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“He said nothing to me.” Hayden considered telling him about the bruise on his face, but he knew it wasn’t his place to tell anyone. That would be Ashok’s decision. “He’s coming by later. I’m taking him to Sealand so he can grab a few things, and then I’m bringing him back here. I think he is going to drop in and watch a few lessons until I close up here.”
“What do you think of him?” Seb’s question came out of the blue.
“I don’t really know. I only spent an evening with him.”
Seb looked thoughtful, and Hayden wondered what was going through his mind.
“What? You’re regretting your decision to take him on?” Hayden couldn’t believe they’d do that to Ashok after just employing him.
“No, God no.” Seb looked shocked by his question. “He was the best candidate by far. He came alive when he danced, and the kids loved him when he took the class. I just wonder if he’s in the right frame of mind. Moving up quickly like that, there must be something more to it.”
“I’m sure there’s an explanation. He said he was tired from all the travelling. It really could be as simple as that. You’ll have to ask him when you see him later.” Hayden stood. He really needed to start work. “I have to get back, though. I’ve only just come in.”
“Of course, sorry. I was going into the studio early. Joe had an early meeting, and I can never go back to sleep. I’ve got some new dances in my head I need to get out, so it seems like an ideal time to do it. Send Ashok round when he’s done.”
“Yeah, will do. Have fun. Oh, and talking of fun, we should have another night out. It’s been a while.” A fair few months actually, and it’d be good to get together before the business of Christmas was upon them.
“Text me and let Dom know too. I could do with a night out. Perhaps we should invite Ashok as well. He only knows us.”
With a cursory wave, Seb swept out of the coffee shop to his studio next door, and Hayden returned to the counter and the queue of customers.
Hayden didn’t have a chance to check his phone. The shop was busy. There was a local farmers market nearby and Wednesdays were often his busiest day, so he was surprised when he looked up and checked the time. It was almost one.
Shit! He was going to be late, and while he’d left his number for Ashok, he’d failed to get his number.
Seb would have it, but he didn’t have time to stop by and ask him.
“Angela, can you cover me for about an hour? I need to go pick up Ashok.”
“It’s fine. Go. We’ll manage until you get back.” Angela shooed him away, and he went back into his office to collect his keys and phone.
There were no messages on his phone, so he assumed there’d been no change in plans. He let himself into the house fifteen minutes later to silence. Had Ashok left already?
A noise from upstairs, and Hayden watched as Ashok came down. Gone were the leggings and hoodie, replaced by snug-fitting jeans and a pair of brightly coloured trainers. His hair was once again pulled up into a messy bun on the top of his head, wisps of hair framing his face. The bruises were no longer on show and, peering as much as he dared, Hayden could see the make-up covering the imperfection on his sculpted face.
An almost ethereal beauty replaced the tiredness Ashok had worn last night. Handsome didn’t do him justice. It was far more than that. Hayden shifted uncomfortably as Ashok’s large brown eyes captured his, a warm look quickly replaced by a hard stare. Seemed he was back with his attitude.
“I thought you’d forgotten me. You said one; it’s a quarter past. I was about to leave.”
Hayden’s hackles rose. The fucking nerve of the guy!
“We were busy. You’re lucky I’m here at all,” Hayden said through gritted teeth.
Ashok snorted before sauntering down the remaining steps and out of the front door without a backward glance. Hayden watched him shiver slightly in the cold air and looked on smugly. He wore a sensible jacket, not a ridiculously thin, short coat like Ashok wore. No wonder he’d shivered.
He followed him out, locking the front door behind him and climbing into the driver’s seat. Feeling slightly sorry for Ashok, he reached across and turned on the heated seat. Times like this, he was glad he’d paid extra for that little luxury. By the time they arrived at their destination, Ashok’s arse and back would be toasty and warm.
The silence in the car was deafening. Hayden thought they’d made some headway last night. Ashok had seemed almost friendly, but maybe he had just been too tired for attitude.
“Seb was asking after you. Said he couldn’t get hold of you last night.”
“I was asleep. I turn off my phone else it’s too much distraction. I’ve already messaged him, though. He said you told him I’d be dropping by later.”
“I did. I thought that’s what we’d agreed.”
“We did.”
Hayden could feel his temper rising, but by now, they’d arrived at the retail park and he pulled up outside the computer store.
