Page 48 of Addiction

“It’s mostly down to Asher. I’m just a silent partner as I’m sure he’s informed you.”

“A silent partner who hasn’t stayed very silent since this all began,” I add.

“Someone has got to keep your ass in line.” Mark grins.

“Well, I’ll look forward to seeing it all up and running. In the meantime, I’ll head off and let you two talk business. Nice to meet you, Mark.”

“Likewise.”

Theo turns to me, gripping my shoulder. “I’ll see you soon. And remember, I’m always here to talk, no matter the time or the issue.”

“Thanks, Theo. Don’t forget to grab a box of brochures on the way out.”

He heads off down the stairs right before Mark turns to me, his eyes full of concern. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything is great. I’d just invited Theo down. I’ve been talking about this place so much I thought it would be nice for him to see it in person.”

“Is he impressed?”

“Very. Why are you here?”

He lifts the paperwork from under his arm. “I’ve had a look at the potential employees you gave me.”

“Does anyone stand out to you?” We turn to head back to my office, a room that right now only consists of a chair and a battered-out table until my desk arrives.

“Tia is a great candidate. Her involvement with personal training and nutrition is excellent, and I think having a female around the place will be beneficial.”

“I agree,” I say, picking up the paperwork we’ve both looked over and scanning them once more.

“Logan ticks all the boxes for the boxing side of things once he gets back from vacation. But more importantly, why the hell is Wade not on this list?”

My stomach tightens at the sound of his name, but I continue to look at the papers. Being home has had its challenges in more ways than you can imagine. But through the darkness, there is growth, and one thing that is developing a lot faster than I ever imagined is my friendship with Wade.

I haven't got around to it yet because a part of me has no intention of asking him. Having Wade in my life as a friend is one thing, but working with him would be another. Not only do I not want to jeopardize our friendship, but that underlying attraction I have for him often has a way of taking over more than I want it to. I have to keep a distance between us.

“I haven’t got around to asking him,” I lie.

"Well, it's a good job I have then,"

My head snaps up. "What?"

"I saw Wade with Nora and Ava yesterday and I asked him."

"Why the hell have you done that?” I growl as frustration builds deep within me. “I was sorting it."

"Were you, though?”

“Yes. I’ve been looking at other candidates.”

“Why, when there’s one we already know.”

“Wade may not even want the job!”

“That doesn’t mean he can’t be asked. The gym opens in a couple of weeks, Asher, and we need a physical therapist. Why are you making this an issue?”

“I’m not!” I bark. Regretting my actions, I let out a heavy breath, knowing I can’t get out of this one even if I try. “I’m not making this an issue. I just don’t think Wade is our only option.”

I drop the papers on the desk and turn back to the small window to look at the floor below. What answers can I give him other than the fact that every time I look at Wade, my damn heart beats faster? Having him here, in my space, deeper in my life, will only confuse me more, which is the biggest fucking contradiction because I can’t seem to stay away from him either.