Asher – Ashes & Embers Read online Carian Cole

Categories Genre: Angst, Contemporary, Romance Tags Authors:
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Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 149606 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 748(@200wpm)___ 598(@250wpm)___ 499(@300wpm)
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“That’s an understatement.” Evie leans toward us. “She and Talon went through a lot.”

Asia smiles dreamily. “We fell in love, though. He drives me crazy most days, but I can’t imagine my life without him.”

I shake my head in awe of their situation and how they willingly agreed to such a unique relationship. I’m basically living that same thing, and it’s not exactly fun.

“I’ve never heard of such a thing,” I say. “But you’re right. I guess Asher and I are in a similar situation. We’re basically strangers to each other.”

“I totally get it. I know how frustrating and confusing it can be. If you need to talk or vent, just call me. Evie talked me off the ledge more times than I can count. I would’ve been lost without her. On top of what you’re going through, it’s hard being married to a musician. They’re basically their own species. Us girls have become like sisters, and now you’re one of us.”

I feel a little teary-eyed surrounded by all these caring women who aren’t judging me at all for what’s happened to me or trying to upset me. They genuinely seem to want to help me. I like the fact that they didn’t know Ember pre-accident.

They’re also not snarky trouble-makers like Sydni.

“Usually once a month we all get together and go to lunch. Maybe next time you can join us?” Evie asks. “I can pick you up if you can’t drive.”

“That sounds great.”

Do I even have a car? I haven’t seen an extra car sitting in the garage. I’m sure if had a car years ago, Asher must’ve sold it by now. It wouldn’t make sense to keep my car given he had no idea if I’d ever come out of the coma. Since my discharge from the facility, Sarah and Asher drive me anywhere I need to go, but I’m fairly sure I’d be able to drive by myself now if I wanted to.

I’m pulled out of my rambling thoughts by the sound of a guitar being tuned. The guys are perched on wooden stools in front of us, and seeing them brings a lightning-fast feeling of déjà vu that disappears just as quickly as it came. I’ve seen them—just like this—before. Storm and Asher with their acoustic guitars and Lukas holding a violin.

I try to capture the fleeting memory before it fades, but it’s too late.

It’s gone.

Asher grins as the rest of the guests slowly gather around. Clearing his throat, he grabs everyone’s attention. “I wanted to thank everyone for coming out here tonight to meet my adorable granddaughter, Tia Nevaeh, which I will literally never be able to spell, and to welcome my beautiful wife, Ember, back home with us. I’ve been blessed with amazing miracles, and I’m grateful to all of you for being part of our family and celebrating with us.”

Putting his hands together in front of his face as if in prayer, he closes his eyes and does a quick bow.

“And now…some tunes. Hope you enjoy.”

My heart does a flip-flop when he winks at me and strums a slow intro before singing a raspy, soul-tugging love song:

“If you only knew, my love

How long I’ve waited for you

How many times I cried for you

What I would do for just one moment with you.

Where did you go, baby, why did you go?

I just can’t move from this place.”

There’s no microphone. No amps. No stage.

Just three guys playing a song on the lawn with a fire glowing behind them.

But, wow, I’m pulled in, drunk on Asher’s voice, the way his lips move, the subtle shake of his head as he loses himself in the lyrics. It’s impossible to not get caught up in the rapture that is Asher Valentine.

Goose bumps sprinkle on my arms as his voice rises, then falls to a deep growl.

“And I’d diiiiiiiiieeeeeee for just one touch, just one more fuckin’ taste.”

Asher Valentine oozes emotion. He doesn’t hide it, deny it, or run from it. He swallows it like a pill and lets it slowly cure him or kill him.

The lyrics are tiptoeing into my head, sneaking down into my soul. Rustling emotions like hidden love notes found on Valentine’s Day.

How very fitting.

I’m quite sure this song is about me.

For me.

Oh, Asher. What have I taken from you? And how can I give it back?

Chapter Thirty-Two

The master bedroom is like a gateway to the past, present, and future. These walls have seen and heard everything that I can’t remember. We slept in this bed. Made love in it. Talked all night in it. It’s the heart of the house, the keeper of all wishes and dreams. It’s where Asher mourned and hoped as half of the once whole us. The room comforted him. Held him when I couldn’t. It helped keep memories of me alive.


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