@Celeb411: Asa was seen leaving the Kingsley wedding with sexy AF DJ Ash. Whether this is a business relationship or not remains to be seen. Keep your eyes peeled for these potential lovebirds!
“Where are we going?” I ask once my world stops swirling. The passenger window of his black SUV is rolled down, the Northern California air whipping my short locks around my face. I try not to overthink the fact that paps were surrounding the exit, shouting out questions while cameras flashed, just off the premises. That they’d gotten photos of us leaving together. That in those photos, I’ll likely look distraught.
“Here,” he says, and as if he’s reading my mind, he reaches into the compartment between us and hands me sunglasses.
I slip them on my face and settle back into my seat, embracing the darkness as I roll the window back up.
“You worried about what people will think, seeing you with me?” He asks, his voice so low, I almost don’t hear him over the hum of acceleration as he presses the gas.
My snort comes out before I can try to stop it.
“I’m worried people will label me some kind of whore for leaving with you, even though Rune is the asshole who cheated on me and broke up with me through a statement posted on his fucking social media.” The double standards that once merely annoyed me have me thoroughly pissed right now.
Asher is silent for a moment, as if he’s mulling over what to say next—or if there’s anything worth saying in response.
And then he speaks.
“No disrespect because I think so highly of you, but what in God’s name were you doing with someone like that?” He doesn’t do much to hide the humor in his tone and I’m happy he interrupted the loops going on in my brain. I’m even happier that he doesn’t tiptoe around Rune like he’s a subject that will make me burst into tears. I still don’t trust myself not to, but at least he has confidence in me.
“Trust me. I’ve done worse,” I mutter, rolling my eyes as the stupidity of my former self mentally slaps me upside my head. From dealing with shitty men to signing deals that weren’t in my best interest, I’d been even lower than where I am now.
“Your fans are probably waiting to see what comes next,” he murmurs, using his blinker before switching lanes. It’s hard to see him through the sunglasses but I keep them on, happy to keep myself hidden from him as well.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“I guarantee your very public breakup created a whole new fan base for you.”
I snort again, and I wonder if he thinks I’m a fucking pig at this point. “I doubt it. I’m just another scorned woman who got embarrassed by a douche bag.”
“You can be that. Or you can be better.” He glances my way, but it isn’t as powerful with his sunglasses blocking my eyes. Still, I squint my eyes as realization dawns.
“I feel like you’ve been maneuvering this conversation the entire time. Let’s hear this awesome plan you’ve got.” I watch as we drive past signs indicating that we’re heading back toward my hotel. It’s nice to disappear from my world for a little while. Nice to sit and talk and not feel like a million eyes are on me.
“I’ve got a cabin on the water in Washington state. It's where I do my best work. Let's get you back to the basics, come out with a spectacular album and maybe I'll take you to dinner a few times.”
I think of my broken heart and how many times I’ve been here before. I think of how, if I pull these sunglasses off, I could see his wicked smile and the way the streetlights cast a warm, romantic light on him. But I know what it’s like when the romance ends. I know what it’s like to pick up the pieces of myself. Hell, all I am now are fragments of the woman I once offered Rune.
I shake my head.
“Not happening. I've sworn off men. Plus, I can't just leave.”
“Why can't you?” he asks, like it’s that easy.
“People will think I'm running from him. That I’m hiding.” I pull off his sunglasses and tuck them in the center console where he originally pulled them from. When I look over at him after settling back in my seat, he’s grinning.
“Until you show up with new music and a fresh outlook on life.”
“Washington can do that?” I sound skeptical but I am now, and I hate that.
It’s his turn to shake his head.
“No, but a little time alone without people fawning over you and stalking you might.”