Page 16 of Protection for Asher (Safeguarded By The SEAL #4)

Somehow, Squat was able to get through the day without checking his phone every few minutes. Worry for Asher had him on edge, but he didn't screw up too much while at work. Before he got into his car, Rowan texted, stating that she was leaving and that everything had gone well.

When he arrived home, he made sure to make enough noise that he didn’t surprise Asher. She met him at the door and wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him tight.

“I'm glad you're home.”

He smiled to himself, liking how easy it was with her. They weren’t in a relationship. This was just them being friends. He wouldn’t mind them being more, but he didn’t want to push her. She needed time to heal, and he would give her all the time she needed.

“Having Rowan here all day was great. Danika is coming tomorrow. I know I need to get used to being alone, but it was nice having someone else in the house.”

After she let go, he set his things down and stepped into the kitchen for a glass of water. “I’m glad they’re helping. And you have plenty of time to get used to being alone. You don’t need to do more. You’re handling everything very well.”

She shrugged and looked down at the countertop. “Thank you. I have my moments.”

“We all do. Therapy helps. You'll go through some rough patches, but then one day, you'll be better.”

Her lips pressed together. “I don’t know what to do about a job.”

Squat shrugged. “You don’t have to jump into anything too quickly.”

“I know. I just don’t want to be a burden.”

He shook his head. “You won’t be. I know we haven’t seen each other in years. That doesn’t mean I’m not down to help you.”

She glanced down, and he took her hand, squeezing. She looked up and met his gaze. “For how long, though?”

“However long it takes.” Squat was serious. He wanted to help her for however long it took her to get her life back together. He bit his lower lip, wondering if he should ask the question, but he wanted to know. “Before I left, you had plans to go to college. Did you go?”

She shook her head. “No. I never could afford it.

My mom got sick, and I needed to stay home that first semester and take care of her.

She died, and my dad lost his job. I had to get a job, and then I was working so much I didn't have time to go to college.” She shrugged. “Life happened. What can I say?”

“Maybe this will give you time to take some classes.”

“But what about rent and all the other things that cost money?”

She looked so lost. Asher had been through hell. It would take time for her to get better. Now was the perfect time for her to slow down, and he could support her. Squat held her gaze as he spoke, wanting her to really understand he meant this. “Live here. It won't cost you anything.”

“But—”

He squeezed her shoulder. “Just think about it. You don't have to go to college. There are plenty of jobs that don't require a college degree. You can take this time to figure out what you want to do. You could get a certificate for haircutting or welding. It could literally be anything.”

She breathed out a heavy sigh. “Thank you. I don’t really know what to do. I was working at a grocery store, but that doesn’t earn much money. I just know I can’t ever go home.”

“You have time to think and figure it out. I’m here for you.”

She shook her head. “Never in my life did I think I would ever see you again. I wanted to, but I didn’t know how to get in contact with you. That I’m here in your place… I can’t believe it.”

His heart sped up at her words but he tamed his reaction. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. I wish how you ended up here was different, but I’m glad you’re here.”

Asher wanted to reply, but she didn't want to lead Squat on.

She was interested in having more than a friendship with him but didn't know how to get there.

Everything in her life was upside down, and she couldn't commit.

Maybe after she got some therapy and time granted her distance from the horrors she'd been subjected to, they could have something.

For now, she needed to concentrate on her future.

She had no idea what she wanted to study in college or if she even wanted to attempt college.

Before she'd graduated high school, she'd wanted to be a teacher, but now she saw how they were treated.

Being a teacher was the last thing she wanted.

Maybe something with nursing would be better.

The thing she liked most about working at the grocery store was the people.

Working in a doctor's office would be rewarding because she'd get to help people.

“Maybe I could do something in the medical field.”

“You’d be good at that. You were probably the brightest student in our school. And I know you are one of the most caring people I know.”

His words made her feel funny inside. She liked that he thought she was smart and compassionate.

She was just trying to be a good person when she showed that she cared about people.

It was easy to care, but she knew it was harder when you were expected to do something to help people.

Medical workers weren't miracle workers.

She'd seen plenty of over-extended nurses and doctors come into the grocery store after long shifts.

Some were jaded and angry about the medical system, which left many to deal with things on their own. Could she handle disappointing people?

“It has been a while since I studied anything. I guess I could go back to school.”

“I think you would be great at whatever you decided to pursue. It would give you time to process everything before going back to work.”

She nodded, thinking about what she would need to do to get any type of degree or certificate. “The thought of going back to school is scary.”

He held her hand, squeezing it gently. “I’m sure it is. But you’re strong.”

She barked out a scoff. “I’m not strong. I didn’t fight when they had me.”

He held both her shoulders as he held her gaze. Warmth flowed from him, but it also made her feel weird. “People in those situations like you were in give up. You didn’t die. Not everyone survives being taken captive. You did. You are strong, and you’re smart. You’re a survivor.”

“I wish I had as much faith in myself as you have in me. I don’t know what will happen.”

“We can never know what will happen. I’m here for you, and I know Danika, Rowan, and Nichole will be there for you, too. The guys on my team are here for you. You have lots of support.”

His words and his touch made her feel stronger. Coming here had absolutely been the right decision. “Thank you. You don't know how much your support means to me.”

She wanted to pull Squat close for a kiss, but fear held her back.

He was being nice and hadn’t once even tried anything with her.

She shouldn’t be having any relationship thoughts about him.

Squat was just helping her acclimate back into life, that was all.

He wasn’t looking for a relationship with her and she needed to remember that fact.