“Yeah. A coffee sounds good right now,” I spoke as I tucked my hands into my pants pockets. “I meant to give you a call, but the week has been crazy busy.”
“A call? About what?”
“I would like to thank you for everything you’ve done by taking you to dinner one night.”
“Mr. Remington, that’s not necessary.”
“Do you remember when I told you to call me Asher? Because I’d prefer it if you did.”
“Right. Asher, that’s not necessary.”
“I feel it is. Please just let me thank you properly.”
We approached Starbucks and I opened the door for her. Surprisingly, there were only two people in line.
“If you insist. I’d love to have dinner with you.”
“Okay. How about tomorrow night?”
“Can I help you?” the barista behind the counter interrupted us.
“A Venti Cold Brew with coconut milk, two stevia and one pump mocha,” Everly spoke.
“And for you, sir?”
“A Tall Flat White with almond milk and two stevia.”
When she gave me the total, I pulled out my wallet and Everly scanned her phone.
“I got it,” she said.
“I was going to pay for us.” I furrowed my brows at her.
“It’s fine. I want the stars. Now I have enough for a free drink next time.” She grinned.
“Well, in that case, thank you.”
“You’re welcome, and tomorrow night is fine.”
“Great. How about I pick you up around seven o’clock?”
“Seven is good.”
We grabbed our coffees and walked out the door.
“I need to get back to the office,” I said.
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow, Asher.” The corners of her mouth curved upward.
“See you tomorrow, Everly.” I gave her a nod as I turned left and headed back to the office.
The truth was I did want to thank her, but I wasn’t finished with her just yet. I was going to get the truth one way or another of how she knew my father.
11
Everly
“How do I look?” I asked Diana as I stared at myself in the mirror.
“Beautiful, fabulous, sexy, all of the above.” She smiled.
“Thanks. Are you sure this dress is okay?”
“Everly, it’s perfect. Did he say where he’s taking you?”
“No.”
“Do you KNOW where’s he taking you?” She let out a laugh.
“Actually, I don’t. Can I tell you something?” I grabbed hold of her hand and led her to the edge of the bed.
“Of course. You can tell me anything.”
“I’ve seen him.” I bit down on my bottom lip.
“What do you mean?”
“I had a dream where he’s in bed with—”
“OH!” Her eyes widened. “And?”
“Let’s just say he’s very skilled and sexy.”
She brought her hands up to her ears and covered them.
“He’s my boss! I can’t be getting that image in my head.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” I got up from the bed.
“Are you saying you’d sleep with him if he asked you?”
“Of course.” I smirked. “I’d be stupid not to. Besides, it’s only sex. But it won’t happen. He thinks I’m weird and crazy.”
“He’s a man and you’re a beautiful woman. Trust me, I’m sure he’s going to try.”
“I hope he does.” I grinned as I grabbed my purse and walked out of the bedroom. “His car just pulled up so I’m going to head down there.”
“Have fun and try to keep your pheromones under control.” Diana let out a light laugh.
“I can’t make any promises.” I gave her a wink as I walked out the door.
When the elevator door opened to the lobby, Asher was standing there, and a look of shock swept across his face when he saw me.
“I was just coming up to get you.” His brows furrowed.
“I thought I’d save you the trip.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
“You look great.”
“Thanks.” I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks.
When we stepped outside, Damien stood there holding the car door open.
“Good evening, Everly.” He smiled as he gave a slight nod.
“Good evening, Damien.”
I climbed in first and Asher slid in next to me.
“I thought we would have dinner at the restaurant inside my hotel. The food is excellent, and you didn’t really have a chance to eat it the last time you were there.”
“That’s because someone kicked me out of their suite.” I smirked.
“I know and honestly, I won’t apologize for that. You made it a very stressful night.”
“Yeah. I seem to have a habit of stressing people out. Not all, but some.” I sighed.
As soon as the car pulled up to the hotel, Asher stepped out and extended his hand to me. It was best I didn’t take it.
“Thanks, but I don’t need help.”
“Are you sure?” His brows furrowed at me.
“I’m sure. See.” I grinned as I stepped out of the car without his help.
We entered through the large revolving door of The Remington Hotel and made our way to the elegant five-star restaurant called Bliss.
“Good evening, Mr. Remington. Follow me and I’ll take you to your table.”
We followed the blonde hostess with the big brown eyes towards the back of the restaurant. I could feel the light touch of his hand on the small of my back and my body trembled, for I’d always found that sexy. We were seated in a private booth. An intimate spot where privacy wasn’t an issue.
“Here are your menus. Franco will be right over to serve you.”
“Thank you.” Asher smiled at the young hostess.
Within a few moments, Franco walked over to the table and poured us each a glass of water.
“Welcome back, Mr. Remington. What may I bring you to drink?”
“Everly?” Asher gestured.
“I’ll have a glass of Pinot Grigio, please.”
“And for you, Mr. Remington?”
“Just bring the whole bottle.”
After Franco brought our wine, we placed our order and handed him our menus. Asher picked up his glass and held it up to me.
“Thank you, Everly, for everything.”
“I was only the messenger.” I smiled as I tapped my glass against his.
“The messenger. Right.” He slowly nodded his head. “Now that everything is over with, why don’t you just tell me how you and my father knew each other.”
“Why is it so hard for you to accept the truth?” I asked as I took a sip of my wine.
“Because your truth isn’t the truth. It doesn’t exist. I’ve read articles and I know people who claim what you do are total fakes. They’re scam artists who prey on people who are desperately seeking answers in their life.”
“You’re right. There are people out there who are complete fakes.”
“So I’ll ask you again. How did you know my father?”