I quickly send a reply, telling him that I’m on my way to his house.
The elevator arrives and I ride it down, then hurry to my car. Just as I turn the key in the ignition, my phone chimes a message.
Drake: Don’t bother coming. I’m on my way to the airport now.
“Crap,” I say, my voice rising with disappointment. If only I’d checked my text when it had first arrived, maybe I could have made it to Drake’s house before he left.
Ashley: When do you think you’ll be back?
Drake: I’m not sure. Hopefully by Thursday.
Frustrated, but knowing there’s nothing I can do, I send him a final message before driving home.
Ashley: I get it. Duty calls. Well, good luck.
Sixteen
DRAKE
Even through text, I can tell Ashley is pissed at me.
She flaked on our date tonight because of work, so why is she mad at me for doing my job?
I shake my head as I move slowly through the airport security line. I was already on her crap list for hiring Jasmine as my assistant, and now I cancelled our date because of work.
I sigh, then hand my ID to the TSA agent. He gives it a cursory glance, then waves me through. I put my laptop on the conveyor belt, go through the metal detector, then grab my stuff and head to my gate. I find an empty seat and settle in to wait for my flight to be called.
I wonder if I should text an apology to Ashley, or better yet, call her. Just as I pick up my phone, someone sits beside me. I look up and smile. “You made it.”
Jasmine returns my smile. “I came as fast as I could, Mr. Drake.”
“Sorry for the last minute notice.” I frown. “That happens sometimes in our firm.”
“It’s not a problem,” she says with a small shake of her head.
“I hope I didn’t disrupt any plans you had.”
A shy smile curves her mouth. “No, I didn’t have any plans.”
Before I can stop myself, I ask, “So, no boyfriend?” What are you doing, Drake? You and Ashley are in a serious relationship. A hard-won relationship. Why do you care about Jasmine’s relationship status? “Never mind,” I say before Jasmine has a chance to answer. I don’t want to give her the wrong idea.
“No, it’s okay,” she says, like she’s trying to make me feel better for asking a personal question. “I’m single.”
I nod, desperate to change the subject. For a moment I’d fallen into my old ways—flirting with whomever I chose, not caring about the fallout. But things are different now. I have to watch myself.
I start talking about the client we’re going to see, and Jasmine seems to shift into assistant mode, madly writing down everything I tell her.
“I’m sure this face to face meeting will get things back on track,” I say.
“I’ll do whatever I can to help,” she says.
The flight is uneventful, and when we arrive at our destination, we catch a cab to our hotel.
“You’ll be in the room across the hall from me,” I tell her. “We’ll leave no later than seven thirty tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll be ready,” she says with a confident smile.
I tell her good-night, then go into my room and collapse onto a chair. It’s been a long day and I’m tired, but I know I should call Ashley before I go to bed. A moment later she answers her phone.
“Hey,” I say in greeting. “It’s me.”
“Drake. I wasn’t sure if I’d hear from you tonight.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry I had to bail on you.”
“I understand.” She pauses. “Where are you, anyway?”
“Chicago.”
“Oh.”
I wonder if I should mention that I chose to bring Jasmine on this trip, but immediately dismiss the idea. What would be the point? It would only upset her. “With any luck, I’ll get everything taken care of tomorrow, and then I’ll fly back on Thursday.”
“Okay.”
We talk for a while longer, then I promise to let her know when I’m on my way home. “I love you, Ashley.” For some reason I need to say that out loud.
“I love you too.” Her voice sounds softer, and I hope that means she’s not mad at me anymore.
We hang up and I pull out my laptop and review the contracts for the client we’re here to see. Half an hour later I’m laser-focused on writing up talking points I want to discuss with the client when there’s a knock at my door.
Irritated to be interrupted, and thinking it’s probably someone knocking on the wrong door, I almost don’t answer it, but then I sigh and walk to the door. Peering through the peephole, I see Jasmine standing in the hall and wonder what she wants. It’s getting late, and I’m exhausted, but I decide I’d better see if there’s something wrong.
“Sorry to bother you, Mr. Drake,” she says, “But I couldn’t fall asleep. I kept thinking about what you told me about the client, and I thought of something that may be helpful to convince them to stay with us.”
My mind is fried, so getting a fresh perspective sounds like a good idea, even though it is getting extremely late and we’ll need to get an early start. “Okay,” I say as I step back and allow her to enter.
She walks past me, and I notice she’s wearing form-fitting black yoga pants and a loose fitting t-shirt.
Is that what she sleeps in? Then I get annoyed with myself for even thinking about that. I shouldn’t care what she does or doesn’t wear when she’s sleeping, but I’m tired, and my mind wants to go places it shouldn’t. My thoughts have a will of their own and I find I’m having a hard time controlling them—I’ve never had to before, so this is something I have no practice doing. To help me, I picture Ashley’s face, but the moment Jasmine starts speaking, my attention is drawn to her and it’s hard to keep my thoughts on Ashley.
Jasmine sits in one of the chairs as she begins to explain her idea. I nod as I listen, my mind going between thoughts of the client meeting and thoughts of the way Jasmine’s yoga pants hug her perfectly shaped curves, and I know I need to end this impromptu meeting immediately.
At the first hint that she’s finished telling me her thoughts, I stand. “That’s a great idea. I need some time to digest it, but I’ll probably incorporate it into my talking points.”
Evidently she takes the hint, because she stands as well.
Of its own accord, my gaze slides over her body, but I force it upward where I meet her gaze. A small smile curves her lips, like she knows what I’m thinking, and it occurs to me that perhaps she wore those skin-tight yoga pants on purpose.
Feeling slightly manipulated, I walk to the door and open it, then turn to her with a smile. “Thanks for taking the time to talk to me, but I’m beat.”
Her lips quirk into a knowing smile. “Me too.” She walks towards me, but stops on the threshold. “I’ll see you in the morning, Mr. Drake.”
I nod as I gaze down at her, then watch her walk across the hall, my eyes following the gentle sway of her hips. Before I let my thoughts travel somewhere they shouldn’t, I close the door to my room and turn my thoughts to the next day’s meeting. Jasmine’s idea is actually a good one, and I decide to incorporate it into my talking points.
The meeting with the client goes well, and I invite him to have dinner with Jasmine and me. He accepts, and the three of us have an enjoyable meal.
When Jasmine excuses herself to go to the ladies’ room, the man leans in my direction and says, “You said she’s only been working for you for a short time?”
“Yes. About a week.”
He tilts his head. “She’s a keeper, Drake.”
I know he’s right. She’s really good at her job—the idea she came up with ended up helping tremendously—and I know I’m lucky to have her. The only downside is her distracting beauty, but that’s my problem, not hers. I would be an idiot if I were to let that become a factor in keeping her as my assistant.
Of course, when it comes to women, I’ve never been the smartest man on earth.
>
Seventeen
ASHLEY
Early Thursday morning I get a text from Drake telling me he’s on his way back and that he’d love to have dinner with me. We decide that I’ll come to his office when I get off work, and then we’ll go to dinner together.
The presentation I gave the day before went well, and I’m feeling more confident about my job. Evan’s been acting like a normal co-worker, and I hope that means he’s turned his attention to some other unsuspecting woman.
As my work day comes to an end, I’m on edge, worried I’ll get another last minute assignment that will screw up my plans, but I manage to get out of the office at a reasonable time and drive straight to Drake’s office. A short time later I walk into the reception area. It’s after hours, so the receptionist has gone home for the day, but as I walk into the office, I run into Barbara. I haven’t talked to her since the day she called me and I told her I wasn’t coming back, but I’m happy to see her.
“Hi, Barbara,” I say, smiling warmly.
“Ashley?” Her body stiffens. “What are you doing here?”
For some reason I’d assumed Drake had told her we were dating. Clearly, I’d been delusional, and the thought that he was too embarrassed to tell her we were dating stings. “I’m here to see Drake,” I say, hoping she doesn’t call security in a misguided attempt to protect her boss from the crazy former employee.
“I think he’s left for the day,” she says with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “Is there something I can help you with?”
I consider telling her that Drake and I are in love, but then she’d call security for sure, convinced I’m a psycho stalker. Instead, I say, “Drake and I have an appointment.”
Doubt broadcasts from her eyes. “Like I said, I believe he’s left for the day.”
My own doubts creep in. Maybe he really did leave. Maybe he forgot about our date. “Oh. Well, he told me to meet him here.”
Pity replaces the doubt. “Why don’t you wait here and I’ll just check his office.” She guides me to the spare chair in her office and makes sure I’m seated before she turns and strides down the hall in the direction of Drake’s office.
DRAKE
“Mr. Drake?” Barbara says from my office doorway.
I look up from my computer, eager to finish what I’m working on so that I’ll be ready when Ashley arrives. “Yes?”
She walks towards me and stops in front of my desk. “I have a bit of a dilemma, sir.”
“What is it?”
“You remember your former assistant? Ashley Spencer?”
A bad feeling grows in the pit of my stomach. “Yes.”
“She’s in my office.” Barbara’s eyebrows rise. “She claims she has an appointment with you.” She folds her arms across her chest. “Shall I call security, sir?”
My lips twitch in a suppressed smile as I picture security attempting to lead Ashley out of the office. She would not take that well. “No,” I say to Barbara, then a blush rises on my face. “You should probably know that I’m dating Ashley now, so she’ll be stopping by from time to time.”
Shocked surprise flits across Barbara’s face. “Oh. I wasn’t aware of that.” Then her eyes narrow slightly, and I know she must be wondering how long we’ve been dating. I don’t give her the satisfaction of an answer.
“Please send her in.”
“Of course, Mr. Drake.”
ASHLEY
When Barbara returns several minutes later, her expression has completely changed.
“It looks like he’s still here after all,” she says, her smile friendly. “I believe you know the way.”
I wonder what Drake’s told her, but I have no ill will towards her. She was only trying to protect her boss, which I can appreciate. “Thanks, Barbara.”
As I approach Drake’s office, I see Jasmine sitting at her station—my old desk—and I decide to stop by and say hello. She’s his assistant after all. I want her on my side.
“Jasmine,” I say as I stop beside her desk. “How are you?”
She looks at me with a smile. “Ashley, right?”
“Yes.” My gaze sweeps over the items on her desk, and I flash back to my week as Drake’s assistant. “How are things going? Is Drake keeping you busy?”
“It’s going great. I’m a bit tired after our trip, but other than that, it’s all good.”
Trip? She went with him on his trip? Why didn’t he tell me?
I plaster a smile onto my mouth, like this isn’t breaking news, but inside I’m distressed. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“Can I get you anything?” she asks. “Something cold to drink perhaps?”
My mouth has gone dry, and the idea of her doing something for me makes me feel like I have a slight edge. As ridiculous as that is, I grab onto it with both hands. “Yes, some cold water would be great.”
“All right.” She stands and heads to the break room and I walk towards Drake’s office.
I pause outside his door, gathering my thoughts before I have to face him. Why didn’t he tell me he brought Jasmine? Was it so routine that it didn’t occur to him? Or did he not want me to know?
I decide to pretend not to know and see if he brings it up, then I walk into his office.
The moment I enter, his gaze lifts from his laptop and shoots straight to me, then a smile lights his face.
“Ashley.” He stands, then comes around his desk and pulls me into an embrace. A moment later he leans away from me and smiles, but just when he’s about to kiss me, I hear a voice from the doorway.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Jasmine says.
Drake releases me and turns to face his assistant.
“I have your water,” Jasmine says as she walks towards me with a plastic cup held in her hand.
Now I regret asking her to get it for me, as her presence seems to have sucked all my good feelings towards Drake out of the room. Seeing her has reminded me that she was with him on his business trip, yet he never mentioned it.
“Thanks,” I say as I take the cup from her.
“I’m going to leave in a moment,” Drake says to her, “so you’re free to leave as well.”
“Okay.” She smiles at him as if the two of them are alone. “I’ll see you in the morning, Mr. Drake.” Then she turns and walks towards the door.
I look at Drake and see that he’s watching her exit, and notice his eyes have strayed to her backside. Jealously, hot and white, flares inside me, and I wonder if he’d hire me as his assistant again.
Don’t be stupid, Ash. You closed that door weeks ago.
“How was your trip?” I ask, wanting to draw his attention back to me, and also wanting to see if he’ll mention the fact that Little Miss Assistant was with him.
“Productive,” he says cryptically, as if I should know what he means.
“So you were able to get everything done that you needed to?”
“Yes. The client decided to stay with our firm, so all’s well that ends well.”
“I hope you weren’t too lonesome there all by yourself.” I smile as I gaze at him. Inside I’m rooting for him to tell me that Jasmine came with him, and mentally chant tell me the truth, tell me the truth, tell me the truth.
“I was too busy to be lonesome,” he says, then he strokes my face before leaning close to me and pressing his lips against mine.
The warmth of his kiss distracts me for a moment, but then disappointment clouds my mind—disappointment that he’s lying to me by omission. I gave him the perfect opening to tell me the truth, but he chose not to. Why?
Eighteen
DRAKE
Ashley’s soft lips yield to the pressure of mine and I’m relieved when desire surges through me. I haven’t seen Ashley in days, and after being distracted by Jasmine, I’m happy to know that my passion for Ashley hasn’t faded a bit.
Then I wonder why I thought it could have. Am I regretting my commitment to her? Now that the daily grind has set in, our weekend at my cabin se
ems far in the past and I begin to worry that we got caught up in the moment—that I got caught up in the moment—and that we moved our relationship to the next level too soon.
“I have something for you,” Ashley says, drawing me out of my thoughts.
“What?”
She reaches into her purse and pulls out a small rectangular package, then hands it to me.
I unwrap the package and find a framed picture of her. Interesting. I’m curious as to what prompted her to give me this gift. “Thank you.”
“I’d love to have a picture of you,” she says. “You know, to keep on my desk at work.”
Ah. She wants me to put it on my desk. I smile, then realize I want her to have a picture of me to use as a kind of talisman against Evan. “I’ll get you a picture of me.”
“Great.”
As I set her picture on the corner of my desk I think about how my thoughts have strayed to Jasmine lately and guilt flares within me. I consider telling Ashley that Jasmine came with me to Chicago, but immediately discard the idea. The trip is over, so what’s the point?
I turn and face Ashley. “Are you ready to go to dinner.”
She gazes as me a moment, like she’s waiting for me to say more, then her smile falters slightly before it curves upward. “Yes.”
ASHLEY
I glance at the framed photo of me on Drake’s desk, glad he placed it there. Maybe it will make him think of me when he’s working with Jasmine.
Disappointed that he chose not to tell me that his new assistant went with him on his trip, I attempt to convince myself it’s because he doesn’t think it’s important enough to mention.
“Do you have a preference where we go for dinner?” he asks.
I shake my head. “I’m fine with whatever you choose.”
Drake and Ashley: The Complete Story Page 37
