Because all I want, all I need, is for Asher to love me the way I love him, and then I’ll be happy.
Chapter Twelve
Asher
Elli wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes me tight.
Even in her heels, she doesn’t reach my height. Her long, flowy dress hides the heels well, but I know Elli Adler doesn’t leave the house without her ass-kicking red-bottomed heels. She’s known for them, rocks the world with them, and everyone respects her, no matter what. As she beams up at me, she cups my jaw, and her green gaze says it all: She loves me, she’s happy I’m back, and of course, the job was mine before I even showed up.
“Artie is a good guy. He’ll take good care of you,” she says, speaking of the jumbotron supervisor. He’s a cool dude, been with the Assassins as long as I’ve been alive, I think.
I nod as I wrap my arms around her shoulders. “I know. I’ve met him a few times.”
“Good. I’m very excited to have another Brooks in the organization. I’ve got my scorer, my scout, and now my jumbotron guy. I just have to think of something for Stella and Emery. Make it a family affair.”
She says it so animatedly that I grin. “Stella could do marketing all day, but there is no job for Emery, unless it’s as a hired hit woman against the opponent.”
She snorts. “Leave her be. I love that feisty girl.”
“Feisty…that’s putting it kindly.”
She beams at me. “Are you happy to be home? Adjusting?”
“I am. I missed my family and my friends. I’m moving in to Aiden’s place this weekend.”
“Good. It’s a nice condo.”
“It is,” I agree as we walk down the hall. “I haven’t seen the new house.”
“To my surprise, it’s actually modest.”
“Really?”
“Yup. It’s on the smaller side, which means one of two things. Either they won’t give me grandbabies, or we’ll have to move them again when they decide to have kids.”
I chuckle. “You want grandkids now?”
She shakes her head. “Yes and no. All my babies are grown, Quinnie will be leaving for college soon, and I’ll have no one to fuss over.”
I squeeze her close. “You can fuss over me. And let’s be honest, Shea needs all the fussing.”
She cackles. “He sure does, and I’ll still fuss over all of you. While I’m so excited for Shelli and Aiden’s wedding, I think I could wait. She won’t be my baby anymore. She’ll be his.”
“Elli, she’ll always be your baby.”
She smiles sweetly at me. “You’ve always been my favorite.”
I laugh. “All of us are your favorites.”
“This is true,” she agrees as she leans her head into mine. “You wouldn’t happen to know who Posey is dating, would you?”
I scoff. “Don’t put me in that evil spot. I love you, but I’m terrified of Posey.”
“That’s what everyone says,” she pouts. “I’m just worried she’ll get her heart broken again.”
I shrug. “I don’t think she will. I saw them together. He seems pretty into her.”
“Well, of course. She’s absolutely perfect.”