“Vegetarians.”
“Are those real people?I always thought they were a myth.”
He grinned.“I know, right?Them and people who don’t like coffee.”
“Weirdos.”
He started the engine and then eased out of the parking lot.“You like working for Keegan?”
“Yeah,” she replied.“It’s nice to have money.”
“It is,” he agreed.“Money is a necessary evil, unfortunately.”
“Keegan is teaching me a lot.I’m lucky I got the job because I had zero experience.”
He quickly glanced over at her.“I may have only known you a handful of hours, but I’m pretty positive you’re a fast learner.”
That pleased her.She never thought she was a vain person, but to be acknowledged as smart gave her a sense of self-pride she never realized she wanted.
Asher’s house was located on the edge of the town, kind of tucked away and hidden.As he made a left turn onto his property, the scent of rich spice and orange jolted through her.She hadn’t counted on the fact that being surrounded by his scent would make her wolf pant like she was in heat.
“Are you all right?”
“Yeah,” she replied quickly.
He didn’t reply, just pulled to a stop and turned off the engine.“Stay there.”
Asher came around to the passenger door and opened it, offering his hand to help her exit.As soon as her skin touched his, her heart took off racing.She had this weird feeling she might self-combust.
Breaking free of the befuddlement his scent caused her, she took a good look at his house and her mouth fell open.“Wow.”
The white siding offset with black trim was timeless elegance.Although one level, the roof had lift, hinting that it might have vaulted ceilings.A large gable covered the front porch.A paved stone walkway curved around the side and led to the driveway.Solar-powered lights highlighted the path.
“This way.”
The home seemed to be a hybrid of sleekly sophisticated and farmhouse chic.The roof formed the traditional peaks, but the square portico was made from metal.He unlocked the door with a touch of his thumbprint, and stood back as she walked into the spacious interior.Lights immediately came up where the warm, relaxed country style blended mismatched textures and patterns.Exposed wooden beams set in tongue and groove timber architraves and skirting boards.This was offset with French-style wall paneling, generous central fireplaces and cast-iron bracket shelving with fleur-de-lis style corbels.The kitchen held built-in cabinetry with beveled glass doors.
“This is beautiful,” she said, awed.
“Thank you,” he replied.“This place was severely run down when I bought it.I was attracted to the very large yard, as well as being close to The Unicorn and yet completely private.Have a seat at the island while I get dinner started.”
“You cook?”
“Why are you surprised at that?”
“Aren’t bachelors supposed to eat out every night and drink and have sex with women in the bathroom of a bar?”
He blinked.“What movies have you been watching?Um, no.I may own the bar, but I’ve never had sex in the bathroom.Never fuck where you work is my motto.As for food, eating out all the time isn’t very healthy.”
“Ah,” she said as she sat on one of the chairs at the island.He started chopping vegetables and prepping the steaks.As she watched, she didn’t know what to say and a note of awkwardness rose between them.
“Thirsty?”
Juni nodded.
“Soda?Beer?Water?”
“I’ll take a soda, please.It’s been a long time since I had one.”
