by Ward, Alice
“So you’d be interested in hanging out again sometime?”
“Of course I would.”
As I watched, the pupils in his eyes dilated a little. “I know I promised not to, but I really want to kiss you right now.”
“Well… I sometimes kiss my friends,” I teased. “But only on very special occasions.”
He let out an amused laugh and lifted a hand to my face. He caressed my cheek and stared into my eyes.
“Does this qualify as a special occasion?” he asked, his voice low and soft.
I bit my lower lip and nodded. “Yes. Yes, it does.”
Asher stood, pulling me to my feet and I waited, my breath growing stagnant in my lungs. He wrapped me in his arms and planted a single sweet peck on my cheek. The heat of his touch lingered long after he pulled away from me.
“The fire is ready,” he explained and his dimple showed with his grin.
Asher arranged the fish and squash over the fire and tossed the bread onto the upper rack. He closed the grill again, returned to his seat, and pulled me onto his lap. I leaned back against his chest, my head on his shoulder.
“I don’t want to come across too strong, Lauren. But the way this feels… holding you in my arms. I’ve never felt like this before. I know you’re as attracted to me as I am to you. This morning, after you told me you were single, you said we were still just going to be friends. I want you to know…”
I sat up and turned to meet his eye. “Of course I’m attracted to you, Asher. I feel the same way you do. I’ve never felt this before either, and none of it makes sense to me. I’ve made mistakes in the past, mistakes I don’t want to repeat with you. Which is why I think we should take things slow. Like snail’s pace slow.”
Asher leaned forward and gave me another light, soft kiss. “What I was about to say is that I want you to know I’m willing to take things as slow as you want. This, what we’re doing now, I’m fine if we never do more. Just to have you here, to hold you. That’s enough for me.”
I put a hand on one side of his face and my lips on the other. I kissed his cheek, then brushed my lips over his skin. I covered his lips with mine, gently opening my mouth and teasing him with my tongue. He nibbled my bottom lip and I pulled away slowly, smiling back at him.
“This is insane, but I’ve never felt so happy. And for the record, me wanting to take things slow has nothing to do with not being attracted to you. It’s just that I’m not capable of separating sex and emotions. I never have been, and it’s gotten me into quite a bit of trouble in the past. And the emotions I’m already feeling are all I can deal with right now, if that makes sense.”
“It makes complete sense,” he assured me.
I kissed him again and then turned in his arms. I leaned back into his shoulder and stared up at the clouds.
“Do you have an air mattress?” I asked.
“I do. Sometimes, I drag it into the woods and sleep under the stars.”
“Could we blow it up and sleep out here tonight?”
“You want to sleep outside?” he asked, looking adorable in his surprise.
“I grew up on a farm, remember? I used to love sleeping outside as a kid. Sometimes when we were booked solid, my dad would let me sleep in the hayloft so I could have some peace and quiet.”
“You’ll have to take me to this farm sometime,” he insisted. “It sounds like a beautiful place.”
“It really is. I don’t make it there nearly as often as I should.”
“Well, maybe you’ll be able to, now that you’re an unemployed bum,” he teased and playfully squeezed my hip. “Hop up. I’m going to check the food and then I’ll go grab the air mattress. Are sleeping bags okay with you, or should I pull out proper bedding?”
“Can we zip them into one big bag?”
He growled, low in his throat. “I wouldn’t have suggested them otherwise.”
With the exception of a few quick runs into the house to refresh our ice supply and use the restroom, Asher and I spent the rest of the night on the deck. We ate his gourmet meal, watched the sun set over the valley, and then stared up at the stars and talked about our hopes for the future.
When Asher returned from his final trip into the house, he brought me one of his t-shirts. He turned his back and stripped down to his boxers while I kicked off my pants and replaced my tank top with the soft cotton shirt that smelled like the man I was already falling in love with. We crawled between the sleeping bags and held each other until morning.
***
“Oh Lauren, that sounds so romantic. Personally, I can’t believe you managed to keep your clothes on,” Kennedy said with a little laugh. “The first time Jackson put the moves on me, I was putty in his hands. I had sex on a rooftop, for Christ’s sake. I guess you’re a stronger woman than I am.”
I held my phone to my ear with one hand and scanned through online job listings with the other.
“Not having sex wasn’t as hard as you’d suspect,” I tried to explain. “Just having Asher’s arms around me was all the rush I needed. It’s strange, Kennedy. He has this air about him. I can’t put my finger on what it is, but it makes me feel incredibly comfortable and excited at the same time.”
“I’m so happy for you. Damn it, I wish we could fly back out there right now and meet him.”
“It’s a little early for that,” I insisted.
“Fine, but keep me posted with the details. How’s the job hunt going? Do you want me to ask Jackson to make a few calls? He’s bound to know someone who’s hiring.”
“Thanks, but I want to find one on my own. I got a check for the paid time off I’d accumulated at the museum. As long as I’m not out of work for more than a month, I should be okay. And if I’m not, I promise to call you.”
“Alright. So, when are you going to see Asher again?”
“We’re having dinner tonight,” I replied. “He’s supposed to call when he leaves his office. I’m going to meet him at his place.”
“Let me get this straight. You told the man you want to take things slow. But you spent all weekend at his place, left this morning when he went to work, and now you’re heading straight back? How is that taking things slowly? I can feel you rolling your eyes, you know,” she added at the exact moment that I was in fact rolling my eyes.
“I don’t want to jump into the sex stuff. But I honestly can’t stay away from him. I think he feels the same way. Like I said before, this is all weird and crazy in the best possible ways and I wish like hell you were here to help me figure out what it all means.”
“Well, Jackson’s meeting with Jack went well. They’re asking for broker referrals in the area. I wasn’t supposed to say anything until the plans are finalized, but I think we’ll be there around Halloween to start looking at properties.”
I let out a squeal and Kennedy laughed.
“I thought you’d be excited. Jackson warned me not to get my hopes up. He said real estate in the area is super expensive and he’s not even sure the type of property they’re looking for is available. There’s a whole list of criteria that has to be met, and then they’ll have to consider building codes and zoning laws. But I have a feeling things will work out.”
“That’s because in your world, they usually do,” I teased.
“Things don’t seem half bad on your end right now,” she countered.
“They are. Things are exactly half bad. My personal life has suddenly become exhilaratingly wonderful. But professionally, I may be screwed. I’m not seeing much of anything to apply for. There are a few museums hiring, but the fact I was just fired isn’t going to bode well for me. If I have a hope of getting a job, it’s going to be somewhere that cares about my portfolio more than my employment history. You’d think someone in San Francisco would be looking for an artist or a graphics designer, but there’s nothing listed. Looks like I’ll be going door to door at the galleries tomorrow.”
“Why don’t you just freelance?” Kennedy suggested. “I bet Asher could show you ho
w to build a website. You could probably figure it out yourself. You can design the site, upload your portfolio, and run a few online ads. You won’t be paying rent soon and you’ll have a huge studio. I bet you’d find as much work as you can handle. And you’d be doing what you love.”
I chewed at my nail, considering it. “I don’t know… I didn’t love the museum, but I loved the security of having a steady paycheck. I’m not sure I could handle the uncertainty that comes with freelancing. And I’m certain I can’t afford the startup costs.”
“I’ll loan you the money,” she insisted, speaking quickly. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll charge you interest. Spend a year trying to build a client list. You can always find another job if it doesn’t work out.”
I sat silent for a moment and considered her suggestion. I loved the idea of being an artist full time. But I wanted to be paid to create what I wanted to create, not what a customer had ordered.
“I’m not sure I’m ready to turn over creative control of what comes out on the canvas,” I confessed. “But I guess I could freelance as a graphics designer. I bet a lot of companies around here don’t keep one in-house. I’ll think about your offer. But I’m going to stick with the job search in the meantime.”
“Okay. My lunch break is over and I’m standing outside my building. I’m going to let you go, but please keep me posted on everything.”
“I will. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
I ended the call and tossed the phone onto the couch. I tried a few more online classified pages before calling it quits. I had a file of resumes and portfolio samples ready for the following day. I decided to take a long, hot shower. Before I made it to my bathroom, my phone rang again.
Kennedy must have forgotten to tell me something.
I was surprised to see Asher’s number on the screen. It was the middle of the day and he’d warned me he’d be in meetings until early that evening.
“Hey, Ash. Is everything okay?”
“Mostly,” he replied, his tone heavy with apology. “I have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?”
“Tell me the bad news first, so the good news will make me feel better.”
“It looks like I’m going to be stuck in the office until midnight or so. I finally got in contact with some foreign distribution channels and they want to do some conference calls during their business hours.”
I’d expected to hear something along those lines, but I was still disappointed.
I guess that shower can wait.
“I completely understand. But I’m disappointed, so tell me the good news.”
“The good news is that a position has opened up in my graphics department. I know what you’re going to say, but I wouldn’t be your boss. My office is in a completely different part of the building. The pay is good, the benefits are good, and we’ll only see each other during work hours if you want to. I know we haven’t known each other very long and this may seem the opposite of moving slowly. But I had to fire someone today, so I thought I’d make the offer.”
“What exactly would I be doing? And shouldn’t I at least interview with whoever my boss would be?”
“You’ll be designing the graphic art for our virtual reality scenarios. And yes, typically I’d have you interview with Rachel, the head of the art department. But we’re in the middle of a big project and I can’t afford to be understaffed any longer than I have to be.”
“You’ve never even seen my portfolio, Asher,” I reminded him. “For all you know, I could suck.”
“I very seriously doubt that,” he insisted.
“I know you need to fill the position asap, but…”
“But you need some time to think?” he finished. “I completely understand. I don’t want you to feel pressured into accepting the offer. I just wanted to put it on the table.”
“I really do appreciate it,” I told him.
“Why don’t you go ahead and email me your resume and portfolio?” he suggested. “The original artwork files, if possible. I have a little idea that might help you make up your mind.”
“An idea, huh? You’ve got me intrigued.”
“Just send the files and answer two questions for me. Do you think you’ll be up late tonight? And do you know how to get to my office?”
“I have no idea how to get to your office, but I have navigation on my phone. And how late of a night are you talking?”
“Could you be here at eleven? I should have all of my work wrapped up around then.”
“I can do that,” I agreed. “I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve.”
“I can’t wait to see your face. I need to get to a meeting. Don’t forget to email me, the sooner the better. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Okay… and Asher? Thank you. I really do appreciate the offer.”
His voice was soft. Low. And the rumble of it went straight to my center. “It’s my pleasure.”
I ended the call and collapsed onto my bed.
I’ve had two friends offer me work in the last half hour. I guess technically, Kennedy offered me money. But I like her idea of freelancing, if I stick to graphics design. But if that’s what I’m going to focus on, why would I turn down the job with Asher? I’m sure he pays more than I’d make on my own. And his company has health benefits. But isn’t it a terrible idea to become his employee?
I didn’t want to work at EnvisionTech if it would have a negative effect on my relationship with Asher. I’d heard horror stories from people who’d dated coworkers, bosses, and employees, and lived to regret it.
I’ll go to his office tonight and let him show me his idea. Maybe he’ll give me a tour of the building. If we’re going to be far away from each other like he said, me working there might not cause any problems.
I moved back to the couch and emailed Asher. Then, with nothing else to do, I stretched out and took a long, satisfying nap.
CHAPTER 4
“Thanks for meeting me here so late,” Asher greeted me outside of EnvisionTech headquarters.
“Thanks for inviting me.”
I was tempted to rush into Asher’s arms, but I held myself back. I was pretty sure I was going to accept his job offer, and I didn’t want to get in the habit of showing him affection at the office. He didn’t make a move for me either. Instead, he held open the lobby door and ushered me inside.
“I have something to show you in my office. But first, how about I give you a quick tour? I’ll show you where your office will be if you decide to take me up on the offer.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” I agreed.
Asher led me to an elevator bank and pushed a call button. I was surprised by the lack of luxury in the lobby. A few mismatched chairs had been scattered in front of a faux wood reception desk and the linoleum floor had seen much better days.
“I didn’t have time to renovate the building,” Asher explained, following my gaze. An elevator sprang open and I followed him inside. I leaned against the back rail while he stayed close to the doors. I knew Asher was trying to be respectful, and I appreciated it. But it made me want to touch him even more.
“The art department is on the eighth floor,” he continued. “I’m down on one, so we’ll have plenty of distance between us. I have final say over all graphics, but that’s really just a formality. I very rarely ask for changes and when I do, they’re usually very small. From what I saw in your portfolio, I don’t foresee that being an issue.”
“So, you liked my work?”
The car slowed to a stop and the doors slowly rattled open. Asher stepped into the hallway and I followed.
“I was very impressed,” he assured me. “I hope you will be too.”
I followed him to a solid door at the end of the hallway. He pushed it open and we stepped into a large, open room. Three quarters of the floor space held individual work stations, some enclosed in cubicles and pods, some not. Screens of all sizes were mounted to nearly e
very available surface and giant speakers hung in the corners of the ceilings. The exterior walls were solid glass.
“We knocked down a wall between two of the offices and turned it into a breakroom,” Asher explained. “The corner office is Rachel’s, she’s head of the art department. This one here would be yours.”
He opened the glass door and I stepped into the room. The former inhabitant had painted the walls in soothing shades of blue and green and a large cheery desk sat against the wall.
“I’d have my own office?” I inquired, my eyebrow raised. “What position am I filling, exactly?”
“Lead graphic designer,” he announced. “I’m sorry. I thought I already told you that.”
“I’m… I’m going to be in charge of people? I don’t think I feel right about that, Asher. Shouldn’t you promote a current employee to the position?”
“That’s exactly what I’d intended to do,” he agreed. “I was going to promote one of our assistant designers and put you in his position. But then, I saw your portfolio. I forwarded all of your info to Rachel, and she and I agreed. You’re the most qualified person for the position.”
“Does Rachel know about…?”
“Our friendship?” he finished. “Yes, she does. Rachel and I go back a long time. We were never involved or anything, so you don’t have to worry about that. But she’s one of the few people I talk to about personal stuff. If anything, she’ll probably get to know you and decide you could do better than me,” he teased.
I smiled and as I turned to face him, a strand of hair fell over my right eye. Asher moved to brush it away, but stopped himself and slid his hand into his pocket. I pushed the hair behind my ear and stared back at him, feeling my face grow warm.
“I want to touch you, Lauren… so much. But not here. I hope you can understand. I don’t want to give anyone any reason to think you were hired for personal reasons.”
He was so beautiful, standing there looking at me so uncertainly. “I appreciate that more than I can tell you. But for the record, I want to touch you too. I like the office. I love the whole floor, actually. Can I see your office now?”
