Softer. More vulnerable.
I could see the dark circlesunder his eyes now.
This was hard on him. It wasmy job to make it easier.
“Scared I don’t know how tocook?” I asked.
Ashley shrugged. “No, you’reex-armed forces. I assume you’re hyper-competent and I don’t want you to laughat my knife skills,” he said, the tiniest smile turning up the corner of hislips.
“You know, I’ve got afriend—he’s a medical doctor, a surgeon—who I used to cook with. You think I’dgive you shit foryourknife skills? You should have heard the shithe gave me.”
That made Ashley laugh, andit felt like a victory. His whole face lit up when he laughed.
“Sounds like you’ve lived aninteresting life,” Ashley said, finally stepping back and heading for the kitchen.“Wanna tell me about it?”
“I could probably tell astory or two,” I said.
Yeah, Ashley had beenlooking for company, and he looked so much happier now that he had it. If thiswas all it took, I could handle this job.
Hell, I might ask for themin future. Drag queen or not, Ashley was way less dramatic than some of myprevious clients. Celebrity bodyguarding sucked compared to this.
Ashley was sweet and politeand hehaddragged me all over San Francisco today, but at least itmeant I got to see the sights.
And making him feel safe wasa whole lot more rewarding.
I could get used to this.
“Since you’re my knifeexpert,” Ashley said, setting a cutting board down on the counter. “I’ll putyou in charge of bacon.”
“Your faith in me is noted.”
“I can get you the kitchenscissors, if you want. When I’m tired I just… cut it.”
I snorted. “When I’m tired,I don’t bother making dinner. Toast with a little peanut butter is basically acomplete meal.”
“Guess I don’t have to askyou whether or not you’re single,” Ashley said, his eyes glittering as hesmirked.
“Very,” I said. “Your beautytherapist friend was cute, too.”
“You want her number?Because she wants yours,” he said, passing me an unopened package of bacon anda big chef’s knife.
Flashbacks to Doc giving meshit for holding it like a hunting knife made me smile. I missed him. Maybe itwas time we all took a trip up to visit. Colorado wasn’t all that far fromCalifornia.
By our standards, anyway.
“I think I’ll try tomaintain a minimum standard of professionalism,” I said. “Andnotuse you as awingman. Well-suited to the job as I think you’d be.”
Ashley grinned. “I’m happy totell everyone how hot I think you are.”
I focused on the pack ofbacon, concentrating on peeling it open and trying to pretend the tips of myears weren’tburning.
He wasn’t serious. Hecouldn’tbe serious. He wasjust teasing me like his friend. Hell, likemyfriends.
“And you’retwiceas cute when youblush. I havesomany friends who’d love you.”
“I’ve met Gabe,” I saidwryly.
“He’s an acquired taste.Also, engaged, so you’re too late there. Martin is an option. He’s such asweetheart and if you like bears…”
