Page 31 of Never Bed the Boss
3. Marry Delilah.
4. Start a family with Delilah.
5. Cherish every day I have with Delilah.
6. Never give up on Delilah.
The list goes on and on, but the message leads to the same conclusion I’ve come to: I’ve been a fool for doubting how deep his love for me is. I just hope I’m not too late.
I look up and see a figure standing in the doorway. My heart leaps into my throat but when it steps into the light, I swallow.
“He’s not here,” Adrian says.
My shoulders, along with my head, drop as I fall against the chair.
“He’s at the Ridgway,” he says. “Waiting for you,” he adds a few moments later. “And I have to warn you, he’s a mess. ”
“I…” I don’t know what to say. As much pain as Asher caused me, I’ve inflicted just as much if not more to him.
“But don’t worry,” Adrian says. “He’ll recover the moment he sees you.”
I glance at Adrian. “What?”
“I’ve never seen him like this. And I’ve known him a long time. He loves you more than anything in his life. More than this company.”
“Did he make you tell me that?”
He snorts. “That man can’t make me do anything. I’m as stubborn as he is.” He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I gave him an ultimatum. Get out of town and get his head right or the board would remove him from the company. He didn’t flinch when he kissed the company goodbye. All he wants is you.”
The lump in my throat makes it painful to swallow. I sit for a few moments, taking Adrian's words in, and then, as though something else takes over me, I jump out of the chair and damn near knock Adrian over as I sprint to the elevator, wasting no more time.
I’m going to get my man.
I strideinto the lobby of the Ridgeway Hotel feeling like a completely different person from the one who stumbled into this extravagant lobby months ago. Eyes aren’t on me. They never were. It was all in my head. But now there’s only one thing on my mind, and as I glance around the lobby, I see it.
I see Asher.
My heart sinks. Adrian wasn’t wrong. He’s a mess. But I hope that’s not the only thing he’s not wrong about. I hope I can piece Asher back together.
I walk slowly over to him, but then stop as I pass by the stool that started this whole thing. I smile, remembering that fateful day. Thatnight.Whew. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to forget it. And I hope I can have even more memorable nights and days with Asher.
I walk to the stool and slide onto it.
“What can I get you?” The bartender asks. She’s not the same one from that first night, but she’s just as gorgeous. My previous statement stands. I’m sure that this hotel hires models.
“Surprise me,” I say, and she retreats a few moments later.
If this plays out the way I hope, it won’t matter what I order. I glance surreptitiously to my right and immediately, butterflies flutter in my chest and stomach. Asher’s staring at me. He’s talking to the bartender.
I turn my head, cheeks red-hot.Everythingis red-hot. It’s good to know that Asher’s effect on me is just as strong. I pull out Asher’s bucket list from my pocket, trying to focus on something other than his intense gaze on me. It feels more piercing than usual, and I like it.
I take out my pen, crossing off a few entries on his list. Before I have time to add one, the bartender returns, sliding a glass in front of me.
I grab the glass, eyeing it as I turn it in my hand. Cold and clear. And when I bring it to my lips, I smile.
“Surprised?” the woman asks.
“Not at all.”
