His Secret Obsession
Chapter 22

(Emery)

I glanced up towards Carson, his eyes began searching me up and down, what he was looking for I have no clue.

"Did he f*****g hurt you Em? Did that a*****e touch you?" He asked angrily, and I looked around my driveway anxiously..making sure my dad and uncle weren't anywhere close enough to hear this. I don't think I can handle that added drama..especially with how I reached out, gripping Carson's arm gently as I spoke calmly.

extra my uncle can be.

"No Carson of course he didn't." I looked into his piercing blue eyes, showing him I was okay. I have never seen Carson so worked up before.

He quickly reached out, pulling my small frame against his hard body as he hugged me tightly.

"I just..I don't want anyone to hurt you..ever." he whispered, making my heart ache as I pulled back and looked up at this mountain of a man.

"Asher was there to help out, Ethan backed off once he came and I doubt he will want anything to do with me after that. I'm okay I promise." I said reassuringly, making him nod his head as he pulled back slightly.

"Thanks Ash, I appreciate you looking out for her." Carson glanced towards Asher who was casually leaning back on his jeep with his arms crossed. Dammit..why did he look so cool like that?

"No problem, what's for dinner?" He suddenly asked, pushing off the car and heading towards the house. Carson and I both exchanged a look of confusion as we watched Asher walking towards the front door.

Asher never takes the initiative to invite himself over for dinner..he is usually just dragged along with Carson or pestered by my dad and uncle...and why was he acting so laid back and casual?

"Mr. L is making spaghetti." Carson hollered, letting me go as we both followed after Asher and he leaned down towards me.

"Have you noticed Asher acting a little strange today?" He asked, making me stiffen as I shrugged my shoulders.

"Strange how?" I whispered back, peeking over at Asher once more as he pushed our front door open.

"I think he is talking to a new girl or something. I always see him smiling down at his phone and laughing to himself lately..I have never seen him like this in my life..it's freaking me out." Carson admitted and my gaze wandered back to Asher. So he met a new girl..did he meet her at the party or something? Or maybe he made up with Natalie..

"What about Natalie?" I blurted leaning into Carson.

"No way in hell...he always groaned or rolled his eyes whenever she reached texted him. This is different.." we walked up the steps, and the sound of my dad and Uncle laughing drifted toward us.

"It's nice to see you coming around again Asher, was wondering where you've been." My dad's voice boomed through the living room as Carson and I shared another surprised glance.

"Hey kiddo, you're back just in time..your dad was threatening to make the spaghetti again. Please..please don't let him ruin the only night I look forward to during the week." My uncle gave me puppy eyes and I couldn't help but scoff.

"I think you just want me to cook so you guys can all drink and stare at a deconstructed engine." I narrowed my eyes at my uncle as he shrugged and smiled at me sheepishly.

"Well, plus your dad never gets the noodle's texture right..you know that." He added for good measure and my dad punched him in the gut playfully, making me laugh.

"Fine, let me just go change." I walked across the living room and couldn't help but feel like Asher was staring at me. I peeked over, my suspicion proving to be correct as I quickly jerked my head back and raced up the stairs, my cheeks warming as I needed a minute just to breathe. What was up with Asher?

Maybe since clearing the air and telling him that I was okay with just being friends..or acquaintances..I don't even know what that was about..I couldn't stop talking, it was horrible. But maybe he finally feels more comfortable and there isn't any bad animosity between us.

Just then I remembered Ronan and my heart began to ache. He had to be mad..fuming possibly. He has never stopped talking to me like this. Does he want to break up with me already?! Did I ruin our relationship that fast?

I opened my phone, looking down at our messages as I reread them obsessively. Maybe I said something wrong..or was I being too clingy? I did ask if he was okay a few times..without him responding even once. I set my phone down, this anxious feeling sinking in as I pulled off my dress and slipped on one of my uncle's old t-shirts and some basketball shorts. I didn't care about looking cute at this point..I felt like I was ready to mope around. Especially after everything that happened with Mack today.

You know what..I'm just going to leave my phone in my room..I just have to walk away. I quickly threw it on my bed and as soon as I did, a small ping sounded and I never dove for something so fast in my damn life.

I fumbled with my phone, opening the messaging app as my heart was about to beat out of my chest.

Ronan74: Hey baby, I am so fucking sorry for being MIA..please forgive me, my phone died at the gym. Are you okay? I've missed you like crazy.

I read his text carefully..his phone died? The feeling of embarrassment filled me from texting him so much. Am I being way too clingy? What if I burn him out already? So far the past few days have been so drama-filled he probably thinks I live for it..ugh now what do I say? Katina: Hey, it's okay, sorry for messaging you so much.

I quickly hit send and put the phone down once more. Why was I so anxious? I thought Ronan and I were good..but now I am questioning myself. I hate how insecure I am..truly..but this is all so freaking new to me that I don't even know what I am doing.

I groaned, flopping onto my bed as I shoved my face into my pillow. Why is this so hard? We haven't even met each other in person yet and I'm already way too deep into this. I honestly have never felt so attached to someone in my life. Ping!

I snapped my head up, reaching for my phone as I brought it over to my face and unlocked the screen.

Ronan74: Baby..what's wrong?

I bit my lip nervously..could he really read me that easily?

I typed out a few messages and quickly erased them, retyping them once more. By the tenth time, I finally decided on the simplest response.

Katina: Nothing, I'm fine. How are you? How was the gym?

Okay, there..let's deflect and change the subject. That should work.

Suddenly my phone began to ring, causing my eyes to widen as I looked down and saw he was now calling. I sat up in bed, trying to psych myself up as I answered and placed the phone against my ear. "Hello?" I squeaked..real smooth Emery..

"Emery, tell me what is wrong right now." Ronan commanded in a whispering voice. He sounded like he was trying to be quiet.

"It's..it's nothing, are you doing okay? I'm sorry about earlier." I added, feeling embarrassed for why I was even acting this way.

"Baby, don't lie to me." He practically growled and I closed my eyes, feeling a lump in my throat as I swallowed hard.

"I just..I'm sorry if I'm being too clingy or annoying.." I blurted, feeling like I could cry. Was I about to start my period or something?! Why the hell am I crying right now?

"Emery..you are not clingy or annoying..why would you even think that?" He asked me gently, making my lip quiver as I pulled the blanket over my head and hid myself from the world.

"I just don't want to screw this up Ronan..I've never done this before and I feel like.." I stopped myself..afraid to say what I really wanted to.

"Tell me, baby..please." Ronan breathed, making my heart race as I turned in my bed and took a deep shuddering breath.

"I feel like I am falling for you, hard..and I know it's too soon and we are just starting this. But I can't stop myself from liking you so damn much Ronan..you are all I think about and I feel like I'm going to ruin this." I cried softly, feeling pathetic as I wiped my tears and braced myself for the possibility of rejection. This was crazy..how fast this was all going and how much I have already fallen for this guy.

"Kitten..I am falling for you too..I know this is scary. It's all happening so fast but Emery I know deep down that you are it for me." His words left me speechless. Not only was he falling for me too, but he thought I was the one..that I was the person for him.

"Shit baby, I gotta go but let's talk more tonight okay? I promise you..I can never get enough of you in every way possible. So don't ever think you are annoying or clingy..because I love it all." He whispered hastily and I heard loud muffled voices in the background. "I gotta go baby, text me okay?" And with that, he hung up..

I looked up at the ceiling, my eyes wide as Ronan's words played through my mind over and over..he said I was it for him, that he was really falling for me. Hearing those reassuring words filled my heart with pure unbridled bliss.

That's what I needed, to know that he was feeling the same, that what happened earlier didn't push him away and he was still in this.

"Em! Come on we are starving here!" My uncle yelled up the stairs and I jumped off the bed and bounded towards the kitchen.

"I'm coming!" I said cheerfully, running down the stairs as all that bad stuff from earlier seemed to lessen and all that was left now was thoughts of Ronan.

"Where's everyone else?" I asked my uncle as he was gathering all the ingredients. He really must be hungry..

"Asher had to make a phone call and your dad and Carson were in the garage." He said nonchalantly and I got the large pot to start boiling water.

Suddenly I felt my uncle staring at me and I knew he wanted to say something..I could sense it.

"What is it?" I asked, raising my eyebrow as he smirked, making me frown.

"Is there something going on with you and Asher?" He randomly asked, making me start coughing as I almost dropped the pot in the sink.

"Me and Asher?" I finally choked out as my uncle now leaned against the counter, crossed his arms, and narrowed his eyes at me.

"No, why?" I squeaked, trying to keep myself busy as I placed the pot on the stove and added some salt to the water.

"Oh, maybe because Asher keeps looking at you like a damn love-sick teenager." He said brazenly and I stiffened.

"That..no..I don't think that's true." I mumbled, grabbing the cutting board as I placed a few tomatoes on it.

"Well we all know you have liked Asher for years..but this turn of events is new..I wonder if Carson knows?" My uncle teased and I whipped around.

"It was just one kiss okay! Well maybe two but It didn't mean anything and now he is seeing someone else anyway and we are just friends now..no..more like acquaintances!!" I gasped, slapping my hand over my mouth as my uncle stared at me in shock. "That punk didn't pressure you into anything did he?!" My uncle's expression suddenly turned serious.

"No! Of course not." I hissed, feeling completely flustered.

"It was nothing Uncle Jack, besides..I am only interested in the online guy now. Please don't make a big deal about this..please I'm begging you." I clasped my hands together and practically begged for my life.

My Uncle brushed his hair back, letting out a deep sigh as he closed his eyes and then pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I was just teasing you earlier..I didn't realize that punk actually made a play for you Em.." he grumbled, making me slump my shoulders and look down at the floor.

"It was all just a heat of the moment thing.." I explained nervously, wringing my hands together as my uncle let out a deep sigh.

"Come here." My uncle Jack said, pulling me into a hug as I inhaled his deep masculine scent.

"Did he hurt you Em?" He asked softly and I shook my head no, lying as he hugged me gently.

"If Carson replaces out, you know he is going to be pissed." He warned me and I slumped in his arms.

"I know..he won't, nothing is going on so there is no reason to even say anything." I said quickly and my uncle looked at me skeptically.

"Everything is fine." I smiled encouragingly, pulling back to continue cooking as my uncle still stared at my back.

"Maybe you are over it Em..but that boy..I have seen that look before..and the last time I did you were born not too long after." He muttered and my eyes widened. What the hell was my uncle saying..that Asher was into me still?! No way..that can't be true..can it?