“You can’t do it!” I blurt out, my voice cracking with emotion. “You can’t give up your dream, Asher. I won’t let you.” He swallows, his Adam’s apple moving up and down, and this close, I can see the shadow of stubble on his jaw. “Why not?” Before I can stop to consider it, the truth bursts out. No filter, no planning—just the words I’ve been holding back for days, too scared to say even to myself. “Because I love you too much to let you sacrifice everything for me.”
