“Computers,” I say. “Dad, don’t you have to get to work? I know how you love to micromanage those night shifts.”
“I’m in charge. I can get there anytime I like.” He keeps his focus on Gable. “So, you both live in that apartment?”
“Just me,” Asher says. “Gable is helping me get settled in.”
I gesture at Gable. “Isn’t that nice, Dad?”
“Very,” he remarks dryly. “And the dog?”
Gable swirls the lollipop around his mouth. “He’s not good with boxes.”
Asher puts a hand on Gable’s shoulder. “The dog is Gable’s.”
My dad narrows his eyes and hums quietly.Suspiciously.
This is how it always goes. I meet someone, my dad either disapproves or isn’t enthusiastic, and the guy splits. Anyone who’s ever stuck around has been overly cocky, or a cop well-versed in being around other cops. But I really want things to work with Asher. I’ve got a good feeling about this guy, and I want him to stick around.
“Anyway,” I sing. “I should get those flowers upstairs.” I stand on my tiptoes, but my dad still has to lean down for me to kiss his cheek. He keeps his eyes fixed on Gable. “Call me later, Dad.”
“I will, baby.”
“Nice to meet you,” Asher says, and my dad nods tightly, giving Gable one final glance before leaving.
“Your dad is …” Gable pauses. “Very cop-like.”
“And you’re an ass,” I say and look down at Motor. “Isn’t he, Motor? Isn’t your daddy an ass?”
Gable frowns. “Stop doing that; he’s not a baby.”
“No, but you are.” I stick my tongue out at him.
Asher laughs as Gable glares at him. “I’m gonna walk the dog. If you’re gonna have a post-date fuck, take it intothe bedroom so I can watch TV.” His gaze cuts to me, and he must notice the burning in my cheeks, because he smirks. “Unless you want a third, Gibson.”
That doesn’t sound so bad.
I tap my temple so hard I wince. Asher playfully shoves his brother. “Ignore him, Ella. He thinks he’s funny.”
“He really isn’t,” I grumble as we head inside.
Asher walks me to my apartment and watches me place my orchids where I always do—one on the balcony, one next to my bed.
“You really like flowers,” he says.
I nod. “Yep. My mom used to say, ‘Wake up to flowers every day, baby, and you’ll guarantee one part of your day will be bright.’” I ball up the packaging and throwing it in the trash before standing before him. “It hasn’t failed me yet.”
“You’re annoyingly cute, you know that?”
I flick my hair dramatically. “It’s a talent. One of many.”
He leans his hip against the kitchen counter and smiles down at me, moving my hair, and goose bumps run down my neck.
“You’re giving me that look again,” I whisper.
“What look?”
“The look you gave me in the flower shop.” I inch closer, hoping for another kiss before the date comes to an end.
He searches my face, a ghost of a smile on his lips. There hasn’t been a point since I met him when I’ve thought he was lying to me, but right now, something falls away from him. Even the most honest people sometimes hide behind a facade, so I’m not surprised or wary, but I feel honored that he’s allowing me to see more of him. Because whatever Asher Flynn has been hiding behind since I met him yesterday is gone.
