We leave the outlook and head back to town to grab a couple of items Ari needs for dinner. I'm securing the bag of food we bought to the back of the bike when a woman approaches us.

"A.J.?" she says.

"Hi Ms. Prescott," Ari says, and the woman hugs her.

I stiffen at her name; this must be Asher's mom.

"Oh honey, I'm so sorry to hear about Nonna. We all loved her so much." The petite brunette brushes the hair from Ari's face. The intimate action speaks of the history they have with one another.

"Asher's torn up about it; we all are. If there is anything you need, just ask."

"Thank you," Ari says, avoiding Ms. Prescott's eyes.

"He told me you two have broken up. He misses you so much. We talk about you almost every time he calls."

"I miss him too," Ari whispers, her eyes glassy.

It's infuriating not knowing if she's upset because of the loss of her relationship or her grandmother. I accept she misses Asher even though it's like a knife through my heart. They were together for years, and I don't expect her to just turn off her feelings, but I still struggle with moving past my jealousy.

I clear my throat, and Ari's head whips around like she forgot I'm standing here. She steps back from the older woman's embrace and brushes the tears from her eyes. "Ms. Prescott, this is Kade." She pauses for a moment and gives me a pleading look that says please behave yourself. "Kade, this is Ms. Prescott."

I reach my hand out, and we shake. "It's a pleasure to meet you," I lie.

Asher's mother has done nothing to me, and I have no reason to be rude to her, but her association with Prescott has me on edge.

The happiness she displayed with Ari vanishes as she takes me in. I can tell that his mother hasn't been as shielded from the media like Ari. There is no reason for me to win this woman over. She's backing her son, and I wouldn't wish it any other way. "You too," she says, pulling her hand away and turning back to Ari. "Well, if you need anything don't hesitate to call me, A.J."

"I won't."

They hug again before Ari climbs onto the motorcycle and wraps her arms around me.

During the ride home, her hands grip the front of my shirt just over my chest. It's not meant as an intimate gesture, but it is, and I try to use it as a distraction. But it's impossible; my wandering thoughts question if she's really over Asher. It would be insane for her to still hold feelings for him, but love is not rational, and it's easier said than done when it comes to letting go.

Maybe I'm just a distraction, and if she had time to herself after their breakup, she could see it for what it was—a sham. I don't think she used me as a rebound, but God knows, I didn't give her much room. I've positioned myself as a temporary distraction, and I hate how it's led me to question where we stand.

We turn onto her driveway, and my heart leaps into my throat. Waiting for us on the tailgate of an old truck is Nicky. My helmet sits next to him and he holds a red one. He glares at me as we pull up next to him.

We climb off the motorcycle, and he hands me the helmet in his lap. "Next time, take a little better care with her safety, Slone," he spits.

I brace for a fight, but Ari interjects, punching Nicky in the arm. "Stop being a ball-sack, would ya?"

He shakes his head and rolls his eyes as the anger leaves him. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who struggles to remain angry with her. She has a way of dissolving the negative feelings and replacing them with an uncontrollable desire to smile. It's just one of the many traits I adore about her.

I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring, but for the moment, she's my girl. I want everything she's willing to offer, and I despise the thought of it all ending. I'm absolutely head over heels in love with her—dirty mouth and all.