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CHAPTER SIX
Liam
“Let me get this straight. An hour ago, maybe less, this woman is your worst nightmare, here to ruin your life and everything in it. Now you’re carrying her around, cuddling her up like you two are honeymooners.” Ian rustled through the fridge, settling on some questionable leftover Thai food.
“She fell, and I felt bad about it. I don’t like what she’s doing to my image, but I don’t want her to get hurt.” I took a long drink from the wineglass that I’d abandoned before we left for the club. The peppery merlot burned my throat as I choked it down.
Ian’s face twitched as he resisted a grin. “I noticed you swooping in like some kind of hero.”
I didn’t stop the growl that slipped out. But I also couldn’t explain why I had done it either. Ian was enjoying this far too much.
“I didn’t realize you making fun of me was a part of our contract.” I looked pointedly at the styrofoam in his hands. “And that is from almost two weeks ago. I’d stop while I was ahead if I were you.”
Ian sputtered, face pale as he grabbed the bottle of red wine off the counter and poured a generous amount straight into his mouth. Swishing it in his mouth as he glared at me.
I smiled. Served him right for going through my stuff. “I didn’t think you liked red wine. That’s an expensive bottle you are chugging.”
Ian kept glaring. I knew it was all bark and no bite, which made the whole thing all the better. I didn’t let many people in. My inner circle was pretty small to begin with. Even fewer were allowed to call me out so hard. Ian O’Malley being one of those.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures.” He gasped, swallowing loudly. “So what now? You keep your pretty consultant over for a slumber party? Good luck explaining that.”
“We can chat in the morning, when we are sober and not limping. I’m sure she has a plan. From what I can tell, the woman has a solution for every freaking thing I do in my life. You should’ve seen her that day in the office. You would’ve loved her. She flat-out scolded me in front of half the board members.” I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips as I recounted the memory of her standing there, squared up against me. I’d known at that moment that she was more than a fair match for whatever I could throw at her. And again tonight, she’d called me out hard then left me somehow kneeling in front of her by my bedside.
She was taking me over, I could feel it. She’d promised she would, but the reality was somehow less invasive than I’d pictured. I couldn’t force myself to be upset about it. Maybe tomorrow after the drinks and music had slipped from my mind.
“And now she’s in your house. In your bedroom, to be more exact,” Ian reminded me.
I groaned. “I took her here to make sure she was okay before she goes home.”
Ian pointed at me, his eyes narrowed. As my oldest friend and the best man I knew, he was more than capable of telling me the truth in any situation. I braced myself.
“Don’t screw this up, Liam. She’s here to do a job. To get you yours, the one that you’ve nearly broken yourself in fucking two to get. And whatever you say, I saw that dress. She was clearly capable of keeping your attention in and out of your office.”
“Keep your eyes to yourself. She’s not that kind of girl.” I couldn’t help the threatening grittiness that stole into my voice.
Ian raised his dark-red brows at my tone. “Easy there. I was just saying that Ashlyn Grove is no amateur. She’s a professional, and you should treat her like one. By staying away.”
I sighed and raked my hands through my hair. “I know. And as far as she’s concerned, I’m a spoiled workaholic slut who never had to work for anything.”
He guffawed. “I can’t decide if she knows you too well or not well enough.”
I chuckled as well. “You and I both.” I hesitated, rubbing my chest. I’m sure she will be more than capable of spitting insults at me tomorrow morning, as she was earlier tonight. The only difference is that I’ll know if she snores or not.”
We both paused as the faint sound of a shower being turned on reached us. I ducked my head around Ian, looking down the hall.
“Is she…?” I started, and then my voice cracked. “Is she taking a shower in my room?”
Ian slapped me on the shoulder. “That’s my cue. I’m out of here.”
I ducked my chin to my chest, begging and bargaining with any of the gods that might be listening to give me strength. The first woman I’d brought to my home in years was currently naked, dripping in water, and in my bedroom.
This night kept getting more interesting.
I made myself wait for an entire ten minutes after the shower turned off. I sat there at the breakfast bar, my feet crossed under the chair as I stared down at my phone and watched the minutes tick by.
Ten minutes later, I had decided. Swiping through my social media.
Nine would seem too eager.
