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“Uh . . .” I murmur again. I have no idea what to do, so I just stand there, looking like an idiot.
Asher peers in and sees Charles sitting in the living room with a glass of wine. I’m suddenly very aware of the scene in front of me. Even the lights have been dimmed.
“What’s going on?”
“I’m sorry, Ash. I forgot and invited Charles over for dinner.”
“Your boss?” His tone is sharp.
“Yes.” I shut the door, stepping out into the hallway with Asher.
“Why can’t I come in?” he asks, narrowing his eyes. “Am I interrupting more than a work dinner?”
“No. I just... shit,” I say, opening the door back up and swinging my hand forward to motion Asher in.
“Asher, this is Charles. Charles, this is my best friend, Asher. Wait... you already met in the cafeteria. Never mind, I forgot,” I say, completely flustered.
Asher looks at me. “Is something going on between you two?”
His question hits like a dagger to the heart, catching me off guard and throwing me backward. This is not how I wanted things to play out with Asher.
I’m not even sure how to answer that. We’d decided to keep things on the down low, and with Charles sitting right here, I’m not sure I can be honest.
“Uh, well... It’s just...” I trail off.
Asher raises his eyebrows at me. “It’s just what, Raven?”
“Don’t keep the man in suspense, love,” Charles says, making his way toward us.
I grimace at the look in Asher’s eyes.
“What about the date we went on?”
Asher sounds hurt, and it’s breaking my heart.
“What date?” Charles asks, pulling me into his side.
“It wasn’t a date,” I say to Charles and turn to Asher. “It wasn’t a date.”
When I repeat the words, Asher looks like I’ve struck him.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he snaps.
“Asher, I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you.”
“That’s why you agreed to meet up? You wanted to explain to me that you’re seeing your boss? Fuck, Raven. Fuck!” he yells, raising the bottle of wine to his forehead. “I can’t believe you.”
“Ash, please. You’re my best friend. I—”
“You’re sleeping with your boss,” he bites. “Who are you even?”
Charles takes a threatening step forward, and my hand flies out, hitting his chest to halt his progression.
“I don’t bloody care who you are. You won’t speak to Raven like that. Not while I’m here.”
“And who the fuck do you think you are?” Asher says through his teeth.
Charles takes a deep breath. “Listen, mate, go home. When you've calmed down, you two can have this conversation peacefully.”
