Legends

CHAPTER SEVEN: Main Street, Saint Charles

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With a duffle bag around her arm, Elena entered Asher's bedroom, and quickly dropped the bag on the bed. She found Asher easily, staring into his opened wardrobe, his torso bare.

Trying not to gasp or smile, she put her hands on her hips and asked: "what's the problem?"

"I don't know whether I should go for casual or formal," Asher explained without turning around. He had texted her he had an emergency, and Elena came as quick as she could. But seeing him calmly in front of his wardrobe made her realize he had exaggerated – a lot.

"It's just a dinner with your parents. You shouldn't be nervous, they already know me."

"I called you here so that you could help me," he complained while turning around. He suddenly frowned. "You're not dressed yet."

Elena pointed at the duffle bag on her bed. "I have my dress with me. Once you are done, I will get ready."

How could a man have more trouble finding the right outfit than a woman? Elena's wardrobe was probably twice as big as his, and yet she had found a dress within seconds, while he had probably been standing in front of his wardrobe for the last hour.

"I can't help you with your make-up and everything," Asher complained.

She smiled at him. "No need. I'm going like this."

"Natural. I like it."

She smiled involuntarily. "Good."

Kicking off her shoes, she looked away from him and hoped her reddened cheeks cooled down. Knowing he was watching her without a shirt didn't help.

Nonchalantly walking on the bed like she would often do on her bed, she walked across it to the side of his wardrobe.

"So what are the options?"

He turned back to face his wardrobe. She used it to come stand behind him, her feet still on the bed and her arms resting on his shoulders.

"This," Asher said, pointing at a simple T-shirt, "or this," he pointed at a jet black suit.

"I would love to see you in a suit," Elena commented before planting her lips on his cheek. It was so easy to lose control right now, his bare torso so close to her, his face near hers.

He looked up at her, making her have to move away a little.

"But isn't it too formal. It's only my parents."

"Alright then," she said, looking back at the wardrobe. "Take the shirt and the vest of the suit, and wear jeans."

A grin appeared on his lips as he looked at her.

"You're a genius."

She smiled with exaggerated pride and lifted her head as if she was used to hearing such words. Asher chuckled before bending down to take off his pants and unfolding the jeans from his closet.

"You do not have to-" Elena stopped herself, embarrassed that she had just started saying what she was thinking. Seeing the expecting look on his face, she slowly continued, feeling her cheeks burn up with shame: "wear that... yet... I mean..."

Asher laughed loudly at the sight of her. "You like seeing me almost naked."

It was not a question but a statement, which made Elena's cheek heat up even faster. Her face was probably as red as a tomato by now.

"Well, it is a... a pleasant view."

With another chuckle, he took her hands in his and guided her off the bed. His hands rested above her hips while he softly pushed her against the wardrobe door and pressed his warm body against her.