Chapter 32
“Need…air.”
Asher sprung into action, throwing the passenger door open, swinging our legs out with his bracketing mine. Then he scooted us carefully until our feet touched the ground and we stood together.
He spun me around, grabbed my hand, and put it on his stomach under his shirt. “Breathe with me, Cory.”
I stared into his eyes as my hand rose and fell with his every breath.
Inhale, hold, exhale. Rise, hold, fall.
On instinct, I tried to match the regular pattern, and noisy, shuddering breaths grew calm and regular. My lungs filled with crisp air instead of panic, and my heart slowed its furious rate.
“There you go,” Asher murmured. “Feel better now, honey?”
“Yes.” I was hoarse after hyperventilating, and I cleared my throat. “Thank you.”
“Ready to go inside?”
I nodded. After locking the car, we wandered up the back stairs, and Asher led me to the couch. With a relieved sigh, I sank down in it and caressed my hand over the soft suede. I was in love with his couch.