Page 30 of Never Bed the Boss
Josie pushes away from the table with a sigh. “A whirlwind romance like that wasn’t meant to last,” she says finally. “The brighter you burn, the quicker you die, and our love burned brighter than any other.”
I want to cry. Throughout the story, I’d been comparing what she found to what was happening between me and Asher. Why is she telling me this?”
“At least,” she says, “That’s what I thought at the time.” She sighs, moving around the table and collecting our plates. “I’ve lived a long time since then. I’ve been with plenty of other men too, but never have I found what I had in that single month no matter how hard I searched.”
She sets her hand on my shoulder.
“Heartbreak is hell, Lilah, but I’d trade my regrets for it any day. I’ve found that life doesn’t give second chances often.” Shebrings the plates to the sink and turns on the water, shutting it off a few seconds later. “Don’t make the same mistake.”
When I wakeup the next day after another night of failing miserably to sleep, Josie’s warning still rings in my ears. I blink and I see that look on her face. Her eyes staring at me. Pained. I feel their pain. I’m living it right now, and if I don’t do something about it’s guaranteed never to leave me.
I know what Asher did was wrong, but his intentions were good. He wasn’t trying to buy my love—he was trying to show me his by doing what came naturally to him. Solving problems with money and cold logic. But he had no idea he already found the solution. Caring for me. Making me feel so damn loved and desired and happy that I could burst. The only thing I’ve ever wanted from him was his heart. Him. The way I feel when I’m around him. It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before, and this last month is enough for me to realize that I can’t go on without him in my life.
And I’m no saint in all of this. I stole from him first, and I’m lucky that he looked past it, even though he never received the watch. That doesn’t sit well with me, and I’m going to make a stop at the Ridgway Hotel before seeing Asher.
After finally getting properly dressed for the first time in weeks, I leave my apartment and knock on Josie’s door. I hardly knock once before she opens the door, her favorite shawl draped over her shoulders, a knowing look on her face.
She draws me into a hug before I have the chance to say anything.
“Thanks,” I whisper against her, the scent of fresh-baked bread lingering in the air.
“Go get him,” she says, patting me on my back.
“I will,” I say.
Although I’m not sure how. I’ve ignored him for so long that I’m not sure he wants anything to do with me. As I head for the elevator, Josie stops me.
“I forgot about this,” she says, handing me the access card to Asher’s elevator. “I almost threw it away when he gave it to me, but that wasn’t a choice for me to make. I’m not sure what it is but he said you would.”
I grab it, smiling. “I do. And thanks. For everything. It’s meant more than you know having you with me through this.”
She readjusts her shawl. “I’ll have a fresh batch of cookies for you if things go sideways. Although if he’s the man I think he is, I’m not sure I’ll see you for a while.”
She winks at me and I laugh.
I hope she’s right.
Nerves swellin my chest and stomach as I swipe the card and press the button for Asher’s penthouse. I’m not sure what I’m going to say. I’m not sure what I’m going to do. Is he going to be happy to see me? I don’t know. I’ve been second-guessing myself. But when the doors open and I can smell the scent of his cologne in the air, everything feels right.
“Asher,” I call out tentatively as my footfalls echo in the open room.
There’s no response, and as I look around, everything is exactly as I left it weeks ago. Even his clothes are in the same place on the floor.
“Asher,” I call out again but again, there’s no response.
My chest is tight as I head to his bedroom. The bed’s unmade, but he’s not there. There’s a hint of perfume. Floral. The same kind I wear. But my heart sinks when I find women’s clothes hanging in his closet. I don’t want to believe it. There’s no way he’s moved on. It doesn’t make sense.
I shake off the feeling, knowing there has to be another explanation. Swiping my card in the elevator, I push the button for his floor. He must be in his office already.
But when I push open the door, the office is empty. My legs feel like lead as I walk toward Asher’s desk. I sink into his chair, the scent of him strong on the leather cushion. I breathe him in, hoping with every ounce of my being that he walks through that door. Maybe he’s out grabbing coffee. Meeting a client. Something.
I lay my head down on the desk. It’s enough to move his mouse and wake his computer up from sleep. I look at his screen, unlocked and open to a single document titled: My Bucket List
I scan the list, reading it multiple times, my heart thumping harder each time. The women’s clothes in his apartment are meant for me. Asher is meant for me—it’s all here.
1. Become a better man for Delilah.
2. Prove my love for Delilah.
