Taryn had to give him credit, he didn’t even flinch. “I would expect nothing less. I’ve heard about you.”
“All bad, I hope.”
He laughed and she could see why Dani had agreed to a third date. He was cute, quick on his feet, and didn’t back down.
“Can I have my date back now?” Dani asked.
Mason turned to look at her, a bright smile on his face.
That weird combination of happiness and jealousy settled in Taryn’s stomach again. “You two kids have fun.”
Dani looked at her funny. “Do you need me to stay?”
“No. You’re off the clock. Have fun.”
Dani tucked her hand in Mason’s elbow and led him toward the exit.
Shit. How could she be jealous of her best friend?
Chapter34
“You hungover, Ash?”Mendez asked the next day, riding his ass.
“What?” Ash stared at his screen. His concentration was shit because he couldn’t stop replaying the scene with Taryn last night. Fortunately, the pings were slow and infrequent today, because he was off his game. Even his coworkers had noticed.
“You’re off today. What the fuck is going on?”
“I just...” Ash had no idea what to say.
“Aw, did you strike out with that girl of yours?”
He felt everyone’s eyes on him, but Ash stayed focused on the screen. “We had a fight,” he admitted.
“What did you do?” This from another member of his team.
Ash swiveled in his chair to face the speaker. “Why do you assume it’s my fault?”
“Because you’re a guy,” Ava said.
Laughter filled the room.
He sighed. “Something I shouldn’t have.” The total truth, despite the lack of details.
He understood why Taryn had tossed him out. He’d grabbed her. He’d overstepped, mistaken their easiness, their closeness, for something it wasn’t and abused his privileges.
“Damn, boy. That’s a rookie mistake.” Mendez’s tone was half sympathy and half you’re-a-dumb-shit.
“Yeah, I know.” Once again, his fuckup could end up hurting Hope.
“You apologize?” the other woman on their team asked.
Ash shook his head. “Not yet.”
“Mistake after mistake.” She shook her head and tsked. “You like this girl?”
“Woman, and yes,” Ash said. Taryn was a strong, tough woman.
She rolled her eyes. “Are you seeing her again?”
