“And Claire? If you’re in love with the man, just tell him.”
That comment sucks all the air from my lungs. With a harsh breath in, I say, “I’m not—What? Why would—We’re not?—”
“Oh, dear sister,” he says, using a tone laced with false condescension. “There are some things a big brother knows.And other things he wishes he didn’t.” He mumbles that last part under his breath.
I low-key panic over what he thinks he knows. But I ask anyway. “What are you talking about?”
“Let’s just say you weren’t as stealthy as you thought you were on the weekend of Millie and Ezra’s wedding celebration.”
“Shit,” I whisper. I don’t know what he saw or heard, but I refuse to ask for specifics. That seems traumatizing. “Are you disappointed?” I ask instead.
“Why would I be disappointed? Because you fell for your roommate? For your best friend’s brother? You’re a grown-ass woman. You can do whatever the fuck you want. But… and this part’s important.” I raise the volume on my phone so I don’t miss what’s next. “Please, please promise me we’ll never go to a sex shop together ever again.”
I bark out a laugh. “Hey, I didn’t want you to be there in the first place.”
“True. But Joey and I needed?—”
“Uh-uh-uh! I don’t wanna know,” I practically shout into the phone. “Gross.”
“Now you know how I feel,” he teases. He’s quiet for a second, and when he speaks again, his tone is far more serious. “Why don’t you just ask him?”
I release a long, even breath. “I’ll think about it.”
But I don’t want to think about it. Because if Asher has a replacement lined up and doesn’t ask me to stay, I don’t know that I could take the rejection.
34
Asher
I can’t askClaire to stay. It’s not fair. She has a whole robust medical career waiting for her in Manhattan. Asking her to stay here would only hold her back from her plans and her potential.
No.
I won’t ask her to stay.
Sex the other night with her was intense. Not just physically but emotionally. I can’t let that happen again. My buddies may be rooting for us to be together, and of course I care for her, but telling her goodbye will be too fucking hard if we experience another moment like that one.
And what about my daughter? Am I an irresponsible father for putting Bea in this position?
It was harmless in the beginning, inviting Claire into our home for the summer. I figured she’d basically be a fun, cool aunt, like Millie. And maybe that’s how it began, but over time Claire’s taken on a more… motherly role. It happened so naturally I didn’t even see it coming.
The silver lining is that I doubt Claire will disappear from Bea’s life completely. With her being my sister’s friend, our pathswill cross every once in a while. That’ll be good for Bea. As for me? Well. It’ll be painful when I can’t hold her or kiss her, but I’m a grown man. I’ll have to suck it up.
After I’ve guzzled down my coffee, I scheduled another cup to percolate around the time Claire usually rises. With her pajamas still on, I drop Bea off next door, where she’s content to snuggle and watch cartoons with Grandma and a mug of “kids’ coffee” while Jack and I head into the office.
Brenner greets us in his usual chipper drawl. He works tirelessly at the front desk, though he makes it look effortless. He is as close to my right-hand man as one can be. We employ dozens of people, and I respect them all, but Brenner’s my favorite. He’s more like an office sensei than a manager. He’s responsible, professional, and efficient, and he knows what needs to be taken care of around the premises sometimes before even I do.
Though this morning, I really fucking hate that he can read me like a book.
“You okay, boss?”
“Fine. Why?”
He circles around the desk and shakes hands with Jack, then turns to me. “You seem a little on edge.”
“I’m not,” I bark.Okay, so maybe I am.“Sorry,” I offer sincerely. “You’re right. Just have a lot on my mind.”
“Your mood wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain brunette, would it?” Jack asks casually.
