Page 19 of Decoding Emma

Asher looked surprised by my question.“I hadn’t thought about it.”

“That’s a great idea,” Miles said.“We should include payroll.”

“That’s part of finance.I forgot about them,” Asher said.“Why didn’t we think about this before?”

Marcus chuckled.“Because Lucas is a control freak.”

Cassie glanced at Marcus and grinned.“Lucas would be devastated at that description.”Then she directed her next remark at me.“He’s in charge of the finance department, if that isn’t clear.”

I nodded.“I remember Asher mentioning that.”Fantasies, Inc.had a lot of departments, but it seemed like the main ones were in the building I worked in.

“When I talked with Lucas, he said he didn’t know what he wanted,” Asher commented.“He gave me some basics, but he wanted me to wait to do his department.”

“It would be easy enough…” My brain began coming up with ideas at lightspeed.I pulled out my phone and began typing notes.If I didn’t do this now, I’d forget exactly what I wanted.Several minutes later, I glanced up to see four pairs of eyes staring at me.“Sorry,” I squeaked.

“Don’t be,” Cassie said.

“That was fascinating,” Miles smiled at me.“I’ve never seen anyone with such fierce concentration in a public setting.”

“I’ve had a lot of practice.”The words slipped from my mouth before I could censor them.

“What do you mean?”Asher asked.

My face flamed.How could I put this?“I learned from a young age how to filter the noise.”I’d also learned how to hide in plain sight.That was the best I could come up with.I didn’t want to talk about my family.

The men frowned at me, while Cassie looked intrigued.

“That could be dangerous,” Marcus said.“Anyone could sneak up on you.”

“That might be true for some, but I’ve never had an issue.I’m not ignoring my surroundings; I’m focusing on whatever I’m doing but still aware of what’s going on around me.”Another skill I’d developed as a kid.

Miles jumped in.“He’s right, Emma.”

I tensed.Asher slipped his arm over the back of my chair, not touching me, but I knew it was there.Was he supporting me?Or did he agree with them?

I took a deep breath.“I get your point, but it’s never happened.And I’m careful.”

Asher’s arm tensed, and he shook his head.“Just because it hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it won’t.I don’t want you to do it again.”There was my answer.

“Shit,” Cassie said softly.

I had no idea why Cassie was swearing, but I was certain I didn’t like Asher’s attitude.“Asher…” I started as I turned to face him.

“I mean it, Emma.”

Excuse me?Heat rose along the back of my neck and in my cheeks.

“Why don’t we discuss this privately?”I didn’t want to get into it in front of his co-workers.Technically, mine as well, but I would only be with Fantasies, Inc.for a short period.

“We will discuss it now.”His grim tone made the hair on my arms rise.

Don’t push me, Asher.Just don’t.“No, Asher.We won’t.”

“Maybe now isn’t the best time.”Marcus had the right idea.Now if Asher would just listen to him.

Asher glared at Marcus before turning his focus back to me.Miles had the presence of mind to stay quiet.

Okay, buddy you want it, you’ll get it.