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“Where are you goin’?” the driver asks.
I give my address.
“I can be dropped there too,” Nick says, then glances at me.
I stay silent, not knowing what to say to him. He’s always been very nice to me, but he’s closer to my brothers’ age than mine. Nick used to snowboard and play hockey before he was injured, then began working with Eden at the advertising company. He’s flirty, attractive, and a walking red flag.
“Do you realize there will be pictures of you and me posted together now?” I look into his eyes.
“Oh, that’s fine. I’m not concerned,” he admits, and the car grows quiet again.
“Of course you’re not concerned. My life is a fucking wreck because of your asshole brother.”
“I’m aware. And I apologize.”
I stare out the window, wishing there weren’t so much traffic on the road, but it’s midday in Lower Manhattan. It’s to be expected.
“Where is Asher?” I ask.
“He didn’t tell you? You were clearly together last night.” His brows crease.
“Nothingis going on between us.”
“I’m not here to debate it. I don’t give a fuck if you two are oraren’t together. I’m concerned that he’s going to make a stupid mistake and mess upourcompany. A lot of people’s livelihoods depend on our success, and I can’t let them down. Because of that, Asher has been put on leave for seven days. He won’t be back at the office until next week.”
My eyes widen. “You put him on probation?”
“I did, and it can be extended up to ninety days.Youare a conflict of interest,” he says nonchalantly. “The board doesn’t appreciate anything Asher is doing, and they do not like the public attention being drawn to the company. Also, Lustre isveryupset about the two of you. Now I’m going to have to deal with that dumb fuck until things settle down. The last thing I need is a major lawsuit on my hands.”
“I didn’t ask for this.” I shake my head.
“It’s not you. It’s my stubborn brother. He listens to no one. Ever.”
The car takes a sharp curve down a parallel street that typically has less traffic but more lights. Our driver runs a few, but I’m not upset about it. I want out of this car right now.
“You know he’s still going to give Josh his all,” I say.
“Yeah. But he’d also give his all to fucking with you, and that can’t happen. He needs to take some time to clear his mind, and by the looks of it, you need to as well.”
“Glad I asked for your opinion,” I say. “Is that a Banks trait?”
“The response I expected.” He chuckles. It’s soft and kinda sexy.
I see the allure, even though sporty guys aren’t my type. They’re too douchey, even for me.
The car slows outside of my building, and Nick pays for the ride.
I reach for the handle, and Nick speaks in a lowered voice. “He’s at the Hamptons house. It’s where he goes when he needs to clear his head. Whatever is going on can’t be public as long as Asher is working with Josh. Do you understand?” he says, his eyes pinning me in place.
“Send that message to your brother. I know how to keep my personal life private.” I give him a small smile and step out.
I enter my building, rattled, and I want to speak to Asher right now.
As I take the elevator to my loft, I know exactly what I have to do.
Looks like I’m taking a drive to my family’s Hamptons home. It’s three doors down from his.
Of course it is.