by Jackie Wang
“Do I have the option of saying no?”
Asher put down his glass. “You can always say no to me... But I'd prefer if you said yes.”
“What do you need?”
“My dad wants to meet you tomorrow. At this charity benefit. He attends one every year at the Harvard Club.”
My mouth felt dry even though I'd just downed a glass of water. “W-Why does he want to meet me?” How did he even know about me? I thought.
“I mentioned you were moving in this weekend. He was curious about my new...landlady.”
“Why? It's not like we're seeing each other or anything.”
Asher shrugged. “Will you come?”
I was free tomorrow, but I wanted to see Asher beg for it.
“What's in it for me?” I smirked.
“Free food and open bar. We can make fun of rich snobs and sneak out early.”
“You're one of them. Can I make fun of you?” I asked.
“I'm not a snob,” Asher said. “And there's nothing about me you can make fun of.”
“You just called a bunch of people you haven't even met yet snobs. You’re a snob for prejudging strangers.”
Asher looked like he'd been punched in the gut. Mr. Hotshot Lawyer probably wasn't used to people calling him out on anything. “Touché. So...will you come?” he asked again. Clearly, he wasn’t going to give up.
“Do I have to dress up?”
“Nope. Just don't wear anything slutty.”
I jabbed him in the side. “Do I look like I own anything slutty?”
“I don't know you well enough to comment on that.” Asher grinned.
Our verbal sparring spawned more butterflies in my stomach. In fact, they were repopulating at an alarming rate. I needed a cold shower stat to banish the warmth spreading through me. Especially the unwanted tingling between my legs. “I better go unpack.”
“Need help?” Asher offered again.
“Definitely not!” I said. “Especially after last time. I don't want you snooping around again.”
“Fair enough. I'll be here if you need something.”
“You don't have plans on a Saturday?” I asked.
“I have a date...” Asher said, “with that sexy stack of paperwork.” He gestured to the mountain of folders on the coffee table. “I'll probably be up most of the night working on it.”
I briefly felt sorry that he had to work so hard at his job. But at the same time, I admired his dedication, even if it was bordering on workaholism.
“Well, I won't keep your date waiting then.” I smiled and reached for the basement doorknob.
Before I could go downstairs, Asher grabbed my wrist and turned me around.
I stared straight into his hazel eyes and nearly melted into a puddle. This lashes were so thick, long and—
Shit-sticks, I was in trouble.
“So is that a yes?”
“Huh?”
“Are you going to come?”
“Come?” I felt a wicked pulsing between my legs. My heart hammered against my ribs.
“Come with me,” Asher said softly, “to the benefit tomorrow?”
“Oh. Right um. I'll think about it.”
“Let me know by tonight,” Asher said. “The party's at noon tomorrow.”
I nodded before heading downstairs, taking the steps two at a time. I was already feeling dizzy thinking about what it'd mean if I showed up tomorrow to this benefit. It wasn't a date, but I was going to meet the real “Mr. Morgan”. That had to mean something, right?
The basement was very cozy. The floors were insulated with plush cream carpets and the walls were painted bold colors, just like the outside of the house. The living room was bright red, the kitchen, sunshine yellow, and the bedroom, a cheerful lavender. It was also surprisingly bright. I'd expected it to feel like a dungeon, but oddly, it already felt like home.
I looked at the pile of boxes in the living room. Time to get to work, then.
And definitely not think about Asher's dreamy eyes or his sculpted torso. Or his silky brown hair and how it would feel between my fingers.
Eight hours later, everything was more or less clean and sorted out. My sofa, tables, mattress, and all the other big furniture would arrive Monday morning (movers didn't seem to work on Sundays). They'd been sitting in a temporary storage unit, and I prayed they were still relatively clean. All this meant I'd have to sleep in my sleeping bag. On the ground. For two nights.
That didn't bother me, though. I was used to camping every weekend with my parents growing up. I might live in the city now, but that didn't mean I was a delicate pansy. I changed into a white tank-top and polka-dot PJ pants. Then I rolled out my sleeping bag on the living room floor. The entire room seemed empty and lonely in the inky darkness. Like the cavernous belly of some shadowy beast.
I couldn't wait to redecorate and make this place mine. A couple potted ferns and a few pieces of abstract artwork would really add some much needed pizzazz.
I suddenly remembered I needed to respond to Asher's invitation.
I shot him a quick text, in case he didn't want to be disturbed by a call.
SIERRA: I'll go.
He replied so quickly you'd think he'd been waiting by the phone for my answer.
ASHER: Thank you, Sierra. You won't regret it. We'll have fun.
SIERRA: I can't wait to embarrass you in front of all your friends.
ASHER: Not possible. And my friends won't be there.
I glanced at my glow-in-the-dark watch. It was already ten. My stomach growled, and I realized I hadn't eaten anything since lunch. It was already late, and most restaurants would be closed. I guessed I could order pizza.
SIERRA: You still working?
ASHER: Halfway done.
He'd been working all day and only finished half of it? Damn, that was a rough date.
SIERRA: Want a break?
ASHER: What did you have in mind? ;)
SIERRA: Ew. Don't wink at me. I'm ordering pizza for dinner. Want some?
ASHER: Only if you come upstairs and eat it with me.
I paused, feeling bubbles of excitement rise in my chest.
SIERRA: What kind of toppings do you like?
ASHER: Anything you want. My treat.
SIERRA: I offered pizza, so my treat. I insist.
ASHER: Well, in that case, I'll take an XL Hawaiian pizza, hold the pineapple.
I laughed out loud.
SIERRA: So you want a ham and cheese pizza?
ASHER: Pineapples are gross.
SIERRA: Got it. One XL pizza coming your way.
I put in an online order for an XL Hawaiian without pineapples and a medium Chicken Arrabbiata for myself. I completed the order with a side of spicy wings and Coke. The automated email said my order would arrive in thirty minutes. My stomach complained again, urging me to fill it. I didn't have any food to bring over (I'd been mooching off Callista), so I asked Asher if he had any snacks.
ASHER: Come upstairs if you want to be fed.
Why did his every word have to drip with innuendo? Or was I just projecting my desires and seeing something that wasn't really there? Probably the latter. Still, my whining stomach reminded me where my priorities lay.
SIERRA: Coming.
The glass door at the top of the stairs was unlocked.
The transparent barrier that separated his life from mine.
I had my own separate entrance downstairs, so I didn't need to ever go upstairs. Unless, of course, I was invited. Like now.
I cringed a little, thinking about the vow I'd made to stay away from this smoking hot piece of temptation. Sharing late night pizza with him was definitely not staying away. Bad Sierra.
“Come in, have a seat,” Asher said, gesturing to his couch.
I sank into his sofa. It was the softest leather and cushioned me in all the right places. So much comfier than the carpet downstairs. I didn't even have chairs to sit on down there.
“What do you want to eat? I have chips, co
okies, fruits—”
“—Fruit will be fine.”
“Catch.”
I turned around, and Asher threw a banana at me. I fumbled it, and the banana landed straight between my legs. Against my crotch. I blinked rapidly.
Asher let out a belly laugh. “That banana's getting more action than I ever will.”
I quickly picked up the banana and peeled it. “That's because this banana knows what it wants and goes for it.”
Egged on by my response, Asher asked, “And what exactly does this banana want?” His eyes were slightly hooded.
I felt my chest tighten. I was crossing a line, but I said it anyway. “Right now, it wants to be inside my mouth.”
Asher closed in on me, and I saw something flicker in his pupils. A hint of something wicked.
I took the banana into my mouth and wrapped my lips around it. Then I pulled out, slowly licking my lips. “Mr. Banana says my lips taste—”
Asher was on top of me in seconds.
Before I could even drop the banana, his mouth was against mine, his tongue eagerly parting the seam of my lips.
“Asher—this—”
“—I don't care.”
I groaned as his hot hands roamed over my stomach and cupped the undersides of my breasts.
Asher's tongue toyed with mine, flicking and sparring with it before he withdrew and licked my lips. He placed desperate kisses along my jawline, all the while squeezing my breasts, molding them against his palm.
“You've been teasing me long enough,” Asher groaned, tugging at the hem of my shirt. “I can't stop thinking about you and your hot, sexy body. You drive me nuts, you know that right?”
A hum escaped my lips as I melted under his hard body. He pushed me down onto the sofa and climbed on top of me. Pinning me down with his muscular thighs, he continued to leave a fiery trail of hot kisses down my neck...collarbone...
God this wasn't happening.
But it was.
And it felt fucking amazing.
I hadn't been kissed like that in months, years even. Maybe ever.
I gasped as his nose nudged my cleavage, his mouth eager to explore the creamy globes nestled inside my bra. His hands shifted, gripping my hips. I could feel his erection digging into my thigh. I wanted badly to tear off his pants and touch his cock, and my hands made a move for his belt when—
DING-DONG.
Of course.
Asher pulled away from my cleavage and laughed. “I'll get it.”
He walked towards the front door, hair disheveled. I studied his sculpted butt as he approached the door and looked through the peephole. “Get your wallet, Sierra. Pizza boy's here.”
At first, his words didn't even register. All I could see was the huge tent in his pants.
Then it hit me. Of course. I'd offered to pay.
I thumped downstairs, my heartbeat thudding through my ears.
If the pizza boy hadn't come...I shuddered. How could I let him get to me so easily? It was only my first night here. I'd come this close to sleeping with a stranger. That wasn't the type of thing Sierra Maywood did. Ever. I snatched my wallet off the kitchen counter and made my way back upstairs.
I saw Asher holding two pizza boxes, a small carton of wings, and a two-liter bottle of Coke.
“Where's the guy?” I asked.
“You were too slow, so I paid,” Asher replied.
I folded my arms across my chest. “I said I was buying.”
“Next time, Sierra. You still owe me a nice dinner, remember?”
I was confused until I remembered our conversation about the utilities.
“I recall telling you I'd write a cheque,” I mused.
“I was hoping you'd reconsider and go out with me instead. I mean, I did just give you the best kiss you've ever had.” Asher popped open a pizza box and handed me a slice of Chicken Arrabbiata.
I didn’t bother arguing with his comment. I accepted his offering and took a bite. My taste buds exploded with joy. Uncle Joey's Pizza made the best Chicken Arrabbiata around. I ignored Asher's proposition and said, “Try yours. I asked for extra pineapple.”
Asher's eyes widened a bit before softening again. “You're adorable, you know that?”
“Is that coming from your brain or your hard-on?” I winked.
Asher smiled. “Both.” He ran the crook of his finger against my cheek. “Are we going to finish what we started after dinner?”
I yawned and stretched. Then with a straight face, I told him the truth. “I think you're hot, Asher, I do, but I also think this is a bad idea. I'm actually glad the pizza came when it did. Or else... This can't happen again. Especially since I'll be living—”
Asher shut me up again with his lips. When he pulled away, I felt as if the breath had been knocked out of my lungs. “Tell me you don't want more.”
“—I...It doesn't work like that.”
“How does it work then, sweetheart? Enlighten me.”
The expression on his face—was he hurt?
I looked up beneath fluttering eyelids and realized he was studying me intently.
“I—My life's complicated right now. I don't need to make it more confusing with this—”
“—It doesn't have to be complicated between us. We could just have fun: no strings attached.”
I didn't like those words: no strings attached. NSA was for people who couldn't commit; people who shied away from monogamy. Maywoods were loyal if nothing else.
“No. That's not what I want,” I said, finishing off my pizza. “Thanks for the pizza. I should get to bed.” Remembering I didn't have a bed made me feel even worse.
“I didn't see you bring in any furniture,” Asher pointed out.
I groaned. Damn he was perceptive. “Yeah, it's coming on Monday,” I admitted. “But I'm fine sleeping on the floor.”
“Seriously, Sierra?”
“What?”
Asher gestured to his bed. “You'd rather sleep on the basement floor than in my bed?”
I wanted to slap him for making such a bold statement. What did he take me for? A slut? “How dare you?”
“I mean,” Asher corrected himself, “You can take my bed. I'll be up most of the night finishing paperwork anyway. I'll just crash on the couch after.”
My heart softened at those words.
“Well...”
“Don't worry, I won't take advantage of you while you're sleeping,” Asher said, smirking. “Unless you want me to.”
There was his cockiness in full swing again.
“I guess it would be better than sleeping on the ground.” I sighed. My entire body was sore from moving and unpacking all day. Every muscle screamed for rest.
Asher took me by the hand and led me to the bedroom.
His bed was a King-sized beauty complete with four poufy white pillows, slate gray sheets, and a blue-gray comforter. To the right was the ensuite bathroom.
“I'll be a gentleman, I promise,” Asher said. “Besides, I really should get back to work.”
His fingers lingered a second longer on my wrist before letting go. “Good night, princess.”
“Night, Asher.”
Princess? Did he really just call me Princess?! I felt as if I'd already crossed some invisible line and there was no way I could turn back now.
After Asher had shut the door, I sank down onto the bed. I barely even knew the guy, and here I was sleeping on his bed. And we'd just made out. And he'd just used two terms of endearment on me within the last ten minutes. What the hell?
But the mattress was the perfect firmness, and my body was too spent to object. Asher was kind to offer the bed, and I was overthinking everything...
I pulled back the covers and slipped under. His pillow and sheets smelled like him. I buried my nose into the fabric and inhaled deeply.
Was it crazy of me to wish he was lying next to me right now?
Definitely.
Luckily, I didn't have enough energy to contemplate the questi
ons circling my mind and sleep soon claimed me.
CHAPTER SIX
ASHER
I HEARD SIERRA TOSSING and turning for a while before everything went quiet. What was running through her pretty little head?
That kiss we shared was so intense my cock still swelled thinking about it. I hadn't been laid in months thanks to long hours at the office. And Vicky.
Now I had this gorgeous woman sleeping on my bed, and I couldn't do anything about it.
She doesn't want you to complicate her life, a little voice in my head reminded me.
Bullshit.
She was just afraid of developing feelings for me. She was scared.
But so was I.
After all, she was so much younger than me, and I didn't know the first thing about her. She was naive, and she still had so much to learn. We were in different places in our lives. I had already secured a good career whereas she—I wasn't sure.
And I'd just ended things with Vicky...
Sierra was right. This was a horrible idea. How could I be so careless to think I could have her for my own without thinking through the consequences first?
At least she had agreed to come with me to the benefit. I could get to know her better tomorrow.
I blinked hard, trying to wet my dry, irritated eyes. My contacts felt like they were scraping against my cornea. I made my way towards the bathroom and popped them off.
Once I donned my thick black frames, I settled back on the couch and continued scanning dockets.
I fell asleep sometime after three in the morning.
Streams of sunlight jolted me awake, and I sat up, rubbing my eyes. Thank God it was Sunday.
Shit, the benefit.
I glanced at my watch.
It was only eight. I had—we had time.
My bedroom door was still closed. After the day she’d had yesterday, Sierra deserved to sleep in. I got up, emptied my bladder and washed my hands before heading to the kitchen to whip up some breakfast.
I wondered what Sierra liked to eat in the morning. Even though nothing had really happened between us, I still felt obligated to make her something. Besides, she was doing me a favor by agreeing to come to this benefit. I decided to whip up some blueberry pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Couldn't go wrong with the classics.
Around nine, I knocked on her door, and she replied with a sleepy, “Yeah?” Her voice sounded raspy but somehow still fucking adorable.
