“I need a personal assistant.”
“You want me to be your assistant at the office?” I ask just to make sure I heard him correctly. “I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but what I do is…”
“Yes. I know it’s not serving or bartending,” he says. “But I have been in need of a decent assistant for a while. It would pay well, salary actually, with benefits and bonuses. On the bright side, you wouldn’t have to deal with customers as much.”
“I like dealing with customers,” I say, knowing full well that I am pouting. “I’m good at dealing with customers.”
Ash doesn’t say anything for a moment. I know I sound spoiled right now. But all of this is a lot.
“Listen, I know all of this is a lot,” he says. “But the job I’m offering is a good one. It will pay a hell of a lot more than waitressing. It’s the least I can do since all of this is…kind of my fault.”
I don’t say anything because he’s not wrong, so I give up the battle. It’s not like I have any other choice right now.
“Alright,” I say. “I’ll take the job.”
I go back to looking out the window. As we near the airport, I can’t help but wonder what I’ve gotten myself into.
Chapter 18
Asher
Iknow Harper wasn’t expecting a job offer on the spot.
Daniel’s reasons for firing her are obvious. He hires girls so he can use them at his disposal. And now that she is no longer on the table as one of his love-struck little puppets, well, he has no use for her.
For now.
And that makes my veins burn with anger. Not that I want her at his beck and call, but because he thinks he can treat people this way.
No, if I am being honest, I want her atmybeck and call.
Which is exactly why I hired her as my personal assistant and not a bartender.
Sure, she makes some banger drinks. I’d go as far to say that she whipped up some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. She’s an artist, and I would love to employ her at some point.
But right now, I am a little worried about the unpredictability of Daniel Colby. I wouldn’t put it past him to string her along to stoke that fucking ego of his. Or worse, try to get her back for some twisted reason.
Who’s to say she’s not going to go looking for him to get some closure or an explanation after a wine and romance book binge in the middle of the night?
Having her as my assistant ensures I can keep an eye on her while keeping him away.
Is it a controlling move?
Maybe.
I didn’t fly half way across the planet to deal with her bratty ass just to have her go running back to that scumbag the moment I turn my head.
This way, every time I do turn my head, she’ll be there.
Mondays are a bit more hectic, seeing how I’ve been out of the office for a week. Jaylen and I are the CEOs of Levine St. James Restaurants; an independent chain of eateries and bars in Denver.
It all started with Social Hour, an upscale American restaurant and bar right in the heart of the Mile High City. Opening new places in a city of this caliber is either a risk or an investment. Between the innovative menu and modern atmosphere at a very trendy location, Social Hour quickly became the latter. Its success allowed us to branch out, opening a second location with an even more exclusive vibe. The cocktail lounge has a limited food menu that we named Nightcap.
After we realized how much we love bars and lounges, we opened another place. We gained a lot of traction in the industry, and now own a chain of restaurants. The newest addition is near Mile High Stadium called Highball; it’s a high-end sports bar. Between the three locations, we’ve done pretty well.
But we aren’t finished yet.
“So I was thinking,” I tell Jaylen as I walk into his office, coffee in hand. “What if the speakeasy has a literary vibe?”
