I leaned back in my chair.What was the saying?‘And now for the rest of the story’.Deep breath.“Let’s just say growing up meant lots of family events and lots of parties.”
“Even if you didn’t want to go?”
“Right.I was forced to go.I hated them.My sisters enjoyed them.I used to sneak off and find a quiet corner.”
“I don’t blame you.”
I flashed Asher a grateful grin.“As I got older, boys at school started paying attention to me.Not that I was interested.I enjoyed learning not flirting.Anyway, most of them were more interested in my family than me.”
“That’s not right.”
“Finally, someone who understands.”I covered my mouth.Oh boy, did I let that slip out?“So, I began to ignore the boys, and while I was still forced to go to parties, I got very good at sneaking off or just staying in my own head.”
Asher leaned forward, his head lowered, braced his elbows on his knees, and laced his fingers.When he looked up, his expression left me feeling like he really understood on a gut level.“Is that what you meant when you said you stayed aware even while you concentrated on something?”
“Yes.At parties, it was useful to keep some of the men away from me.At home, my sisters would torment me.”
He sat up straight, but his hands remained clasped in his lap.“What men?”
“Long over with.”I waved my hand in dismissal.“Let’s just say that, even after I left home, people still tried to use me to get to my parents.”
“I would never do that.”Asher leaned closer to me.
“I know you wouldn’t.”I did believe him.He hadn’t even realized who my parents were, even though Palmer was a pretty common name.
“Does Tri-O-Tech know who your parents are?”
I shook my head.“I don’t talk about them.They might’ve found something when they backgrounded me, but they would’ve had to go a lot deeper than the typical search.There’s never been any clue that they know.I’m pretty good at covering my tracks.I’m only telling you because I told you I would.”
“Got it.So guys used you to get to your parents.”He unclasped his hands and seemed less tense, now more curious than concerned.“Why did your parents make you go to these parties?Why do they want you at this one?”
And there’s the complication.“My parents are pretty self-absorbed, more concerned about how they’re being perceived than how their children feel.My sisters love going to these events.”I blew out a breath.“Those two wouldn’t know how to do anything but style their hair, apply their make-up, and flirt.”
“I’m sorry you grew up with shallow sisters.You deserve so much more.”His whole demeanor telegraphed genuine empathy and understanding.Something inside me began to warm.Cautious but appreciative.
“You don’t have to say those things.”
“I do.”Asher took my hands in his.“I mean them, Emma.I’ve watched you since you’ve been here.You’re kind, generous, and everyone enjoys being around you.You don’t put on an act, and you’re a hard worker.”
I ducked my head.I always felt like I wasn’t doing enough and that people never saw me.“Thank you.”That warmth was spreading, and I liked the feeling.
“So, this event on Saturday.Are you allowed to take someone with you?”
I frowned.“I don’t know.”
“Find out.”
“Why?”Why was he so interested?
“Because I’m going with you.You’ll have not only a bodyguard that night, but someone who will make sure no one takes advantage of you, not even your parents.”
Heat filled me and caution evaporated.He championed me.“Is it obvious that I’m that weak?”I hated not being able to stand up to my parents, although while some might say I did after I got my degree and moved away, that phone call proved the ties—chains?—still existed.
“Sweetheart, you are not weak.”His grip tightened on my hands.“You’re strong.You only need to learn how to be assertive.”
I laughed.“That’s never happened.”
“Oh, it has.Remember that drive to the restaurant where I told you to wait, and you didn’t?You have no trouble telling me what you think and feel.Now you just have to apply it to your family.”
