Adam hesitated. "If you’re sure... when are you coming back? Do you want to meet him before we finalize anything?"
"No need. Just set the date. The sooner, the better."
He sighed, though his tone softened. "Alright. By the way, I heard Asher’s ex is back. Celeste, right? It’s funny how everyone thought they were destined. Maybe he’ll bring her to your wedding—it’ll be good to have old friends there."
My chest tightened at his words, but I kept my voice steady. "I don’t think Asher and I are that close anymore. Don’t bother inviting him."
Just as I hung up, the door unlocked, and Asher walked in. He was smiling, but something about it felt fake now.
"Not close to whom?" he teased, his eyes narrowing playfully.
I looked him straight in the eye. "Not close to you."
He raised an eyebrow, then smirked as he wrapped an arm around my waist. "Really? Not close to me? Haven’t we spent enough nights proving otherwise?"
His breath was warm against my ear, but it only made me feel cold. I struggled against him, my gaze catching the faint lipstick stain on his collar.
The burns from the poison ivy on my arm throbbed painfully. The hurt in my chest rose like a wave, spilling over as tears filled my eyes.