“No.” I test the water temperature. “Maybe you should reach out.”
Lucinda nods, dodging another person. “Absolutely. I'll circle back later. Better yet, dinner party, so we can interrogate this friend properly?”
I end the call before it mutates into a full-scale investigation. Besides, Jord really does need to check on Punk.
After a quick shower, I change into linen pants and a knitted jumper. My bedroom is comfortable, sure, but it lacks natural light.
I peak behind a heavy curtain that covers half of the wall, and smile when it opens onto a small patio that overlooks the side yard. Yes. This, I could get used to.
Swiping up my laptop and phone, I unlock the door and inhale the perfume of Mother Nature. Well, the best I could get from it in the suburbs.
I take a seat, open my laptop, and breathe.
Let the show begin…
***
I don’t know how long I’ve been out here for, but a knock rattles the main door and I move the net curtains out of the way to see who it is.
Asher.
My head tilts. “Are you lost?”
He laughs, leaning against the door frame. “Maybe. Haven't figured that one out yet.”
“Mm-hmm,” I murmur, shutting my laptop and crossing one leg over the other. “Well, how can I help you?”
He pauses at the foot of the bed. “I don't know. Color me intrigued. I've known Parker for a long time. Never figured he'd settle down, much less marry.”
I stand and make my way to the closet, leaving the patio door open. “If you want to know something, ask.”
Heat travels my movements, and I try my best to ignore the way it feels running down my spine.
I hit the light switch.
He continues. “I'm aware this isn't a conventional marriage. Anyone with Parker would have to be okay with… less.”
“And maybe that works for me,” I call over my shoulder, turning back to find him blocking the entrance. He's tall, built wide and lean, but unlike most men with his kind of physique, he doesn't use his size to dominate.
“Anyway,” I say, my eyes narrowing, “I didn't know he had friends.”
Asher's smile sharpens into a smirk. “He doesn't. He lured me into his van with candy and told me to be a good boy and not scream.”
Silence. He’s funny…only it’s not at all that funny.Jesus.
I duck beneath his arm before my body does something ridiculous, like press itself against him. “Cute. Very cute.” He was. Annoyingly so.
Lowering to the mattress, I slip on a pair of flats.
He gestures to my feet. “Where are you going?”
“Meeting friends for lunch.” My foot slides back to the ground. “How long are you staying?”
He studies me, eyes tracing my frame as if he already knows every curve. “A year.”
I choke on my spit. “What?”
His smile widens.Jesus Christ, someone put this man on a book cover.
