doing when she challenged his intelligence, threatened him. I give her shoulder another reassuring squeeze, catching her attention as we stop at a red light.
“Ines, you were the one who knew I was in love before I did. Be happy for me, please.”
“I am, Wiley, and for you too, pre…Asher. I’m just going to miss you.” Ines offers me a thin smile, one hand coming up to cover mine briefly.
Driving off, as the light goes green, the city skyline means Asher and I will be apart for the first time in almost a week. It’s insane to think that something so simple makes me feel anxious. Yes, I’m moving my entire life to Sunshine Bay, but I’m not worried about it. I’m not even worried about starting a new business, especially with Simon’s help.
Love is weird. My heart feels full, ready to burst. And yet, knowing I’ll be apart from Asher, even if it’s just for a day—it’s crazy. I’m a fully function adult, well, mostly and I sure as shit don’t define myself by the man at my side. I just feel…more, when I’m with him.
“Hey,” he murmurs, tilting my face up to his. “I’m feeling it too. You wanna know how I’m keeping it in check?”
Nodding, Asher skims his knuckles across my cheek, his lips landing on mine. The heat and passion in his kiss fuel my desire, and I lean into his body. Giving him more of me with every brush of our lips.
“Is that how you control it, by kissing me?” I chuckle, his thumb brushing over my bottom lip.
“No, but it helps,” he drawls, one corner of his mouth pulling up in a cheeky smirk. “I simply tell myself that I get to spend the rest of my life with you, Mrs Scott.”
Judging by the way Ines’s head whips back, her attention focusing on my left ring finger, she heard Asher’s words, but she doesn’t say a word. I know as soon as Asher gets out of the car, she’ll pepper me with a million questions. But for the next few minutes, it’s just me and my husband, the future he spoke about swelling my heart even more.
“I love you, cute boy,” I murmur, my hand on his chest, his heart thundering beneath.
“And I love you, cute girl,” he answers in return, and my anxious thoughts float away, my future with this man at my side, the crazy, miracle win that no one expected. And I know we’ll be happy to prove everyone wrong. I know with Asher Scott by my side, we can face anything.