by Jackie Wang
“Mr. Trianni is a fashion designer,” Lucia explained. “You can pick anything from here to wear.”
I sucked in a sharp breath. “What's the most...normal outfit in here?”
Lucia unhooked a red, orange, and white striped suit from the rack.
“Are you sure?”
She nodded. “You're free to see for yourself.” She handed me a pair of white trousers. “These go with the suit.”
I shrugged. “Alright then. Can I have some privacy...to change?”
“Yes. I'll be outside.”
When I re-emerged in the foyer, I looked like fucking Dick van Dyke in Mary Poppins. Give me a matching straw hat and cane and I'll start singing 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'.
Apparently, the others got a similar vibe.
“Well if it isn't Bert from Mary Poppins,” Peter laughed. “Did you pick it yourself or did Lucia give you a hand?”
“I'm afraid I'll have to give Lucia all the credit,” I said.
“Come, sit. Dinner is being served.”
Over steak dinner, Peter introduced me to half a dozen fashion industry moguls. I'd never heard of any of them before. They talked about cravat trends in Europe and all-around celebrity gossip. I was getting quite bored actually and stifled a yawn.
“You wanna get out of here?” Vicky whispered. “I'm bored.”
Glad she felt the same way, I nodded. “Thought you'd never ask.”
Vicky leaned in and whispered a few words to Peter. Peter nodded and then said to me, “Well, it was nice meeting you, Asher. Hope to see you again sometime.”
Unlikely, I thought. But I smiled. “Likewise. Thank you for dinner.”
Once Vicky was back inside my car, she giggled and let out a small hiccup. I realized she'd had a few too many glasses of wine. At least one of us was sober, or I could see this situation going in the wrong direction. She stroked her puppy's back and said, “I guess you'll have to drive me home now.”
“Where do you live?”
“901 Friarstorm Road.”
I hoped my GPS would work when I plugged in the address. It did.
As I started the engine, Vicky leaned into me and said, “So, Ash, are you seeing anyone?”
I swallowed hard. “Yes. I am, actually. Her name is Sierra.”
“Oh?” Vicky seemed to perk up. “Is it serious?”
“Yeah. Kinda,” I said. I wished my voice carried more resolve instead of sounding so apprehensive.
“You should introduce me sometime,” Vicky said. “I'd love to meet her.”
“Vicky—”
“Don't worry, I'll be on my best behavior,” she said.
I shrugged. “I don't know. Maybe.”
“What's the matter? Think I'll corrupt her? Or are you worried she'll find out about—”
“—Vicky, that's all in the past now,” I reminded her.
“Is it?” Vicky leaned in and kissed my earlobe. Before I could swat her away, she sucked my ear between her lips and moaned. A sultry sound. I felt an unwanted stirring between my legs.
“I'm driving, Vicky. And you're drunk.”
“I'm not drunk.”
“Yes, you are. Now please, sit tight. I should be coming up to your house in about five minutes.”
When I finally reached her house and shut off the engine, Vicky had already passed out. Sighing, I went around, opened the door and picked her and her sleeping Chihuahua, up into my arms.
I brought her up to her front door and with one hand, dug into her purse to find her keys. After pushing past a few compacts and lipsticks, I found her keychain.
Her home was cozy but modern. A revamped Victorian house, not unlike my own place. The place I shared with Sierra. God, if Sierra could see me now. Lugging my fake ex-fiancée — my drunk, fake ex-fiancée up the stairs...and I was still wearing that goddamn pinstripe suit.
I assumed her bedroom was upstairs, so I carried her up two flights of stairs. I was a bit out of breath at that point and completely tuckered out.
When I finally found her bedroom at the end of the hall, I was about to pass out. Her bed looked so inviting; the sheets felt so soft...
“Stay, Asher. Just stay the night,” Vicky whispered.
It would be nice to crash for the night, instead of driving a half hour more to get home. Besides, it'd cut travel time by half the next morning, when I went to go see Sierra and get the dog.
“I'll sleep on the couch then, if you don't mind,” I said. But Vicky was already asleep.
I pulled her covers up to her chin and brushed some hair away from her eyes. Then I removed her stilettos and shut her door.
I was a little surprised I didn't feel anything more than friendship towards Vicky. After all, she'd been the object of my fantasies for nearly a decade. We'd been involved, intimately, only three short months ago. But now, watching her sleep, all I could think about was how much I wanted to hold Sierra in my arms again.
I trudged downstairs, found Vicky's soft, pull-out couch, and fell asleep on it.
CHAPTER 19
SIERRA
“I'M TELLING YOU, HE said he'd come back in the morning,” I told Callista.
Callista had finally gotten a day off, and she decided to surprise me with a visit. Mom was plying her with fluffy pancakes, and Callista was eagerly stuffing her face.
“Okay, okay. You don't need to beat me over the head with it,” Callista said. “Are you telling this to reassure me, or yourself?”
“Sorry,” I apologized.
“Are you in love with him or something? You get this glazed look every time I mention his name.”
“No! Why does everyone keep asking me that?” I glanced at the clock. It was almost noon. I wish I didn't feel so irked that he hadn't answered any of my texts or calls all night or this morning. I'd wanted to make sure he got home safe, but he never replied, which kept me up all night. If my leg had been working properly, I'd have taken Dad's truck and went to find him myself.
Of course, my parents thought I was overreacting. “His phone probably ran out of batteries,” Mom said.
“No, he definitely got eaten by a coyote,” Dad teased.
“More like mauled by a bear,” Callista added.
“It's not funny. He could've gotten into a car accident. He hit a dog, and he was taking him to the vet. Then I didn't hear back from him.”
“He was probably just too tired,” Callista reasoned. “Can you just calm down and eat some food? Geez. I drive all this way to see you, and you can't shut up about your new boy toy.”
I tried to swallow my anxiety by telling Callista about Asher riding the horse yesterday. But once I'd finished that story, I realized I didn't have anything else to say. Everything I'd done during the past few days involved Asher Morgan. He was becoming an important part of my life. A part I couldn't be without.
“Well, I have some news,” Callista said, putting down her fork. “I broke up with Brandon.”
I arched my brow. “Oh, what happened? When?”
“He said some shitty things about you two days ago. I lost it.”
“You broke up because of me? That's not right,” I said.
“It wasn't just because of you. My heart wasn't in it either. I think a part of me knew all along him and I weren't going to make it,” Callista said. “I'm not upset or anything.”
I leaned over and gave Callista a hug. I looked over to make sure my parents weren't looking. Then in a low whisper, I said, “Asher said he was bringing me home today. So we can have a breakup sobfest slash sleepover at my place tomorrow.”
“If he brings you home, who's going to look after you?” Callista asked.
“He said he would.”
“When he's at work?”
“He got fired,” I said, eyes peering over in my parents' direction. They were in the kitchen, watching TV. “So he's got a lot more free time on his hands now.”
“Um, how did he get fired?”
“His dad was being a real assh
ole and fired him because he fudged this contract. It's a long story.”
“Is he going to get another job?” Callista asked.
“Probably. But in the meantime, he says he's going to take care of me. We became official last night, you know. He asked me to be his girlfriend.”
Callista squealed. “You waited all this time to tell me? God, I'm happy for you, Sisi, I am. But you two have never even gone on a date before. You sure you want to be exclusive this soon?”
“I just have this gut feeling about him,” I said. “My instincts tell me he's one-hundred percent trustworthy. He's been looking after me every chance he's had since the accident.” After a pause I added, “I'm really falling for him, Cally.”
“Just don't get blindsided by the money and good looks, Sisi,” Cally said. “Are you sure he likes you for you? What if he's just doing it out of guilt? I know, I might just be jaded from my recent break-up but still, just don't dive in too deep. Leave an exit for yourself.”
“I know you're looking out for me, Cally, but I know what I'm doing.”
But honestly, my words hinted at more confidence than I actually felt.
Finally after lunch, I got a text from Asher.
About damn time.
ASHER: Sorry, Sierra, I won't be able to make it today. Raincheck?
I wanted to ask—no—demand why he couldn't come visit. But I didn't want to seem clingy already. He was a busy, important man. He probably had good reasons.
SIERRA: No problem. Miss you already. Xoxo.
ASHER: Me too.
I was a little miffed by how...dull he sounded this morning. If 'dull' could even be conveyed through two texts. He just didn't seem peppy or energetic at all. I wanted to call him and ask about the stray dog he'd hit, but if he wanted to talk to me, he would've called instead of texted.
“Was that loverboy?” Cally asked, sidling up to me with a bowl full of popcorn.
“Yeah, he can't make it today,” I said, looking down at my cast and hating myself for having it. I was trapped here. Imprisoned by overly-loving parents until my knight got around to rescuing me.
“That's fine. We can watch Gilmore Girls reruns all day.” Cally smiled. “I mean, if you're up for it.”
I mustered up a smile. “Of course, I am. Where's the remote?”
CHAPTER 20
ASHER
“WHAT THE FUCK ARE you doing Victoria?” I yelled, rubbing my eyes.
Victoria's fingers were working on my zipper. “What does it look like, Asher?”
I sat up on her couch and pried her hands off of me. “I am not doing this right now. You make me sick.”
“I thought you'd like a little morning surprise.” Victoria pouted. “No need to get all flustered about it. She doesn't have to know.”
I pulled up my zipper and hooked my belt through the buckle. “I should never have stayed the night. This was a mistake. Helping you out was a fucking mistake.”
Vicky took a step towards me, reaching for my arm. “Asher, we could be good together. Come on, don't tell me you haven't been fantasizing about me for the past eight years.”
“That's in the past now, Vicky. I've met someone. I told you so last night.”
“You said it wasn't serious.” She grabbed my wrist, and I shrugged her off. Where were my damn car keys? I patted my pants and jacket pockets but came up empty.
“Looking for these?” Vicky said, swinging my keys around her index finger.
I lunged for them, but she darted back. “Come and get 'em,” she said.
Goddamn it. I could barely get my pants on my cock was so hard. Morning wood. It didn't help she was practically running upstairs naked, wearing only a lacy red bra and flimsy g-string.
Fucking lingerie model.
I was only a man after all, and I couldn't help but react to Vicky's body.
I waited at the bottom of the stairs. “Vicky, I don't want to play this game. Please act like an adult and give me my keys back.”
“Come and get them,” she repeated.
I waited a few more seconds before storming upstairs to give her a piece of my mind.
When I reached the final landing, there she was, in all her naked glory.
Of course, I'd fantasized about her creamy golden body for years. I'd imagined stroking every hill and valley. But nothing prepared me for this. Her proportions were nothing short of perfect, her perky nipples kissing the still air. I couldn't help but let my eyes trail down to the apex of her thighs, where a rectangular strip of black hair covered her most intimate area.
“Like what you see?” she asked.
I looked away at the wall and held out my hand. “Please, give me my keys. I need to go. Now.”
I heard her feet shuffling closer. “Stand back, Vicky.” I held out my hand in a 'stop' gesture. But instead of air, my palm brushed against one of her silky breasts. Her hard nipple dug into the center of my hand, and I groaned. I wanted to squeeze it. Roll her nipple and suck on it. I wanted to just pin her against the wall and shove my erection straight inside her. Give her slutty self what she so desperately wanted.
This woman was tempting me within an inch of my life. My self-control was a thread away from snapping into oblivion. But I held onto that thread with everything I had. Nothing was worth risking my relationship with Sierra. Not even Victoria Amari, supermodel extraordinaire. Object of my every dirty fantasy for nearly a decade.
“I know you want me,” Vicky whispered. “So come and get me.”
I dropped my hand and clenched it into a fist. “I'm not asking again, Victoria. Give me my fucking keys. I'm not interested in your games.”
“It's not a game, Asher. I want you back in my life.”
“It's too late, I'm in love with someone else.” The words tumbled out of my mouth before I'd given them any thought. They took me by surprise.
“You said you weren't serious,” Vicky said.
“I'm dead serious about Sierra. More serious than I ever was about you. I fucking love that woman. I want to marry that woman and make babies with her. I want to protect her and cherish her and love her with every fiber of my being. But I can't do any of that because there's a slut standing in my way, holding my fucking car keys hostage.”
Vicky's breath came fast and choppy. “I see.”
“Now give me my goddamn keys. NOW.”
This time, Vicky didn't toy with me anymore. I felt cool metal drop into my hands. Without even taking another look, I ran down the stairs and slammed the door on the way out.
I finally saw Victoria Amari for who she truly was: a vapid, hollow woman with zero self-esteem. I had no clue what I’d seen in her all these years.
But I did realize something else.
I was in love.
Not just lust or infatuation. I was in love.
With Sierra.
Once I was almost at Maywood Farm, my phone exploded with messages. For some reason, I hadn't received any of them until now. They were all from Sierra, asking if I'd gotten home safely and whether or not I was still coming.
I was about to tell her I would be coming to pick her up when I realized I needed to get the stray dog from the vets.
I texted instead, Sorry Sierra, I won't be able to make it today. Raincheck?
There were too many things I wanted to say to her, in person. Not over text or over the phone, but in person. I wanted to see her eyes twinkle when I told her I loved her. I wanted to see her face light up the room. But before I could do any of that, I needed to run a few errands.
A) I needed to pick up the stray and find him a new home.
B) I reeked and needed a shower. Badly.
C) I needed to get my shit together and get my job back.
D) I needed to clean up the house and decorate it with candles and flowers or something before Sierra came home.
I resolved not to bring her home until I'd accomplished all those things first.
When I arrived at the vet's, it was almost two. Dr. Hadras handed m
e the stray and said that with some TLC, he'd be fine within two weeks. She gave me some meds and her card, said I could call her anytime. I thanked her and paid the bill.
I placed the dozing German Shephard in the backseat before making my way home.
Bowser was jumping up and down when I arrived. I ruffled his fur and squeezed him tight. “Bowser, this is your temporary roommate, umm...Max.”
I couldn't think of a better name at the moment so Max would have to do. I lugged out a bag of dog food and filled two bowls, one for each dog.
They bonded instantly over kibble.
After taking a shower and tossing that God-awful pinstripe suit in the trash, I was glad to put on a t-shirt and sweats.
Max was limping a little, and I wondered what I should do with him. Obviously, I couldn't put him in the SPCA, especially since he was still recovering from the wound. He was pretty old and in bad shape; they might put him down. On the other hand, I wasn't sure if I was ready to take on another dog. I barely had time to take care of Bowser.
Max barked a little before curling up on my couch. The look in his eyes tugged at my heartstrings. Had taking care of Sierra made me soft? The old me would never take in a stray and let it run all over my pristine home.
I walked back into the living room a few minutes later to find a puddle of piss in the middle of the floor.
I sighed. I had a lot of work ahead of me. I spent the rest of the day cleaning the house from top to bottom. It needed to be spic and span for Sierra's homecoming.
By the end of the day, I needed to hear Sierra's voice. Especially after what had happened this morning, I needed to hear something comforting. Reassuring.
“Hello?”
“Hey, babe.”
“I was wondering when you'd call,” Sierra said. I wish I could see the look on her face. I wondered if she was smiling. “I was worried about you,” she added.
“Sorry, I had a lot to do this morning,” I said. “But I miss you. Really.”
“You're still more than welcome to come over,” Sierra offered. “Mom's making BBQ ribs. Cally's here too. We're watching TV.”
“No, I don't think I'll interrupt your girl time. I just wanted to hear your voice, that's all.”
“So what did you do today?” she asked.
