Part 17 (2/2)
Diana is not going to let this morning go. Why can't she just ignore it?
Asher feigned ignorance. ”Are there other people on my staff that have been giving you problems?”
”Why did you leave, after you kissed me?”
He covered his face with one hand. ”I. . .”
”Yes?”
”I. . .”
”Okay?”
He shrugged. ”I haven't exactly come up with a good reason for why I left like that.”
”Then what is the truth?”
”I prefer a well-thought out lie.”
”I like honesty.”
He took his hand away and leaned back in his chair. ”No, you like facts.”
”Aren't facts and honesty the same thing?”
”Never. Especially not in our world.”
”Our world?” she asked.
”The land of the rich.”
”You're avoiding my question.”
”I'm really good at that.”
The line went silent for a few seconds before she finally replied, ”Would you like me to return to my house? I was only going to be here for two days anyway and it's clear that- He jumped up, accidentally knocking over one of the many pictures of his mom that sat on his desk. ”You don't leave.”
”Excuse me?”
”I mean.” He calmed himself down. ”I want you to stay. This morning was awkward because of me. You did nothing wrong.”
”I thought maybe-”
”Trust me. Whatever you're thinking is wrong. I'm much more complicated than you could ever dream of. If you can remember that, then. . .we'll do just fine.”
”I'm still only staying for two days.”
”I need more time.”
”What?”
”I mean. Cupid is out there.”
”Asher, you have more to be worried about than me. You fit Cupid's profile more than I do. Remember. He likes to kill rich men that break female's hearts.”
”Well, I haven't broken anyone's heart yet.”
”Let's hope that you don't in these next couple of weeks.”
Asher didn't like the worry in Diana's tone.
Did she think that he could hurt her? Never. He could hurt others for her. He knew that was possible inside of him. Part of him wished another man was out there named Cupid and stalking her. He'd love to search him out and slice the deranged guy's throat.
Without thinking, he blurted out, ”I won't hurt you.”
She made a sound that traveled over the phone, sort of between a sigh and gasp. It was as if she'd been holding in air the whole time and finally let it go.
”Will I see you tonight or are you going to be hiding from me all day?” she asked.
”I plan to only hide until dinner, so yes, you'll see me tonight.”
”Good.”
”And. . .as far as your stay at my house-”
”It's only going to be two days, Asher.”
”Okay. I won't push it.”
”I'll see you tonight.”
”Yes,” Asher said. ”I'll see you later.”
He sat on the line for the last few seconds, until she hung up. In that moment, he exhaled, and hadn't realized he'd been holding in his breath.
What is she doing to me?
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