His Secret Obsession
Chapter 23

(Emery)

...One week Later...

This past week has been nothing but hectic. The apartment manager called from the complex I will be moving into and said I can move in earlier if I like since my place was just newly renovated and it was move-in ready. So today is the day I am moving in and my Uncle is not happy about it. He has been moping around all week..making me feel guilty and I am almost relieved to just get this over with so he can start adjusting. Carson and Jackie are coming to help me move and I still haven't heard from Mack.. After everything that happened at the mall, she still hasn't even tried reaching out to me once..and I refuse to be the one to initiate the conversation first.

I am always the one who ends up apologizing even when I haven't done anything wrong and Carson believes that I should just cut her off completely. I don't think I will go that far...but I will definitely hold out and wait for her to come to me first. Carson hasn't been back to their family home since the whole incident and refuses to talk to her. I still feel guilty like I somehow got between them but he says Mack has become too toxic for him and he needs a break. I mean, I get it, people change and grow distant but something else has to be going on..we have never fought like this before. So that's where we are at..not talking and avoiding each other. It sucks..especially since she was supposed to help me unpack and stay the first night in my apartment with me. I started taking things out of my closet, and placed them on my bed as I heard Ronan speak through my wireless headset.

"Fuck baby you are so sexy." Ronan groaned as he watched me packing my things into boxes.

"I literally haven't showered since yesterday and look like a mess." I laughed, turning my head to look at the camera.

"I like you dirty." He quipped, making me roll my eyes as I couldn't help but smile. Ronan and I have grown closer than ever. I practically eat, sleep and breathe Ronan at this point.

"I can't wait until tonight, we get to christen your new apartment." He teased, making me shake my head and narrow my eyes at the screen.

"If you are like this from just looking at me on camera I can't even imagine how it will be in two months." I said, teasing him right back.

"Oh..you will never leave the fucking bed." He said assuredly.

It has been almost two weeks since Ronan and I made it official and things have been amazing. He booked my ticket to fly out to Florida for two months from now and I am beyond excited and nervous.

I haven't quite told my dad about going to meet up with him yet but since I am moving I thought I would give it some time considering that was stressful enough.

"I better log off babe and get this stuff downstairs, Carson will be here in about an hour to help out." I said, taping up a box as I brushed a strand of hair out of my eyes. Let's just say my messy bun is staying true to its name.

"Okay babe, call me back once you are all settled in." He said quickly, which was surprising. Usually, he drags this out until I have to practically hang up on him.

"My kiss baby." He added, making me smile brightly as I blew him his kiss.

"Emery, I'm excited for you to start this new chapter of your life..thank you for letting me be a part of it." He spoke softly, making my heart race as I beamed toward the camera.

"We will start this chapter together." I declared, wanting nothing more to experience this new part of my life with Ronan by my side..well virtually by my side for now..but still there nonetheless.

"Bye baby, talk soon." He quickly added and then hung up, making me blink from surprise.

It seemed like he was in a rush to get off the call..maybe he wanted me to get moved in as quickly as possible. I have a feeling he will want me to keep the webcam on at all times when I move into my own place. He said something about a no-clothes policy in my new place and I couldn't help but roll my eyes and scoff..of course, he would want that.

I turned off my computer and started getting it ready to be loaded into the truck. Today has been tough so far..my dad and Uncle were pretty much quiet all morning. Acting like I was being shipped off to another continent or something. Being nineteen I felt like this was the next step. I know I could always stay with my dad and uncle for as long as I wanted but honestly, I wanted them to have some freedom too. Maybe my dad would actually go on a date for once..this might be his new chapter too.

I quickly finished up my room, slipped on my Converse, and started carrying boxes downstairs. I still had to get a lot of stuff but I ordered a couch to be delivered tomorrow and a small dining room table with four chairs. That way I can have people over for dinner sometimes. I still needed to get some kitchen stuff but I feel like I can do that over time. I have enough for now that my dad is letting me take.

"Hey kid, all this stuff ready to go into the truck?" My uncle asked.

"Yeah, all that's left is the bed, dresser, and desk in my room. I think Carson is helping with that." I informed him, setting the box down as I sighed heavily. Moving is so stressful..but at least I am only really packing my room.

Considering I have a studio apartment I don't need much. The bedroom is separated by a divider wall that opens up into the living room and I have a small sized kitchen and bathroom. It's about $900 a month, and I got a great deal on it. My dad knows the owner of the complex and went to high school with him so he co-signed the place with me and we got approved right away.

I don't have a washer and dryer but the apartment complex has one that is in a separate building. But I could always go home to wash my stuff or even go to Carson and Asher's place if I'm desperate enough.

Surprisingly, Asher and I are actually on friendly terms now. Since the whole mall incident, I have seen him at the house twice this week with Carson. We all even watched a movie together and he sat by me. My uncle gave him the stink eye the whole night but I just glared at him and texted him that he was being aggressive for no reason and completely delusional. That seemed to stop him for a little bit. Asher obviously has a new girlfriend. I saw him looking down at his phone and smiling more times than I can count. So I'm sure whatever supermodel he is dating now is the cause of this happier version of Asher.

"Let's get to it then." My uncle clapped his hands together and picked up a box. I never knew I had so much junk. I should have probably gotten rid of half of it but there was a lot of sentimental value to it all.

I started helping my uncle move boxes into the truck as my dad waved down the driveway. Carson's red pickup was pulling in and I couldn't help but smile and wave as well. I guess he was bringing Jackie to help too, she is such an awesome person. It's funny because she doesn't let Carson get away with his overprotective stuff and calls him out on it most times. I have never seen him bend over backward for a girlfriend the way he does for Jackie and I absolutely love it.

I set the box in the bed of the truck and turned to go greet Carson and Jackie. I ran up to the passenger side and was going to open Jackie's door when the back door opened on its own and out slides Asher. I guess I should have expected it considering he has been tagging along with Carson a lot more, but I was still surprised to see him to say the least.

"Oh hey Asher, I didn't realize you were coming." I smiled softly. I definitely felt more comfortable being around him knowing that we are both taken now and there is no questioning the 'what ifs' that my damn uncle put in my head..

"Of course, I'm here to help." He quipped, smiling widely as I blinked my eyes in surprise..damn..Asher was hot with his brooding face alone..but smiling Asher..now that..that is something I would never be prepared for. He was absolutely gorgeous. "Thanks, I really appreciate it." I choked out, trying to compose myself as I pushed those very inappropriate thoughts out of my head.

It was very hard to when his silver eyes lit up when our gazes locked, making my cheeks warm. Before he could say anything else Jackie slid out of the truck and pulled me in for a hug. Thank God for Jackie, because I was losing control fast. "Carson tried to get the whole basketball team to help out..I didn't think that was necessary.." she muttered, rolling her eyes at Carson.

"Hey, what's the point of having a team if you don't use them to their full potential." He shrugged, walking around the truck and pulling me into a one-armed hug.

"I guess Jackie and I could have just sat back and enjoyed a free show if that was the case." I quipped, causing Jackie to laugh while Carson and surprisingly even Asher glared at me.

"What, we aren't enough for you?" Carson huffed, flexing his muscles at Jackie who quickly glanced at me with a raised eyebrow.

"No." We said in unison, making us both bust out in laughter.

"Well, maybe we should just leave all the heavy lifting to you girls then..since you don't appreciate the help." Carson practically pouted and Jackie walked up to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling him into a hug. "Aww honey, we were just teasing." She said in an overly sweet voice while looking up at him.

"Why do you tease me so much pumpkin." Carson responded quietly.

Me and Asher instantly looked at each other and tried not to laugh. This was completely new for Carson..and I can't get enough..he was wrapped around Jackie's finger.

"Em, show me what needs to be brought to the truck and we can start." Asher told me casually, his silver orbs meeting mine briefly as I nodded my head and looked away.

"Okay, it's just in the living room." I explained, feeling Asher following close behind me. The sound of Carson and Jackie talking sweetly to one another making me smile broadly.

"It's pretty odd huh..who would've known Carson had such a high-pitched voice?" Asher teased, whispering closer to my ear than expected. The feel of his warm breath against my neck caused a shiver to run down my spine. Why did he have to sound so much like Ronan?

"I'm more shocked that he calls her pumpkin" I added nervously, continuing to walk forward.

"Yeah, I personally like to call my girl baby." Asher quipped, making me trip as I almost stumbled forward but was steadied by two large hands gripping my waist. He calls his girlfriend baby too? Oh god..that is too close to home.

"Careful." His deep voice pierced through me and went straight to my core. I stood up trying to push down these feelings that didn't belong there. Whatever hold Asher McNeal has on me will probably always be there..I won't lie..but I just can't let myself feed into them. Friends..we are just friends and we both have significant others. I can't help how my body reacts...I just can't act on it..ever.

He walked ahead of me into the living room, my eyes following his long muscular body as he stepped toward a stack of boxes. He wore a red hoodie with a basketball on the front and had on black jeans. His large feet had custom Nikes considering his shoe size was so large, and his brown hair was parted in the front, framing his forehead. Asher always looked amazing and well put together but today he was something else. The smell of his cologne wafted toward me as he pointed at the boxes. "All of this?" He asked, that fresh ocean scent swirling around me as I tried to keep my head on straight.

"Yeah, all that's left in my room is the big stuff. Just be careful with this box, my pc is in there." I said, pointing to the biggest box on the ground.

"Wouldn't want to ruin that now would we." He said with a sly smirk and I smiled back with an awkward chuckle and grabbed a box before following behind him. I tried my hardest not to ogle his strong toned back. Even through the baggy hoodie, it was hard to miss. We walked to the truck and placed the boxes on the bed, my uncle was in the back organizing them and stacking them so they were sturdy. After making a few trips, with everyone helping we were almost done. I went to check my phone as I grabbed a few water bottles for everyone.

To Ronan74: Hey baby, almost done. Just getting the big stuff then we are going to the apartments. Miss you

I quickly typed out, looking down at my phone.

"Need help?" Asher's asked behind me, causing me to jump and almost drop all of the water bottles as I juggled them in my arms.

"Oh god, what the heck Asher." I breathed heavily, my heart racing from his sudden appearance.

"Sorry..I didn't mean to scare you." He laughed, the cutest grin pulling at his lips as I stared at his mouth. What the hell is wrong with me?!

"Here, you can take these outside." I blurted, shoving the water bottles into his arms as I quickly turned around and started washing my hands for no reason at all. Afterward, I turned around thinking he was leaving and was surprised to see Asher just standing there, watching my every move. His eyes burned into me as I physically felt them wandering from my hair down to my shirt and then shoes. Studying me as I suddenly felt very self-conscious and began shifting on my feet. "Yeah, I'm kind of a mess right now..I didn't shower yet today." I blurted out, instantly regretting it as I laughed nervously. Why did I just admit that?

The corner of his mouth twitched into a smile, causing my stomach to flip. I quickly grabbed my water off of the counter and took a long sip.

"Well you don't stink, so that's a plus." He finally said, making me choke on my water.

"I hope not.." I coughed out, fighting the urge to smell myself as Asher stepped forward, leaning into me as he inhaled deeply. Did..did Asher just smell me?! His eyes flashed as he looked at me once more. "Nope, you just smell like strawberries." He said, stepping back as I felt completely mortified.

"What perfume is that?" He asked suddenly, surprising me.

"Ugh, I don't use perfume..I think it's my shampoo.." I said, really trying hard to think about it but coming up blank because of this whole damn situation.

Asher studied me some more as I took another sip of water..trying to think of anything to say, absolutely anything other than this. It didn't help that his tall a*s was practically towering over me and made me feel like a small child.

Before I could think of something, I saw Asher's hand reach out, his fingers grazing against my cheek as he quickly tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. His hand hovering against me as his lips slowly parted like he was about to say something.

"We are all loaded up! Let's go!" My uncle yelled into the house, making me jump back as I turned around hastily acting like I was doing anything else other than gazing at Asher's lips.

The room was filled with silence for a few moments, and I wondered if Asher had already left even though I felt like I still sensed him..before I could turn around I heard him speaking gently.

"Come on, let's go start that new chapter." Asher whispered, his words barely audible as they made my heart stop. Confusion suddenly filled me and I slowly turned around, my eyes wide as the thought of the impossible flooded through me. That's when I looked at

his broad back walking away from me..but what I saw on his hoodie shook me to my damn core..something I knew was there but never fully absorbed..the number 74..his jersey number..no way..there is no freaking way. Asher can't be Ronan74..can he?!