“Do you believe that?” Cassell added cream to her coffee.
“I don’t know.” Asher bowed his head. “I don’t know if I’m comin’ or goin’ with her.” He leaned against the French doors guarding the patio entrance. “I do know that it’s too soon to bring her here. I’d terrify her if I said I wanted her to meet my parents.”
Cassell’s laughter was like a little girl’s giggle. “Oh, sweetie, I promise you that won’t change. Your father and I grew up together, and I was still scared out of my wits when he said he wanted to tell his parents how he felt about me. You take this slowly, all right? Time can be the best tester of all.”
“I agree with that, Ma.” He reached for his mug. “I fully agree with that.”
“I guess I’ve got you to thank for my hall lights being magically fixed when I got home from work the other night.”
Asher kept his attention focused on cutting his salad. “It’s too dangerous to be groping around in the dark.”
“Mmm, yeah, you never know when an agent may be lurking in the shadows.”
He graced her with a wink. “We can be dangerous guys.”
“Tell me about it.”
“Well, well! Asher Hudson and the lovely Ms. Riley Stamper. Out on a date? Is this business or pleasure?”
Riley groaned inwardly and watched as the reporter scribbled away furiously on his pad. “It’s bus—”
“Pleasure,” Asher commented.
Mortified, Riley could only glare at him while he fixed her colleague with a smug smile.
“And I’d like to keep it that way,” he added.
The reporter nodded. “Yessir.” He made a final notation and then bid them good-night.
“What are you doing?” she asked through clenched teeth.
Asher was once again focused on his salad. “If you just tell them what they want to know, they leave you alone.”
“Dammit, by morning the whole town will be buzzing about us.”
“You think?” Asher took a moment to consider her point. “You really think we’re that newsworthy?”
Riley fanned her face with one hand and plucked her snug peach top away from her chest with the other. “You’re an idiot.”
“No, I just don’t care what the press does or doesn’t think.”
“Then why couldn’t you tell them we were out discussing a story?”
Asher shrugged and scanned the crowded dining area of the bar and grill. “It didn’t occur to me to lie.”
Riley’s mouth fell open and remained that way for several seconds. With great effort, she finished her dinner and kept her conversation to a minimum.
“I just think it’s better if we keep this quiet, that’s all.” Riley had decided to withhold further comment on their budding relationship until they were in the privacy of her loft.
Asher didn’t mind letting his annoyance show then, either. “Better for whom, Riley?”
She pulled her head out of the refrigerator. “Huh?”
“Who are we trying to protect here? Our privacy or something, someone, else?”
She rolled her eyes and dipped back into the refrigerator. “Don’t be stupid.”
Asher, however, had been dying to learn more about her social life. It was near impossible for him to believe that as lovely as she was, some other man hadn’t already stolen her heart.
Riley found the dip she was looking for and set it onto the counter while slamming the refrigerator door shut with her foot. She saw that Asher was still waiting for an answer.
“I don’t believe this,” she muttered. “Are you jealous?”
He leaned across the counter and raked her face with his light eyes. “Should I be?”
She gasped, realizing then how serious he was. “There’s only the column, Asher.” She kept her tone firm but quiet.
“Hard to believe that.”
“Why?”
“Do you ever look in the mirror?”
Her cheeks burned at the compliment. “I swear it. There’s no one for you to be concerned about.”
“Then why the birth control pills?”
“A girl’s gotta protect herself.” She lost her taste for the dip and set it back inside the fridge. When she turned, Asher was glaring again. “Dammit, I never said I was a hermit! And what about you? Mr. Gorgeous Beyond Belief Superagent! Don’t tell me there isn’t a bevy of brain-dead beauties lining up to fill your bed every night.”
Asher rolled his eyes.
Riley took that as his response. “Right. I’m going to bed. The door will lock behind you when you leave.”
Seething, he watched her round the corner and disappear out of sight. He beat a path to the front door but stopped halfway there. Leaving wasn’t an option for him, and that meant that he was definitely losing his mind.
Riley had already snuggled down in bed by the time he got there. Disrobing, he slid beneath the sheets and pulled her back against him.
Cherishing the spooning embrace, Riley still felt the need to voice one last point before sleep hit. “Asher—”
“Shut up.”
She did and then fell quickly and deeply asleep.
Asher woke to the feeling of a newspaper smacking against his cheek.
“What’d I tell you?” Riley opened her copy of the First Beacon and pointed to something on the page labeled Entertainment. “Looks like we made the morning edition of smut.”
Asher wiped sleep from his eyes and rested back on his elbows to watch her rant.
“Well? Are you gonna say anything?”
Asher yawned and thought about it. “Guess we are as important as you thought.”
Riley rolled her eyes and prepared to stomp away from the bed.
“Hey, hey…” He caught her wrist and pulled her down next to him. “Why are you so upset about this? Are you that ashamed of being linked romantically to the man you tried to stamp out?”
“Funny.” She couldn’t help but smile. “Things like this turn messy, and then, with us living so far apart…I can see the stories now. What I’m doing behind your back, what you’re doing behind mine…”
Asher made her straddle his lap. “I don’t intend to lose you over some unsubstantiated crap in a paper. Look at me.” He waited for her eyes to meet his. “I want a relationship with you far too much to ruin it, but you’ve got to want it, too.”
“It’s gonna be messy.” She raked her nails through his hair.
He smiled. “Many things worth having can get that way.”
“I want this.” Her hand trailed across his shoulder, and she marveled at the power resting beneath his sleek skin.
Asher cupped her neck in his palm and drew her into his kiss.
Chapter 6
Over the next several weeks, Asher and Riley spent a tremendous amount of time together. Not easy, considering the distance existing between them. Still, they managed. Neither could deny the powerful tug of attraction, which rose to new levels no matter how far apart they were. As a result, they were both eager to remain visible in each other’s lives.
Riley ran roughshod over her frequent-flier miles as she accepted each and every one of Asher’s requests that she visit. It had yet to occur to her to ask why he rarely made trips to New York. She didn’t care, or at least, she didn’t allow herself to. Spending time in Scottsdale and Phoenix was a dream, and Asher treated her like she was smack-dab in the middle of a fantasy.
He did, however, make a few trips to the Big Apple. Each time, Riley strived to pack as much excitement into the visit as possible. Difficult, considering Asher seemed interested only in spending time alone with her. He was, of course, a good sport when meeting her friends and colleagues. With regard to her female friends and colleagues especially, he accepted the way they ogled and swooned with a humble ease, which endeared him more to Riley.
Still, Riley had stalled on arranging a meeting between Asher and her dearest friend, Misha Bales. In light of Misha’s troubled relationship with Asher’s best friend and p
artner, Talib Mason, Riley predicted Asher’s potent charm might not stand a chance.
Indeed, Misha’s guard was definitely up when she saw Asher Hudson. The worn saying “Birds of a feather flock together” stuck in her mind, and she looked for similarities, mannerisms that resembled those of her horrid ex, Talib Mason. They wore their looks and confidence with ease. That was clear. Still, like Talib’s, Asher’s confidence didn’t appear to be accentuated by smug arrogance, which flashed like a beacon with some men. If anything, his arrogance was playful and adorable. Misha stiffened inwardly. After all that Talib had put her through, she could still dwell on everything she loved about him.
It didn’t take much for Misha to observe that her best friend was headed toward that same path of love and adoration. Riley was smitten. That was a certainty, Misha thought while watching Riley and Asher stroll through the dining room of the Caribbean soul food eatery. Misha cocked a brow. Truth be told, Mr. Asher Hudson appeared equally smitten. He didn’t let go of Riley once, not even when she had to merge in front of him when they approached two dining tables set too close together to leave a wide enough aisle in between.
Misha wouldn’t let her premature approval rule her. She knew how loyal a man could be to his friend. She was sure Riley had spoken of her and sure that Asher was aware of what had gone down between her and Talib.
Something noxious roiled in her gut. No doubt, Talib had made her look like a backstabbing slut. Misha pushed back her chair and prepared to stand. She was about to find out how approving Asher Hudson was of his new girlfriend being close friends with a woman like her.
Asher tilted his head and nudged Riley. “Is that her?” he asked, noting the slender beauty across the room.
Smiling, Riley gave a small nod. “Mmm-hmm.”
“Talib never introduced me before.” He slanted Riley a devilish look. “I see why,” he teased and grunted when she poked an elbow in his ribs.
Misha extended her hand and was already shaking Asher’s hand firmly when Riley began the introductions.
“I’m a little nervous,” Asher admitted, his earlier ease having quickly vanished.
Misha blinked. “Nervous?” She watched the powerful agent bite his lip in what had to be an uncharacteristic gesture.
“Meeting you tonight.” Asher cleared his throat twice before continuing. “And hopefully, Riley’s mother, when she thinks the time is right…I pray you’ll both approve of me.”
“Approval?” Misha was even more dumbfounded, and she blinked this time.
Asher nodded as though he’d said nothing out of the ordinary. “You’re her best friend, and I swear I think she’d dump me if you didn’t think I was good enough.”
Misha would have laughed, but just then she looked at Riley. She stood there, clutching Asher’s arm and biting her lip, as he’d done earlier. The apprehension in Riley’s eyes gave Misha pause, and her heart melted. Slowly, she looked back toward Asher and smiled.
“No, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble gaining my approval.” Misha joined in when he laughed. She winked at Riley and saw the apprehension turn to happiness.
“So? What do you think?”
Riley and Misha had time alone after Asher saw someone he recognized and excused himself from the table to say hello. A bit of the apprehension returned to Riley’s eyes when she asked her friend to share her true impression.
“Honey, who wouldn’t approve or be in awe of a man like that?” Misha asked.
Riley’s expression relayed her agreement. “Still, that’s really only about looks and appeal. Don’t you have any thoughts about him as a person?”
Misha squeezed Riley’s hand. “Sweets, that’s a lot more than looks and appeal. Still…I don’t know him well enough. Talib never introduced me when we were…together. But, Riley, in the brief time I’ve been in his presence, I can tell the guy is very much over the moon for you.” She shrugged. “I can see he’s making you happy, and right now that’s enough to secure him a very high place in my book. What?” Her eyes narrowed in concern when she saw Riley look down at the table.
“It’s only been a few months….” Riley focused on the invisible swirls her nails drew on the tablecloth. “I’ve let myself go over the moon for him, too. I don’t know if I’m coming or going.”
Misha looked across the dining room, at Asher. “It’s amazing how the right man can do that to a woman.”
Riley shuddered and smoothed her hands along the snug cotton sleeves of her navy wrap dress. “It’s only been a few months, Misha. How the hell can I be sure if he’s the right man or not? I’ve never even believed I wanted to look for the right man.”
“Honey, why are you doing this to yourself?” Misha laughed.
“I just feel so juvenile,” Riley hissed and dragged all ten fingers through her tresses. “Swooning over a man I barely know.”
“Yes, well, I think that’s why they call this the ‘getting-to-know-you’ stage.”
Riley smirked. “Right. And I’ve already slept with him, and I think I’m falling in love with him….”
Again, Misha squeezed Riley’s hand and pushed her drink closer. “Stop stressing over this.”
Magically, the order worked. Riley visibly relaxed, closed her eyes and smiled. “You’re right.” She took a sip of the smooth vodka. “Maybe it’s not even love. Maybe it’s just really great sex talking.”
“Ha!” Misha took a swig of her martini and smiled as well. “It’s amazing how really great sex can do that to a woman.”
Laughter flowed between the two friends.
Virginia Stamper’s expressive gaze was as wide as a kid’s in a candy store when Riley led her from the aircraft that had just transported them from New York to Phoenix. Virginia’s eyes grew wider still when they focused on the man who approached them on the tarmac. She watched him squeeze her daughter tight while nuzzling her neck and trailing his fingers through the flirty new cut she sported.
“Mrs. Stamper, it’s a pleasure,” Asher said once Riley finished the introductions.
The lovely retired RN was uncharacteristically captivated and took a smidgen longer than necessary to respond. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.”
The breathy tone in her mother’s usually firm voice had Riley smirking. Asher didn’t seem to notice that he’d thoroughly charmed the woman, even as he smothered both her hands in one of his.
“I hope you had a good flight,” he said.
Virginia glanced behind her. “Wonderful. I’ve never been on a private jet before.”
Asher winced. “I hope it wasn’t too much. Riley said it’d make a good impression.”
Virginia patted his arm when he released her hands. “There was no need for that. I’ve been impressed by you for months now. Riley can’t say enough incredible things.”
“Really?” he asked.
In spite of the fact that he’d been seeing Riley for nearly five months, Asher seemed stunned by the news. The little-boy uncertainty on his face and the way he spoke the word charmed Virginia far more than she realized.
“Bags are loaded, Mr. H. We can head out whenever you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Joel.” Asher shook hands with his driver and then waved toward Virginia. “Would it be all right for Joel to take you to the car while I speak with Riley for a minute, Mrs. Stamper?”
Virginia was already accepting the arm Joel offered. “It’s perfectly fine,” she said and launched into a conversation with the twentysomething chauffeur as they walked off.
Riley’s expectant stare turned curious when Asher’s easy expression appeared to sharpen.
“When did you do this?” He trailed his fingers across the flattering yet shorter hairstyle she now wore.
Reflexively, Riley’s hand rose to her hair. “About a month ago. Don’t you like it?”
The hairstyle, with its haphazard array of clipped and flipped locks, accentuated the oval shape of her face. It emphasized her expressive eyes and full mouth. Asher was
bereft of words to describe how lovely she was to him.
“I love it.” His voice was made rougher by the onset of emotion. “Just makes me realize how little of you I get to see.” A muscle flexed quickly along his jaw. “Sometimes the reality of how far apart we are hits me right between the eyes, you know?”
Riley tugged at the hem of his brown crew-neck shirt in an effort to bring him closer. “You’re the one with the private jet, Mr. Hudson. What?” She moved back a little when something flickered in his light eyes. “What? Did I say something?”
He blinked. “No, why?”
She shook her head, but her gaze remained focused. “I always see that look when I mention you traveling to New York. I even see it when you’re there.”
“You reporters,” he teased and drew her into a sweet kiss. “All alike, but I’m about to burst your bubble, Ms. Stamper.”
Riley stood on the toes of her coral peek-a-boo pumps. “Is that right?”
“I’ll be smilin’ in NYC by the end of the next week.”
“Ha! Right, and I’m gonna run naked across your parents’ front lawn.”
Asher smiled, appearing pleased by that vision in his head. “That’s somethin’ I’d love to see, but it might not go over too well when you meet ’em for the first time.”
“Them? Who?” Riley blurted when she found her voice. “Your parents?”
Smug and pleased, Asher leaned down to kiss her temple, and then he launched into a lighthearted conversation about all his plans for Riley and her mom as he led the way to the car.
“I had no idea you were serious. Don’t you think this is a bit soon? Won’t they think it’s a bit soon?”
Asher shrugged and kept his gaze focused on the circle his thumb was making on her wrist. “I figured since I met your mom, this was the right time.”
“Well, now we know.” Riley made a move to drag her fingers through her hair but had to settle for fidgeting with a glossy clipped lock. “Five months is the right time to meet the family.”
Hudsons Crossing Page 5
