Unwrapped (Sugar & Spice #1)

14. Asher

Chapter 14

Asher

NEW YEARS EVE…

T he soft glow of the dimmed lights in my apartment reflects off the windows, casting a warm, intimate ambiance over the room. The quiet hum of laughter and conversation drifts through the air as a few of my closest friends mingle with drinks in hand, waiting for the clock to strike midnight. Ivy is by my side, her hand tucked comfortably into mine, and I can’t help but feel like this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

It’s New Year’s Eve, and while it’s a far cry from the glitzy galas I used to attend in previous years, this small, private gathering in my apartment feels a million times better. It’s relaxed, it’s intimate, and most importantly, Ivy’s here with me.

Tessa is chatting with a few friends by the kitchen island, but her eyes keep flicking over to where Zane is leaning against the far wall, looking bored and smug at the same time. I’ve noticed the tension between them for a while now, though they act like they can’t stand each other. Zane will make some snide remark, Tessa will snap back with equal fire, and they’ll pretend like they aren’t completely drawn to each other. It’s becoming increasingly obvious—at least to Ivy and me—that something’s brewing between them.

“You look like you’re plotting something,” Ivy teases, squeezing my hand. Her eyes sparkle with amusement as she watches me watch Zane and Tessa.

I chuckle, leaning down to whisper in her ear. “Zane and Tessa. They’ve been dancing around each other for weeks.”

Ivy laughs softly, following my gaze as Tessa shoots Zane a look of pure annoyance. He smirks, clearly enjoying getting under her skin.

“Oh, they’re definitely into each other,” Ivy says, shaking her head. “They just don’t know how to admit it yet.”

“Or they do, but they’d rather argue about it than face the truth,” I reply, my eyes gleaming with amusement as I watch Tessa cross the room, her body language tense with irritation. Zane doesn’t seem to mind; in fact, he seems to thrive on getting her all worked up.

Tessa huffs as she approaches him, arms crossed. “Do you always have to make everything a competition, Zane? Can’t you go one night without trying to win at something?”

Zane, leaning casually against the wall, smirks in that infuriating way only he can. “Winning’s in my nature, Tessa. You’re just mad because you can’t keep up.”

Her eyes narrow, and she steps closer, her chin tilted up in defiance. “I can more than keep up, thank you very much. I just don’t feel the need to prove it to everyone every five seconds.”

Zane’s smirk widens. “You say that like you aren’t constantly trying to one-up me.”

Ivy nudges me with her elbow, and we exchange a knowing look. “They’re hopeless,” she whispers, trying not to laugh.

“They’re going to tear each other apart before they figure it out,” I say, grinning. “Or maybe that’s just their version of flirting.”

Ivy giggles, shaking her head. “God help them if they ever figure it out.”

Zane raises an eyebrow at Tessa, clearly enjoying the verbal sparring. “You know, Tessa, if you spent less time being mad at me and more time having fun, you might actually enjoy yourself for once.”

Tessa’s lips twitch, but she quickly suppresses the hint of a smile. “I do have fun, Zane. I just don’t find your ego nearly as entertaining as you do.”

Zane steps closer, his eyes gleaming with a challenge. “Maybe you just haven’t seen the right side of me yet.”

Tessa blinks, caught off guard by the subtle shift in his tone. She opens her mouth to respond but seems to falter for a moment, her confidence wavering just slightly.

Ivy leans in closer to me, whispering with a grin, “Do you think they’ll finally kiss this New Year’s or keep pretending to hate each other?”

I smirk, pulling her closer to my side. “They’ll probably argue right up until midnight and then pretend like nothing’s happening. But I give it a month before they finally crack.”

We share a quiet laugh, the buzz of the room fading into the background as the countdown to midnight approaches. I glance around the apartment, taking in the scene of our friends and family gathered together, and for a brief moment, I let myself reflect on how much has changed.

This year started with so many questions, so much uncertainty. I didn’t know where my life was headed, didn’t know if I’d ever find something—someone—that made me feel grounded, whole. But now, standing here with Ivy, my hand in hers, I know without a doubt that everything has changed for the better.

The chatter in the room starts to die down as someone turns up the volume on the TV, and the countdown begins. Everyone gathers closer, champagne glasses raised, ready to toast the new year. Zane and Tessa are still bickering in the background, though I notice they’ve inched a little closer to each other.

“Ten… nine… eight…”

The room buzzes with excitement, and I turn to Ivy, my heart swelling with anticipation.

“Seven… six… five…”

I take her hand and gently turn her to face me. Her eyes meet mine, and there’s something so pure and full of love in her gaze that it makes my chest tighten.

“Four… three… two…”

I lean in, my lips brushing against hers just as the crowd shouts, “One! Happy New Year!”

The moment the words leave everyone’s lips, I kiss her—soft and slow, savoring the sweetness of her, the warmth that spreads between us. She melts into me, her arms wrapping around my neck as the rest of the room fades away. It’s just us, wrapped in this perfect moment.

When we finally pull away, I rest my forehead against hers, my hands gently cupping her face. “You’ve changed my world, Ivy. You’ve made me realize what’s important, what it means to really live. I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together, making more memories like this.”

Her eyes shine with tears, but her smile is radiant. “I love you, Asher,” she whispers, her voice shaky. “You’ve changed my life, too. I never thought I’d find something this real, this… perfect.”

I kiss her again, my heart full to bursting. “Here’s to us,” I murmur, our lips still inches apart. “And here’s to the best year yet.”

We toast with our champagne glasses, the rest of the room cheering and celebrating around us, but nothing else matters except for the woman standing in front of me. Ivy is my world now, and I can’t wait to spend forever with her.