Chapter 186: Asher
A week. One week in this new place.
I stand in the middle of the living room, hands on my hips. The coach is in. The bed, tom, Half the furniture Perry insisted on helping me pick 14 dattered around in various stages of assembly her fingerprints all over this place already, though she doesn’t realize it
And I like it. Hell, I more than like it.
It’s mine. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. It’s something I never thought I’d want or need, but now? Now I can’t imagine going back to the way things were Three months ago, I would’ve given anything to be back on active duty by Christmas. Would’ve killed to be back in the field.
And yet two days ago I picked up the phone and told my CO I’m not coming back full time. My voice didn’t even shake when I said it.
“You earned it. Hayes,” he said. “We’ll miss you in the field, but we’d rather have you alive and steady than out there pushing past the breaking point. Take your time. If you want training work here, or support rotations, the door’s open.”
It should have felt like a loss. It didn’t. It felt… right. Because now there’s something–someone–I care about more.
And tonight, I’m picking her up for Christmas dinner with Rooster and Anna.
I tug the sleeves of a charcoal button–down, dark jeans and boots. Not too dressy. But presentable. Penny deserves better than my usual low–effort year. I throw my leather jacket on and grab the keys.
Driving through their neighborhood, I catch a flash of headlights – familiar. Tyler’s car passes me in the other lane. Zoe riding shotgun, laughing at something. I scoff, grip the wheel tighter.
Let it go, Hayes.
I pull into the Vale’s driveway and cut the engine. Deep breath.
Mr. Vale opens the door before I knock, wearing a Canadiens jersey over his flannel and a beer in hand.
“Asher! You’re here.”
“Evening, sir.”
“You catch the game last night?” He waves me in, already grinning.
“Only caught the recap. Looked like a hell of a third period.”
He shakes his head. “Hell of a disaster. If that goalie misses one more damn save…” He trails off, raising the beer like a toast. “You should come watch the next one with us tomorrow night. I’m having a few folks over.”
“I’d like that. Count me in.”
“Good man. You’re practically family now anyway.”
That catches me for half a second. I nod once. Family. Not a word I thought I’d ever hear again outside the teams.
Then-
THUD THUD THUD.
The sound of feet pounding the stairs.
I turn just as she barrels around the corner of the staircase, heels clicking against the floor.
“Sorry! I know, I’m late!” she says breathlessly, adjusting her clutch.
1/3
I forget how to speak.
Combat situations? Never flinch Close range? No sweat. But this girl black dress hugging every perfect line of her body, heels sharp, her tumbling an waves down her back to the only thing on this earth that disarme me.
She bites her lip. “Too much?
“Not even close.”
Mr. Vale chuckles. “She’s been fussing for an hour. Wanted the perfect outfit.”
“Got it,” I say without looking away from her.
She blushes and kisses her dad on the cheek. “Bye, Dad.”
“Have fun, sweetheart. And Asher-” He gives me a knowing look. “Tomorrow. Hockey.”
“Yes, sir.”
Outside, the cold air hits her and she presses close to me instinctively. Vanilla and something darker–her scent pulls me in, makes my pulse jump
I open the car door and watch her slide in, her legs crossing smoothly, giving me a glimpse of bare skin above her stockings that has my jaw tightening.
I clear my throat, get in, grip the wheel.
Drive, Hayes. Focus.
But my eyes keep flicking to her. She hums softly, leaning her head back against the seat.
“You look incredible.”
She turns, smile sly. “I know.”
I chuckle. “Cocky, are we?”
“Confident,” she says, voice light.
And just like that, the tension eases. She makes it so easy. So natural.
We drive through the city, Christmas lights strung along the streets, trees glowing behind frosted windows. She talks about her latest rehearsal, how madame Loretto made her repeat one sequence fifteen times and how Luc is obsessed with asking about you know who, and I pretend not to smirk.
“And Mila still swears you have this secret fan club at the studio,” she says, laughing.
“Oh yeah?”
“She says she’s going to start charging people for the Asher Hayes fan club membership.”
“Hope the membership comes with danger pay.”
She snorts, shakes her head. “No, just a lot of sighing and jealous looks.”
I glance sideways at her, voice low. “You jealous?”
She meets my eyes, holds. “Not when I’m the one you look at like that.”
And fuck if my grip on the wheel doesn’t tighten.
I pull into the restaurant lot, park, but I don’t move yet. I look at her fully.
2/3
Chapter 186: Asher
“You sure you’re okay tonight? With everything….
Her eyes soften. “I’m better than okay Especially with you.”
Jesus. This girl will ruin me.
I lean in, press a soft kiss to hei temple. “Let’s see which one of us makes Rooster laus
She grins and takes my hand as we step out.
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