20. The Art of Not Falling
Chapter 20
The Art of Not Falling
Ori
A sh shakes his head, but his smile never falters. “Incredible observational skills you’ve got there.”
“How did you get in here?”
He points toward the door before leaning back further in the chair as his eyes travel the length of my body.
“Why are you smiling?”
Ash shrugs and bites his lip in that adorable fashion I love and hate in equal measure. “I’m admiring the view.”
I can’t be sure if it’s the cocky glint in his eye or my grumpy disposition regarding the handsome playboy, but I’m done playing coy.
I hold my arms out from my body, ensuring he can drink in every inch of me. “Can I continue changing now?”
“Please do,” he murmurs.
Don’t get me wrong—his intense, fiery gaze is definitely affecting me, but I’ll be damned if I let him know that.
The best way to handle a man like Asher Hammond? Act like his game is nothing I haven’t played before.
“Suit yourself.” With a shrug, I unbutton my pants and wriggle out of them, barely containing my delight as he leans forward, resting his chin on his hand, clearly enjoying the show.
Come on, you’d do the same damn thing.
But when his hand drops below the desk and he adjusts himself with a grunt, I opt to take it up a notch. “You okay over there?” I inquire, my tone light and innocent.
“I love having a front-row seat to this striptease.”
Typical response.
“Nothing you haven’t seen before,” I reply with a careless lift of my shoulders.
Ash gets up and walks around the desk, his boots thudding against the floor in measured steps. “Haven’t seen that bra before. The other one was purple. Fucking nice, too.”
I roll my eyes, desperate to maintain my equilibrium as he closes the distance between us. “Although I’m sure you’ve seen every variety of lingerie known to man, I was referring to what’s underneath.”
He glides his hands along my arms, sending a shot of sparks through me. “I will never tire of looking at those beauties. Most perfect tits on the face of the planet.”
Again, it’s a compliment of sorts, but I already know I have a nice rack. Besides, it’s surface fluff—an interchangeable line that works on pretty much any woman.
Well, it won’t work on me. Not anymore.
“You would know, Ash. You’ve sampled them all. Can I help you with something?”
He edges closer, leaning down to brush his lips against my ear. “You can help me with a lot of things. Where are you headed, anyway?”
Damn it, but he feels so good, his beard tickling my skin and sending a fresh wave of shivers down my spine .
I need space—desperately—between me and the small-town hottie of the year.
Shirking away from his touch, I grab the sweatshirt from my bag and pull it on. “I’m going out.”
“With Mina?”
I know lying is wrong. I know this. But after this emotional rollercoaster of a week, I’m all about self-preservation. If that means knocking Ash’s ego down a few pegs in the process, so be it.
I shrug, avoiding his gaze. “Nope.”
His expression tightens as he crosses his arms across his muscled chest. “How many dates do you have in one week?”
He did not just ask me that question.
“Excuse me?” I snap, perching on a side chair to pull on my leggings. We need to end this chat, and fast. It’s swiftly turning hazardous for my health.
He paces my office, his hands flexing as he walks. “Who is it this time? Plaid patches? Dead battery?”
I furrow my brow at the pointed questions flying from his mouth in rapid-fire succession. “What the hell are you talking about? Plaid patches?”
He halts in his pacing and turns to face me, the anger cutting lines into his face. “The fucking men you’ve been with this past week. I don’t know their fucking names, nor do I care to know them.”
Looks like Ash woke up and chose violence today. Well, I can play that game, too.
I march over to where he stands, arms crossed, and thrust two fingers under his nose. “Here are two answers for you. One, it’s none of your damn business, and two, it’s far less than your current weekly rotation. Trust me on that. ”
Ash tugs a hand through his hair, but he’s not backing down. “That’s a lie because I haven’t been on any dates this week.”
I hate playboys, but I hate liars more, especially when I’ve seen the man in action with my own two eyes. “What about your buddy, Raven? Or the little blonde outside your shop? How about the woman on the back of your motorcycle the other night? Want me to keep going?”
As soon as I speak the words aloud, I realize something. I sound a bit like a crazed stalker, knowing at least a percentage of the women Ash has hung out with in the last several days.
Then again, he seems to possess a list of my purported dates, as well.
Ash leans in, and I see the fire burning in his eyes. “What about you? There was that night at the bar with Kiki, the holiday festival where you ghosted me, and now there’s tonight. The truth is, you’ve spent all this time running from me. The only time I actually kept hold of you was when I locked us in the basement.”
I snap my fingers, recalling yet another member of Team Asher Hammond. “That’s right. I forgot about the bartender?—”
But I halt mid-sentence as his words sink in. Wait … did I hear him right?
Locked us in the basement?
Screwing my eyes shut, I freeze, shaking my head to clear it. “Hang on a second. You did what?”
Ash skews his mouth to the side as a faint hint of color climbs his cheeks. “Uh … yeah. About that night, I had a key to the basement door. ”
“You locked us in there intentionally? What if I had freaked out from being claustrophobic or something?”
“Obviously, if you’d freaked out, I would have opened the door. But I needed time alone with you without the rest of the world butting in.”
Planting my hands on my hips, I offer a defeated shake of my head. “You really needed that signature, didn’t you? Well, it worked. Congratulations.”
He reaches out, grasping my fingers. “That isn’t why, but can I ask you something?”
I stare at our intertwined hands, loving the look of his tatted digits enveloping mine. “Sure.”
“Do you regret what happened between us that night?”
Of all the questions in the world, that was not on my bingo card. Cutting my gaze to his, I shoot him a tremulous smile. “I should, right? Protect my modesty and reputation in Sparkwood, since I’m the new girl in town and you are infamous for your storied history. But I don’t regret that night. I had a good time with you.”
He cocks a brow at me. “ Just a good time?”
With a snort, I pull my hand from his grasp. “Please don’t tell me your ego needs stroking. Don’t you have enough local women to do that for you?”
“Answer the question.”
Why not give him the truth, right? It’s not like he doesn’t know how talented he is in bed.
“It was phenomenal, okay? Perfection, if you must know. But you have made it abundantly clear that you don’t agree with my opinion of that night’s events.”
“I’ve wanted you since the first day I saw you.”
“Bullshit.” I laugh out the word, knowing full well it’s a total crock, considering our initial meeting. “But thanks for the laugh.”
Ash tips my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze, dark and intense, those green eyes locking onto mine. “It’s the truth. You have the most gorgeous mouth. First thing I noticed about you. Of course, then you opened it.”
“Killing any attraction instantly.” I bite my lower lip, desperate to rein in the laughter dancing in my throat.
Hey, at least I’m smiling again. Turns out, we both are.
“Hardly. Despite your best intentions and haughtiest attitude, you were still really fucking pretty.”
There’s that line again, and I enjoy hearing it tonight just as much as I did the first time.
Ash traces his finger along the shell of my ear, once again igniting every cell in my body. Then he reaches up and pokes at the pencil wedged in my hair. “Interesting hairstyle you’ve got there.”
My temporary high crashes at his amused comment. For a second, I actually believed I was sexy and aloof. Silly me. I bet his dates never have pencils sticking out of a makeshift bun perched on their heads.
“What can I say? Library chic,” I quip, trying to mask the sting.
In other words, the polar opposite of the buxom, scantily clad hotties who warm his bed every other night.
“You have beautiful hair,” he murmurs, pulling his fingers through a loose strand. “You should wear it down more.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I arch a brow at the handsome tatted man whose body I know so well. “As much fun as I’m having with this fashion critique, I highly doubt you came over here after closing just to comment on my hair. What’s up?”
Ash shoves his hands in his pockets, rocking back on his heels. “Me and the guys are leaving tomorrow for a tattoo convention in Vegas. We’ll be gone four days.”
Ah, there’s the real reason for him stopping by.
I plop down in the chair, reaching for my socks and boots. Best to end this conversation as quickly—and painlessly—as possible. “No worries, I’ll grab your mail for you.”
“Thank you, but that’s not why I’m here.”
Okay, I give up. “Then what do you need? You have more paperwork for me to sign or something?”
He perches on the corner of my desk, his foot tapping against the floor. “Is that what you think the other night was about? Your signature?”
“You tell me. Wasn’t it?” Averting my eyes, I return my attention to lacing my boots. “That’s what your girl Raven believes, anyway. She knew the reason you slept with me.”
“She’s not my girl, and she doesn’t know a damn thing about me. My guess? She got jealous because of how I was looking at you.”
I pause, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. “How was that, exactly?”
Ash shrugs offhandedly, but a smile threatens to break across his face. “Like I wanted to devour you whole. Something like that.”
My entire body is now alight with tingles and sparks everywhere. Damn him, but that line felt so good.
So real.
Even if it’s just his schtick .
“Ugh,” I mutter, throwing in a roll of my eyes for good measure.
“What did I say now?”
“The right thing. The perfect response. As always. I swear, you’re the Pussy Whisperer or something. Every comment hits—bang—right there, with all the feels.” I motion toward my nether regions and huff out yet another sigh.
Ash doubles over, his laughter bouncing off every corner of the room. So glad I amuse him. “The Pussy Whisperer? That may be the best damn compliment I’ve ever received. I’m stealing that line.”
“Go ahead. You’ve earned it. Countless times.”
A grimace replaces his grin. Hell, I think he even winced at my words. “See? That’s the trouble. When I look at you, all I’m thinking of is you . No one else. Just you. But you look at me and see every other woman I’ve been with throughout my life. So, yes, being called the Pussy Whisperer is one hell of an ego boost, but that’s because I thought you were referring to yourself.”
And now, I feel like an asshole, even if I highly doubt the sincerity of Ash’s claim. Then again, why bother saying it at all?
I thrust out my hand, pointing toward him. “That right there is maddening. How can a man be so incorrigible, perplexing, aggravating, and adorable, all in the same breath?”
He dusts his nails along his shirt, that sexy smirk breaking across his oh-so-talented mouth. “Easy. I’m your Pussy Whisperer.”
Now, it’s my turn to fall back laughing. “You’re not lying. There, are you happy now? I’ve admitted you’re the greatest lover since the dawn of time. Anything else I can help you with this evening?”
“Yes.” Ash resumes his pacing as a noisy sigh escapes his mouth. “My entire shop knows what happened between us, not that it’s a secret.”
“Meaning, they know we got locked in together or that we slept together?”
“Both, with an emphasis on the latter.”
I chew my lower lip, shrugging in his direction. “Well, don’t look at me. I didn’t say anything. Besides, the billboard I ordered announcing our romp wasn’t set to go up for another day.”
That does it. Ash chuckles, shaking his head. “Always ready with a comeback.”
“You said yourself I have a smart mouth.”
“I said that you have a gorgeous fucking mouth. Extremely talented one, too.”
His words set my entire body tingling, but I can’t allow it. The man can’t waltz in here and say things like this, only to leave tonight with a different woman.
Not happening, cowboy.
“Why are you telling me this bit of news? You want me to refute the rumor? Calm down your legion of women?”
“No. I don’t know.” His agitation kicks into high gear again as he picks up the framed photos on my desk, one by one. “But I’d like you to be honest with me.”
“Okay.”
“Who are all these guys you’re dating?”
“What are you talking about?” Seriously, where are these supposed men? My overheated hormones would love to know.
“All the guys you’ve gone out with. Hooked up with. Whatever ,” he replies with a grimace. “I know it’s not my business, but I need to know.”
I bark out a laugh, incensed at his accusations. Who does this man think he is? “Unlike you, I’m not on a quest to be the world record holder for most screws in a week.”
“I already told you, Ori, that I haven’t been out with anyone since our night together.”
That’s enough for tonight. Storming to my office door, I throw it open, jerking my chin toward it. “Please don’t lie to spare my feelings. I saw those women with my own eyes. You’re going to tell me you weren’t sleeping with them?”
Ash holds up his hands, but doesn’t make a move toward the office door. “Raven wanted to hook up, but I said no, because I wanted to hang out with you. The bartender got a hefty tip and a wave goodnight when I left right after you. The blonde chick cried throughout her entire session and drove me nuts. Who else am I missing?”
I roll my eyes, unsure why I continue playing this game with him. “The woman on the back of your motorcycle.”
“When was that?”
“The night of the holiday fair. I live a mile up on Main Street and was checking my mail when I saw you at the light.”
I’m trying to maintain an even keel, but Ash’s behavior, combined with my bruised heart, is making that a remote possibility.
Ash narrows his gaze, running his hand over his beard as he tries to recall the woman in question. I hate knowing how delicious that beard feels against my skin.
“Jesus, are there that many women?” I bristle like a porcupine at the idea of another woman coming near him.
A fool’s errand, I know, but tell that to my emotions .
Suddenly, his face splits into a grin. “You mean Jade.”
“I don’t know her name. I’m sort of shocked you can remember them all. Wait, did you buy a planner like I suggested? Organization is key,” I grumble, the sarcasm dripping off every word.
His smile widens, and an infuriating chuckle emerges from Ash’s perfect mouth. “You’re jealous.”
The bastard. “Are we done here?”
“No, I don’t think we are.” Ash moves toward me, but I duck away, intent on maintaining space between us. “Admit you’re jealous.”
“Get out, Asher.”
He bites his lip, but another laugh escapes. “Jade is my cousin. She got stranded by her friend and needed a ride home. I helped her out because that’s what family does.”
I scan his handsome face, taking in the smirk playing on his lips and the amusement sparkling in his eyes. Part of me wants to grab him and kiss him senseless, while the other part of me is tempted to throw my cup of now cold coffee straight at his head. “I thought she was … one of your women.”
“Well, she’s not. She’s family. Glad to know you’re jealous of other women in my space, though. I was starting to worry.” He drifts a finger along my jaw, but I jerk my head away, earning another amused snort.
“Is that why you want to know about my dates?” Yes, I’m turning the tables on him and judging by the change in Ash’s expression, I’ve hit the mother lode.
“Just curious,” he mutters, averting his gaze.
Oh no, you’re not getting off that easily.
I stand under him, peering into his now petulant face. “Just curious if I’m fucking them. Is that it? ”
A muscle jumps in his jaw and I realize I’m not alone in this game. Ash is an equal player.
Now it’s my turn to snicker—at us both, honestly. “Glad to know you’re jealous of other men in my space.”
“Not sure if you’d call it jealousy.”
“What would you call it, then?”
Ash cracks his knuckles as his lips tighten into a thin line. “I’d like to have a chat with them. Back them the fuck up away from you.”
Well, I’ll be damned.
“Sounds like jealousy to me.”
Ash resumes striding across the office floor and I wonder if he’ll wear the boards out before the night is through. “Things are different since the other night. At least, they are for me. My employees are having a field day with this situation. Ribbing me mercilessly about us.”
My heart sinks at his words. “They’re making fun of me?”
“Of course not. They’re making fun of me , because I swore I couldn’t stand you, and now I’m inventing reasons to be near you.”
I bite back a smile, forcing myself to appear unaffected. “You haven’t been near me in days.”
He scrubs his face with his hands, a look of aggravation coloring his features. “I know, because I don’t want to like you, Ori.”
So much for that warm and fuzzy feeling. Pushing my glasses up my nose, I throw up my hands in resignation. “Gee, thanks. Way to make a woman feel special.”
Ash pushes the office door shut before backing me against the wall and caging me between his inked forearms. “I’m serious. You’ve messed with my brain, and now I can’t stop thinking about you. All the time . A constant loop of your beautiful face, the feeling of being inside you, how you taste. I’m going out of my mind.”
This time, the smile succeeds in breaking across my face. How can it not? I never thought I’d hear the man utter those words. “Asher Hammond, do you have a crush on me?”
Ash shakes his head, a snort of indignation rising from his chest. “Yes. Okay? I do. I have a crush on you. Fucking hell.”
I tap my finger against my mouth, fearing I might melt from the intensity of the moment. “Let me get this straight. You like me, but you don’t want to like me. You want to ignore me, but you can’t. I’m fucking with all upcoming plans with other women. Am I close here?”
Finally, those green eyes meet mine, but instead of the usual flirtatious intensity, there’s a softness lingering there. “Right on the money.”
I can’t believe he admitted it.
“Interesting.” I bite my lip, gazing up at him through my lashes. “Here’s my take on your predicament. I want you to like me, and I’m not sorry in the slightest that you do. I hope the image of us together is burned into your brain the way it’s burned into mine. As for other women, please don’t make me go to jail for killing them. I don’t look good in stripes.”
His laughter punctuates the air as he frames my face with his hands, pulling me into a fierce kiss. His tongue melds with mine in a slow, coaxing rhythm and a low groan rises from his chest as he presses his body to mine. Just like that first night, I feel the desire coursing through him. Coursing through us both .
The difference? This time, I believe it’s real.
Rising on tiptoe, I grip his shoulders, desperate to feel every inch of him. I want more. Hell, I want everything .
“Greedy little minx,” he breathes against my mouth, nibbling my lower lip. “What am I going to do with you, woman?”
With a wink, I wrap my arms around him, snuggling into his embrace. “I can think of a ton of things. I deserve it after a shitty week.”
He pulls back to shoot me a confused look. “What happened?”
“ You happened, Asher Hammond. After all your women?—”
“They’re not my women,” he grunts.
“I only learned that piece of information five minutes ago. I spent the last week ruminating on it. Trust me, my head wasn’t a good place to be.”
“Time to get you out of your head, so whatever bullshit plans you have tonight, you’re canceling them.”
“Am I?” I ask, giggling when he buries his head against my neck.
“Yep. You’re spending the night with me in our favorite basement. Trust me, I will make this week end on a high note.” He drags his tongue along my skin, delivering a series of gentle nips to my throat.
“Don’t you dare leave another mark.”
“No promises,” he murmurs, his teeth raking against my flesh. “Go ahead. Cancel your plans.”
“Why would I do that?” My voice is low as my fingers trace along the planes of his chest, desperate to rip every stitch of clothing from his body .
Ash meets my gaze with a cocky smile. “Simple. Because you like me—a whole fucking lot.”
Truer words have never been spoken, and it’s an idea that equally terrifies and excites me.
“Is that a fact?” I ask with a roll of my eyes.
“Yes, but I like you even more than that. Okay?”
That settles it. My heart doesn’t stand a chance.
I flash him a coy grin while trailing my nails across his cock, earning a grunt of approval as he bucks against my hand. “You have the key this time?”
He smirks at me. “I had a key the last time, remember?”
I hold out my palm. “Give it here.” When he hands me the key, I tuck it into my bra. “This time, I’m locking you in.”
“Woman, I’d go willingly.”
God, I love how that sounds so damn much.
“Let me call Mina.”
Ash’s eyes widen. “Wait a damn minute. Is that who your plans were with?”
I motion to my outfit. “You think this is appropriate attire for a date night?”
He chuckles, running a hand across his jaw. “She didn’t say a word. Give me your phone. I’ll break the news to her.”
“It’s on the desk.”
Ash captures me in another heady kiss before grabbing my phone. “Hey Mina, it’s Ash. Here’s the thing. I’m stealing your boss for the night. We have some very important negotiations to go over and her sexy ass will be tied up for hours.”
My mouth drops open as he hands me the phone. “You know she’s going to be all over that statement, right? There is no way I can hide this from her now.”
Ash shrugs. “Let’s give them something to talk about.”
“Fine, but make it amazing, because you owe me.” I smile as he steals another kiss, knowing I’m a marshmallow against this man.
“Let the Pussy Whisperer work his magic.”
I snort out a laugh at his cocky aside. “Do you think another night of great sex is going to cure what ails me?”
“It’s a damn fine start, but then, after I get back from the convention, I have another plan.”
“Really?”
He wraps his fingers around my wrist, pressing a soft kiss to my pulse point. “Have dinner with me, then I’ll get my fill of dessert.”
I cock a brow at him. “You mean a date?”
“Yes.”
A shiver races down my spine and I’m sure he feels my pulse bounding against his lips. “You don’t date.”
“First time for everything, Ori.” Ash sighs, but the happiness on his face is evident. “And for you, I’d try anything.”