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He looked over my head as Stella hovered a few steps above.

“You look great, Stella.” He complimented her.

I grinned, knowing she would be too awestruck to thank him, but I appreciated the way he included her after I’d told him she didn’t have a date.

A knock on the door interrupted my mom as she urged us to stand for pictures. My mind raced with possibilities of who could be at the door, but Asher was the least likely.

“What are you doing here?” Josh asked as he curled an arm around my waist.

Asher’s silhouette exuded confidence as his charcoal-gray suit embraced his frame in all the right places. His cerulean eyes sparkled with an irrepressible mischief.

“I’m here to escort Ms. Stella to the dance.”

I think her heart stopped.

“What?”

The corner of Asher’s eyes crinkled as if her lack of words were amusing.

“Well, someone was too afraid to ask you out, but it seems they’re trying to make up for it.” He explained. “They’re waiting for you.”

A radiant smile illuminated Stella’s features as she marched to Asher. Her eyes glittered with delight. He extended his arm out and she hooked hers around it. His eyes locked with mine, causing me to shiver. He smirked.

“Let’s go.”

Stella’s eagerness rubbed off on us as we trailed behind her and out the door.

??

Strands of fairy lights were draped from the ceilings, transforming the gymnasium into a kaleidoscope of colors. The vibrant energy bounced off the walls as the centered disco ball added a touch of sparkle to the lively atmosphere. Balloons hovered over our heads like colorful confetti waiting to rain down on us.

In the gymnasium’s corner, Sebastian’s eyes darted around, seeking Stella. His eyes lit up as he spotted her from across the room. It made my heart swell. I was beaming as I watched their interaction until Josh blocked my view. He extended his hand.

“Would you like to dance with me?”

“I’d love to.” I accepted his invitation with enthusiasm.

??

17

“’Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares.”

Gotta Be Somebody, Nickelback

Asher

I was nursing a cup of punch as my gaze focused on the mix of the swirling crowd. My heart sank as I watched Josh take Sawyer’s hand, leading her into the crowd. Even from the outskirts of the dancefloor, I could see her radiant smile. I tried to maintain a stoic expression as I watched the pair twirl and sway to the music. The dance felt endless. I lifted the cup to my lips to mask my scowl. Each smile was like a jab to my heart. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the devastating sight of the girl I liked in the arms of my brother.

“You’re torturing yourself,” Benjamin said with his cup of punch in his hand. He took a sip of his drink and scrunched his face as if he’d drank an entire glass of lemon juice. “Someone spiked the punch again.”

I took a large gulp.

“It was me.” I said as I kept my gaze on the couple.

“Warn me next time.”

Joshua’s lips moved as he said something to Sawyer. She threw her head back and laughed. Suddenly he’s a comedian.