Page 56 of Keeping Promises

Asher:Change of plans. I’ll pick you up at the salon instead of meeting at the apartment.

That was the last I heard from Asher, and it was around lunchtime. Tonight, we are supposed to go on our first official date. Before I left for work this morning, he told me that he would meet me back at the apartment after I got off before we headed out. And it must be a Harrington thing because just like Ben was with Lexi, he has been pretty tight-lipped about the details of the date.

Asher has spent every night at my apartment since that first night letting him back in my bed. I came home the other day to the nursery fully painted, and once our friends left, I made sure to thank him properly, with my mouth. It’s been nice having him there; not only did I miss living with someone, but the free offering of orgasms is nice, too.

“Hey, Zoe, how’s it going,” the familiar voice says behind me just as I finish up sweeping up my station. A new wave of nerves washes over me as I realize it means it’s time for our first date.

“Hi, Asher. Wonderful to see you again. Here to pick up your girl?”

Your girl.I like the sound of that.I feel my cheeks warm as I blush.

“Girls, plural, don’t forget.”

My hand automatically finds its way to rest against my stomach as I grab my bag and head over to join them.That’s right, baby girl. Daddy is here to pick you up, too.

“Oh, that’s right, Hadley told me that it’s a girl. That’s so exciting. I’m one of four girls. We’re a lot of fun, although my dad always wanted a boy.”

“My apologies to your dad,” Asher laughs as I step up beside him, and he turns. “Hey.” His smile grows even wider, revealing his perfect teeth.

“Hey back” is all I get to say before he pulls me into his arms and presses his lips to mine. Kissing Asher is becoming one of my favorite pastimes. That man has one talented tongue.

“Phew, don’t mind me, guys,” Zoe laughs, reminding us we’re not alone. I begin to retreat from his hold, but Asher’s hands remain planted on my hips, so I don’t fight it and stay in his arms. Which, if I’m honest, I don’t mind at all. There is a comforting protection in being in his arms, especially after he opened up about his nightmare the other night. I settle against his chest, tucked perfectly under his chin.

“Ugh, you guys are so cute. I wish my boyfriend and I were as cute as that. But he’s not really into PDA.”

“Shall we head out?” Asher asks. His hand leaves my hip and seeks my hand, linking our fingers.

“You bet.” My smile matches his.

“Good to see you again, Zoe.” He nods toward her.

“You, too. You kids have fun tonight. Be sure to wrap it up. Oh, wait, too late, you’re already pregnant.” Asher barks out a laugh at her joke.

I mock both their giggling. I really like Zoe. I have a stronger bond with her than some of the girls who have worked here longer. I’ve sort of taken her under my wing as a little sister. Having her around makes me wish that I had a sibling when I was growing up. I can’t imagine what her life was like with three other siblings. That’s insane. But I’ve since made up for it with my friendships with Lexi, Brynn, and Cal.

“Ha, ha, ha, I’ll remember how funny you are when you ask me to get you a smoothie.” I stick my tongue out at her, and she responds the same way as I let Asher lead me out the front door.

“I must have gotten here at the perfect time because I found parking right up front.”

“Lucky you,” I smirk. Although that’s why I typically choose to Uber to work because parking can be such a bitch on this street.

Asher opens the passenger door of his car for me to get in. “With you, I’m always lucky.” He presses a quick kiss to my lips.

“Smooth, real smooth.” I wink before settling in. “So where are you taking me, Mr. Harrington?” I ask once he buckles himself in. I rest my head against the headrest, facing him. This man has one of the sexiest profiles I have ever seen. That has never been something that attracted me before, but with Asher, it does. It may be his chiseled jawline or the light dusting of facial hair along it that drives me wild. Either way, I could stare at him like this for hours.

“You’ll see, baby girl. The night has only just begun, so sit back and relax.” His words make me wonder if he is taking me out of town, similar to what Ben did with Lexi, going a few hours away for a weekend getaway, but my thoughts disappear when he takes a familiar drive through town.

As Asher pulls into the parking garage of the apartment, I’m more confused than ever. He pulls into a guest spot and turns the engine off.

“Umm, Asher. I seem to be missing something here. Why was it that I couldn’t just meet you here again?”

He smirks and winks before exiting the car. What the hell was that? Quickly, the passenger door opens as if he ran around to my side to open the door. He extends his hand to me, and I take it, allowing him to help me out of the car.

“Care to explain what’s going on?”

He shuts the door behind me and locks the car with a quickbeep beep. It’s then I notice something in his hand.

“It’ll all make sense in no time, I promise. Do you trust me?”

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