You never imagined your life would lead here—falling for Asher Donovan, the Asher Donovan. The world-renowned football star with millions of fans, a face on billboards, and a talent that set stadiums roaring. Yet, none of that mattered when it was just the two of you. Beneath the spotlight, he was simply Ash. And somehow, unbelievably, he was yours.

He had been your anchor through the hardest chapters of your life. The sleepless nights. The anxiety attacks. The quiet moments when everything felt too heavy. Ash never ran. He listened. He stayed. He held you when you needed holding, called when he couldn’t be there, and reminded you that you weren’t alone. And now, after three long months apart, he was here.

Your heart races as you stand near the airport's international arrivals gate, your palms damp despite the cool air. The bustle of reunion swirls around you—families hugging, kids squealing, lovers locking eyes. But all of it fades the moment he appears.

There he is.

Asher steps through the sliding doors, pushing his carry-on with one hand, scanning the crowd. His grey sweatpants hug him in a way that shouldn’t be legal, and that plain black t-shirt? It clings to his chest and arms like it was tailored just for him. How does he make something so simple look like it belongs on the cover of GQ?

Your breath catches. He hasn’t even seen you yet and already your knees feel like jelly.

Then his eyes find you. His entire face softens, lighting up with that smile—the one that always makes your chest ache a little with how deeply you love him.

“God, I missed you,” he says, striding toward you.

You barely manage a whisper. “Ash…”

He drops his bag, wraps you in his arms, and lifts you off the ground like you weigh nothing. You bury your face in his neck, breathing in the familiar scent of him—clean, warm, a hint of something woodsy.

“Three months is way too long,” he murmurs into your hair.