Page 43 of Billionaire Unbroken - Asher
“Cole won’t be there, so we’ll get more food,” Devon joked. “Seriously, though, if you don’t feel up to it, we can wait. I’mhappy to see you out and about, Asher. I’m not about to ask for more than you can handle before you’re ready.”
“Let me think about it,” I told him.
“That works for me. What are you going to do about Sierra?”
“Nothing,” I said flatly.
“She mentioned that she was going to be living on your ranch while we were eating our cinnamon rolls. That shit is going to drive you crazy.”
“Maybe,” I contemplated. “But it’s better than worrying about whether or not she’s safe.” I held up a hand before he could speak. “Don’t ask. All I’m going to say is that her situation in Billings wasn’t ideal.”
“That sucks,” he said morosely. “Knowing the woman you care about isn’t safe is the worst.”
I nodded empathetically because I knew that Devon had dealt with those fears at one time himself.
“For what it’s worth,” Devon said, “I think she’d be pretty lucky to have a guy like you.”
“She’s had a rough time,” I shared. “I could easily fix some of the things that are wrong in her life, but she won’t let me do much.”
“The money part?” Devon guessed.
I nodded. “Yeah.”
“You can respect the fact that she feels that way, but I think you should find a way to do it anyway or it will bug the shit out of you. Money is one thing we have more than enough of, and financial stress isn’t something she needs to worry about.”
“Agreed,” I said. “But I don’t think she’s ever asked for help. She’s stubborn.”
“You’ll find a way to fix the easy things,” Devon said confidently. “I still think you should tell her that you want her before your balls turn blue, but you’re the only one who can judge when you’ll be ready for that.”
“I want her,” I said in a graveled voice. “But I don’t think she needs a guy who does nothing but lust after her.”
“I think it’s more than just lust,” Devon replied. “She lives with you now, and you trust her, Asher. That’s not nothing, considering your background.”
He was right.
I hadn’t thought beyond the fact that I wanted to get Sierra into my bed in a way I’d never wanted a woman before, but therewasmore.
I trusted Sierra as much as I was capable of trusting anyone except Cole.
I enjoyed her company.
And being with her made me happy.
Devon was right.
That wasn’t nothing for a guy like me.
“I need to fix my head before I worry about my feelings for anyone,” I told Devon.
“I get that,” he agreed. “But for me, the right woman only came along once. I almost screwed that up a few times. I’m glad I didn’t.”
“I’m glad you didn’t, too,” I told Devon earnestly. “But I’m not sure our situations are the same.”
“I’m not going to push, cousin. I’m happy to see the changes that you’re making. I’m not in your shoes, but I’ll listen if you ever need to talk.”
Finished with my task, I closed the dishwasher. “Thanks,” I said gratefully. “I’m not much of a talker, but I appreciate you offering.”
I stood and went to wash my hands.
