Seven #2
“You grabbed a drink—with Nadia? Who are you and what have you done with my antisocial best friend? You never drink.” He laughed. “And you never get involved with women.”
“She needed someone to talk to. Don’t overthink it.”
“Wait, wait, wait. You’re serious? You’ve actually been spending time with Nadia?”
“Yes, Nadia! It’s nothing personal.” Total bullshit. It was the most personal connection he ever shared with a woman.
Asher held up his hands. “Look, I’m the last person qualified to give relationship advice.
The fact that I wake up beside the woman of my dreams every day still boggles my mind.
But you are talking about Nadia, the exotic, Hungarian dancer you could barely breathe around when I dragged—literally dragged—you to her class. You’re involved with her?”
“It isn’t a relationship. I’m helping her out. That’s it.”
His friend looked truly confused. “Come on, Elliot. I was in love with my wife since high school. Do you think I’m going to judge you for caring about Nadia? You wouldn’t grab a drink with her if it was just a philanthropic gesture.”
He shifted uncomfortably. “This is what I didn’t want.
My feelings are irrelevant. She’s in a tight spot and could use some help.
What’s a trip to Hungary for me? Nothing.
But it’s everything to her. She wouldn’t go unless I convinced her I was already going on business and had an extra, non-refundable ticket. ”
Asher’s eyes widened. “You lied to her?”
Not just about that either. He was likely developing an ulcer from the weight of his guilt. First playing hooky and now the trip. But he swore that was the last of the lies. From here on he’d be nothing but honest with her.
And Asher was the last person who should throw stones at glass houses. “Like you can talk.”
“Yeah, but you saw where my lies got me. Elliot, you’re the most honest person I know—painfully so.”
“It’s only a lie if I’m not there on business. If Hunter would set up a damn meeting this wouldn’t be an issue.”
Sitting back, Asher crossed his arms. “You could take the Noki guys out to lunch. That’s easy.” Seeming to consider their options he tilted his head. “It’s noble, what you’re doing for her, taking her to see her sick relative.”
He didn’t want the gesture to go to his head. He wasn’t doing it for any sort of recognition. He was simply doing it because she took care of him like he was on his deathbed yesterday and he wanted to do something nice for her in return.
Plus, he knew what it was like to lose a parent. She obviously loved this aunt very much. It was only right she got to say a proper goodbye.
“She’s nice. I wanted to help her. I don’t expect anything in return.”
Asher held up his hands. “Hey, I’ve known Nadia a while now. She’s a very sweet person. From what Steve says she’s really tight with her family. It has to be difficult for her with half of them on the other side of the world.”
He frowned. “Steve, your trainer? How do they know each other?”
“I think they used to date. Sometimes she teaches Zumba at his gym.”
“Nadia dated Steve?” His mind filled with images of the other man, a total contrast to himself. The guy was cut from granite, towering, and—from what Elliot could recall—a decent person. “Why did they break up?”
“I’m not even sure I have the facts straight. Maybe they were just friends—”
“Well, you should really know the difference before you go spouting off accusations,” he snapped.
The thought of Steve touching Nadia was a lot more threatening than a guy like Ian. Steve was … smart enough to own his own business, good looking, and successful.
Jesus, his tie was choking him.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” he barked. “Scarlet likes Steve, doesn’t she?”
“I think you’re missing the point here, Elliot.”
“Does she like him or not, Asher?”
“Yeah, but why does that matter? She met Steve during the whole Mr. Stone debacle and he was good to her when I … wasn’t.”
“Can you find out why he and Nadia broke up?”
“Elliot, I think you’re focusing too much on the irrelevant. Who cares if they have a past? Nadia’s beautiful. I’m sure there are lots of men—”
“Get out.”
“What?”
“Get out. I’m not discussing this. Forget what I told you and don’t mention it to Jet or Hunter. I’ll schedule my own meetings and handle everything myself.”
“Why are you suddenly pissed off?”
He didn’t have a clue, but at the moment he wanted to throw something. “I just have a lot of work to do and I’m going to miss next week dealing with this.”
Easing out of the chair, Asher held up his hands. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You didn’t.” More lies. Fuck! “I just have a lot on my mind.” Like Nadia with other men. “I’m sorry I snapped at you.”
“Okay. Well, why don’t you come to the house tomorrow night and grab dinner? Anakin would love to see his uncle.”
He should. He hadn’t been there for a while, but what about Nadia? He didn’t want to miss her at home and he wasn’t ready to let Asher know she was staying with him. “Maybe after our trip.”
“Promise?”
“Yeah. I’ll bring Anakin back a souvenir.”
“He’d love that. And whatever happens, Elliot, I’m glad you’re finally putting yourself out there.”
Elliot exhaled when the door closed. Sweeping up his phone he found five texts, each one gushing with gratitude for his assistance with her mother. She used those stupid emojis he hated. Only now they didn’t seem so stupid. He especially liked the one with the yellow face blowing a kiss.
Texting back a quick you’re welcome, he got to work, scheduling a meeting with their contacts across seas.
Once that was handled, he downloaded a book on common Hungarian phrases and studied it as if he had the final of a lifetime in a few hours.
The airport was a solid forty-five-minute drive and he couldn’t fill it in silence.