Asher seems even more upset over this than he was while talking about Henry. “What the hell do you mean? Thisisgoing somewhere consequential. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
I give him a pointed look. “I mean, after we’ve determined… you know. Long-term compatibility and stuff.”
“We’re compatible,” he growls.
“I admire your enthusiasm. I am also not unaware of your history with women. It’s possible that I won’t be to your liking.” I swallow around the knot of insecurity quickly ballooning in my throat. “It’s also possible that your level of asshole will prove to be insufferable.”
My change in topic is not well met. Asher’s scowl is firmly in place. “What do you mean, youwon’t be to my liking?What the fuck are you talking about?”
I glance around to double-check we don’t have company. Me talking to him could be explained as an engineer discussing strategy with their driver, as long as no one’s in earshot.
Even though I don’t spot any eavesdroppers, I grow quieter. “The tabloids don’t just give you attention whenyou decide to start fights with Elio.” Something I’m still going to have a serious conversation with him about. “There was an article written about your top tendatesfor the last five years.”
A languid look of amusement eats up his frown. “Have you been googling me, Intern?”
“Yes,” I admit freely.And what I’ve seen makes me immensely insecure,is what I’m not so willing to admit.
He examines my expression, and his own turns serious once again. “I see. Allow me to dispel your worry. If what happened in that bathroom ends up being the height of our sex life, I will still die a satisfied man.”
I draw a sharp breath. What the hell do Isayto something like that? Is Asher just throwing words out there in hopes to make me feel better… or does he actually mean them?
He didn’t even get off in the bathroom.Hegavemean orgasm without getting one himself—a phenomenon I didn’t think existed before that evening—and he’s calling that satisfying?
Do I need to put a ring on it?
“I’m still mad at you for fighting with Elio,” I blurt.
He shrugs. “And I’m mad at you for ambushing me with that fucking lunch, and then not even asking me what actually happened.” His eyes shadow. “You ran along with your assumptions just like everyone else did.”Like they always have, his eyes scream.
He’s… right. Ididn’task. Partially because it doesn’t matter when it comes to his upgrade package; publicperception is more important than reality. And partially because I didn’t think to, which was my mistake.
“What happened?” I ask.
Asher shakes his head. “If I talk about it now, I’m going to find Elio and finish what I started.”
“I promise I’ll hold you back.”
He gives me a disbelieving look. “All 5’2 of you?”
“5’3,” I emphasize, “and ½.”
“Still a foot shorter than me.”
“Still milessmarterthan you.” My earlier ire has disappeared; now, I’m hiding a smile. Asher looks like he’s doing the same. “If I can’t physically stop you, then I promise I’ll distract you.”
This appears to deeply interest Asher. “Oh?”
“Not likethat,” I say quickly. “I mean… like, with—” Jesus, I’m giving Henry a run for his money in theidiotdepartment. “Conversation,” I finish dumbly.
“Conversation,” Asher says, enunciating every syllable. “I see.”
“What happened?” I repeat, exasperated.
His gaze drops to my smoothie. He fiddles with it for a few beats. “CliffNotes version? Elio spent a few minutes ranting about how much he and everyone on the team wants me gone. He clearly didn’t want me there, so I left—withoutantagonizing him. He followed me out. Continued ranting.” His fists tighten around the plastic smoothie cup, nearly crushing it. “Then he mentioned something about taking good care of you after I left the team, and I slammed him against the nearest wall and told him to keep your name out of his mouth.”
Oh.
Oh.
