“Firm grip. Very important,” I add.
“Critical for establishing dominance.”
We watch as they shake hands, and Jasper tilts his head, saying something we can’t hear through the glass.
“What do you think he’s asking?” Dylan wonders.
“Probably why he smells like he bathed in cologne.”
Dylan snorts. “Or why he’s trying so hard.”
Ash responds to whatever Jasper said and then suddenly flexes his arm, showing off his bicep through his flannel sleeve.
Both Dylan and I lose it, trying to muffle our laughter behind our hands.
“What the fuck did Jasper say to make him do that?” Dylan gasps.
“Maybe asked if he lifts.”
“Or if he can open a pickle jar.”
“Or defend himself in a bar fight.”
We’re still laughing when Jasper turns and heads toward my office, shaking his head but wearing a grin.
He pushes through the door and closes it behind him, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. “Well, our new recruit is definitely something.”
“Oh really?” I try to sound casual, like we weren’t just watching the entire interaction and providing commentary. “How so?”
“He’s determined to prove how strong he is.” Jasper’s grin widens. “Told him if he needed help carrying anything, as some of our gear is heavy, to ask for help. He flexed and said he’s been building muscle.”
“Insecure about his size, probably,” Dylan says thoughtfully. “Maybe that’s what we’re picking up on. Just a guy who’s nervous and overcompensating.”
“Could be.” Jasper doesn’t sound entirely convinced. “How’d the walk-through go?”
“Good. He seems enthusiastic as fuck and ready to dive in, which is what we need.” I push off from the desk. “I’m gonna get him set up with the accounts so he can start.”
“Sounds good.” Jasper moves toward the door. “I’ve got to check inventory. Holler if you need anything.”
Dylan follows him out, and I’m left alone with my thoughts for a moment.
I open my top drawer and pull out the phone we use for social media, along with a Post-it note where I’ve scribbled all the passwords. Everything is already logged in, but he’ll need the passwords to access things from his laptop.
My actual phone is in there too. I shoved it in the drawer this morning after it buzzed one too many times. Ever sincethatpost went up by Ash’s sister, Anita, front and center like she wasn’t casually throwing the internet into chaos, my notifications haven’t stopped.
Instagram is unusable. My inbox is clogged with DMs, reposts, tags I didn’t ask for.
And yeah, part of me wants to be irritated.
But mostly? I just keep thinking about Anita.
The way she looked and laughed like she wasn’t impressed with a damn thing I said.
She’s hot. No question. But it’s more than that. She intrigues the hell out of me.
I need to see her again.
Find a way to repay the favor.
