Page 47 of Pure Abandon

“I’m glad I was able to see everyone, but I’m not here to enjoy the festivities. I’m on a date.” Asher raises his glass and nods toward a young leggy blonde on the other side of the bar. She’s wearing a long-sleeved black dress with a micro skirt and dangerously low neckline that reaches her navel. She’s standing there looking bored yet waiting dutifully for her mogul to wrap up with his minions.

“You should ask her to join us,” Trish cheerfully offers. Bless her heart.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I never mix business with pleasure.” I can’t see Asher’s expression as he utters these words. I wonder if he’s directing them toward someone. Maybe Malory?

“Asher, we weren’t expecting you.” Erik walks over from his booth. “Not like you to join us at our little get-togethers.”

“I like to make unexpected appearances now and then.” His demeanor is calm and authoritative. He’s still in workplace mode.

“Don’t we know that from this afternoon?” Erik reaches up to set a friendly pat on Asher’s shoulders. “If you don’t mind me stealing these ladies, Heather, Malory… Harvey and I have a bet I need you to settle.”

“Sounds intriguing.” Malory willingly takes my patent leathers over to the booth while Heather sulks away from Asher. Erik gives Asher two taps on the back and escorts the girls over to the booth. I immediately hear an uproar as the girls approach. Apparently, they’re reliving some old escapade and are trying to decipher whose version of the story is correct.

Trish is still at the bar, with Asher and me, feeling out of place. “I’m going to see what all the commotion is about.” No, little redhead, don’t go!

Asher takes Malory’s seat next to me. We’re each sitting at a corner of the bar so our chairs easily swivel toward each other. I must leave when I finish this last glass. A cab is definitely in order.

“Are you going to let your date stand there all night?”

Asher rubs his pointer finger along the rim of his glass. “I have a perfectly good sixteen-year-old scotch in front of me. Why should I let that go to waste?”

“You can drink your scotch with your Twinkie.” The liquor is making me feisty.

“For starters, that is not a Twinkie. Her name is Monique, and she happens to be a very wealthy socialite.”

“That must be comforting. She clearly doesn’t want you for your money. I heard that’s a major concern of yours.”

“She may not need my money, but she definitely wants the power. Monique is like the others. She’ll stand there all night if I ask her to.” Asher flashes a smile, showing off his perfect teeth and full lips.

“Then why bring her at all? If you don’t even like her…”

“A man has needs. She’ll do for tonight.”

I down the last of my wine. “You are disgusting.”

“I am honest. I told you we’re friends. We’re honest with each other.”

“It still doesn’t mean I can’t be repulsed by you.” I barely get the words out as I dismount from the stool and grab my purse.

I turn to walk away but am pulled back by Asher’s hand on my arm. “Please, don’t let me offend you. We’re having a nice night. I haven’t had the chance to tell you how lovely you look. I like your hair down. It’s very becoming of you.”

Night and day he is!

“Thank you, Asher, but really, it’s late and I have to go. And you have a Twinkie to tend to.”

Asher rises from his chair, leaving his scotch. “The Twinkie can wait. How are you getting home? You’ve had a lot to drink, and in those shoes…” His voice trails.

“I’m taking a taxi home. I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll walk you out.” He places a hand on my back and ushers me toward the door.

“No, people cannot see me leave with you. They’ll get the wrong idea. It’s entirely—”

“Inappropriate.” Asher finishes my line. “Come on. I’ll walk you out and come right back. It’s the responsible thing to do. Besides, I want to see how long I can make the Twinkie stand there.” He beams in a devilish grin that takes up his entire face. He’s so mean, yet his boyish charm makes him disarming, and I can’t resist.

Turning on my heel, I follow Asher out of the hotel and walk to the curb to hail a taxi. My hand is high in the sky, trying to flag a car, when I turn around to see Asher standing on the sidewalk, hands in his pockets, staring at me.

“Enjoying the view?”