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I’m aware this is a dangerous move, especially because we arranged to meet in her apartment to discuss her essay.
That means we’ll be alone, in private, just the two of us…
Will I be able to stop myself? Do I want to stop myself?
Guilt jabs at me as I drive to the real estate office in the city.
When I told Autumn she could stay in my apartment, I meant my apartment. But then she looked at me like I was going too far, and I quickly invented the story about having two apartments. I couldn’t stand the idea of her living in that rundown block, with Declan lurking outside, thinking he has any power over her.
If I told her I was going to rent a new place for her, today, she’d know something was up. She’d know that my feelings for her go far beyond playing the Good Samaritan.
As I drive, I call my agent on speakerphone. I’ve been with Lex ever since I entered the world of entertainment. He handles my book deals, public appearances, TV shows, everything. He’s the most resourceful man I know.
“Asher,” he says, sounding like he’s out of breath. “What’s up?”
“Are you running?” I ask.
He chuckles. “Yep. But you know me, always on call.”
I smirk. It’s the truth. Lex’s work ethic is legendary.
“I need some help with something,” I tell him. “Something non-history-related.”
As well as being my agent, Lex is one of my closest friends. We met when we were both in our early twenties and we were buddies long before he ever represented me. That’s why I can tell he’s curious just from the way he laughs, sort of suspicious.
“Okay… You’re not going to ask me to become a drug dealer or something, are you?”
“Ha, ha,” I grunt. “No, I need a suggestion for a private investigator. With the number of people you represent, I’m sure you’ve had cause to use one from time to time.”
“You’re right about that.” He slows down, gathering his breath. “I’ve had to look into my fair share of stalkers and creeps over the years. What’s wrong? A fan giving you a hassle?”
“No, but I need to look into someone. Declan Phelps. Hell, that’s all the information I have right now. I should’ve asked more. But…”
But I was distracted by my woman.
I was too busy thinking of all the ways we could make each other happy.
But being close to her floods my mind with absorbing thoughts.
“Asked who?” Lex says.
“Her name’s Autumn. She’s…”
I pause, wondering how to describe her. But Lex can read me as easily as I can read him, even over the phone.
“A girlfriend?” Lex asks, sounding like he’s just discovered I’ve grown a second head. “Hold on a second, Asher. Are you telling me that the man who has been fielding advances from beautiful women for years has finally found a girlfriend?”
I chuckle. He’s not wrong. I’ve had plenty of chances over the years to find a partner or even have a one-night stand. And he’s right about the beautiful part… Well, he’s right that other men would find them beautiful.
None of them compare to Autumn, with her shy smile and the spark of sassiness that sometimes comes into her eyes, with her body that has me almost ready each and every second I think of her.
“Asher?”
“Yeah, I’m here. I was just thinking…”
“About Autumn?”
“Yeah.”
He pauses. “Listen. If you don’t want to tell me what’s going on, that’s fine. We can get more information from Autumn and look into this Declan guy no problem. But if you want to talk this out, I’m here.”
“Talk what out?” I ask as I come to a stop at a red light.
I glance at the clock, knowing I need to hurry up. I have to find an apartment before nightfall – a good apartment – and get Autumn moved in. Luckily, I’ve got the funds that will speed up the process, but that won’t help if everyone has gone home.
“Come on,” Lex says. “Something’s going on here. I haven’t heard you sound like this, well, ever.”
“How do I sound?”
“Like you care about this girl if you want the truth. Now don’t go accusing me of getting all lovey-dovey, but you clearly care about her. Who is she?”
As the light turns green and I move the car forward, I begin to tell Lex everything. I don’t mean to, but it’s so difficult to keep it all bottled up. Maybe Lex will tell me how crazy I’m being, that I need to stop, that I’ve completely lost my mind.
“Any thoughts?” I say once I’m done.
I’ve told him about meeting her on the field trip, about reconnecting with her in the restaurant, about seeing her today. I explain about the closeness we shared, but I don’t give him the specifics about Autumn and Declan’s history.
I don’t want to betray her trust.
