Page 63 of In Case You Didn't Know

No. I meant it. – Asher

I stare at the screen. The words glow like they’ve burned themselves into my chest.

He doesn’t just want me physically. He trusted me. With a part of himself nobody else gets to see.

I sink back into the pillows. The sheets are cool against my skin, but everything inside of me feels overheated. Every nerve alive.

And it isn’t just arousal.

It’s him.

I bite my bottom lip, debating. This thing between us – whatever it is – is teetering on the edge of something dangerous. Something real.

I don’t want to pull back. And I don’t want him to, either. Not tonight.

I want to close the distance. I want to feel the weight of his eyes on me – even from miles away.

My fingers hover over the keyboard for a long moment before I type.

Do you still have access to the lighthouse cameras? – Francie

I haven’t used them. I promised you I wouldn’t. You don’t have to worry about it. – Asher

My blood heats up as I read his message. Of course he hasn’t used them. Because he’s Asher. Even when he’s unraveling, he still keeps his promise.

But I don’t want distance tonight. I don’t want promises or polite boundaries.

I want him.

I know you haven’t. But I want you to now. Turn on the camera in the guest bedroom. – Francie

Another pause. Dots appear again.

Francie... - Asher

Turn it on. I want you to see me. – Francie

I close my eyes for a second, feeling the flutter in my stomach. The warmth blooming low down in my belly. This isn’t about sex. This isn’t about trust.

I want him to see me.

I open my eyes again, looking at my phone. For a moment, there’s nothing. No reply. No dots. Just silence.

And then, in the top corner of the room, the tiniest red light blinks on.

The camera. My body tightens. He’s watching.

I lie back slowly, letting the covers slip down my body. Revealing the tiny silk shorts and camisole I put on after myshower this evening. My hair is down, tumbling in waves across the pillow.

I lift my eyes, my thighs clenching as I look into the camera, hopefully connecting our gazes. My skin prickles with awareness.

It’s like I’m not alone in this room. I’m not nervous. I’m not embarrassed. I feel empowered.

Because right now I feel like I’m his.

eighteen

ASHER