Page 7 of For Your Consideration

Jaxson shook his head. “You know Noah—a tad impatient.”

I bit my lip and finally looked away from Asher’s intense gaze.

“That was really the last thing on our list anyway.” I passed Quinn the paper with the vendors she could pick from. I had starred the one I thought would be the best fit with a few reasons on the side for her to review.

She smiled. “You’re a serious lifesaver, Sutton.” I was pretty sure I was doing a good job. And for the first time since I’d started working, I was able to take some pride in my job and didn’t go home smelling like old fryer grease and bitter coffee. “Go with the vendor and location you’ve picked. I trust your judgment.” I flushed at her compliment. It might have been small, but it was big enough for me to start to feel more confident.

“Sutton, are you coming out with us?” Noah’s smile was incredibly charming.

I knew from conversations with Quinn that each Friday night they went out to Pulse, a club they had opened when they first came to Calgary. I got the impression they always went together as a group and unless you were out on business, you didn’t miss it. They all followed it up with a get-together on Saturday to watch sports, play games, and eat food.

From what I’d gathered, these people loved to spend time with each other. Quinn had mentioned earlier today that Knight and Will, the company’s lawyer, had to head to London to close a deal which was why the other guys were here to get her. Knight had dropped her off at work this morning so she didn’t have her car.

“Sorry, I can’t, but thank you for the offer.” Iris had been watching Sophie all day and even if she hadn’t, I was more than ready to get home.

“Alright, boys, let’s get out of here.” Quinn’s words got them moving. Noah clapped his hands and stood up as she looked back at me. “Sutton, head home. Don’t worry about those last few items—we can deal with them on Monday.”

I let them all walk out of the office first and then stood to follow but Asher turned in the doorway to block me from leaving.

His shoulders were wide, and at five-five, the man towered over me. This close, I had to tilt my chin up to look at him.

“Are you still working at that restaurant?”

That was the first full sentence he’d ever said to me. His British accent made his deep voice seem grumblier. I would have thought it would be annoying, but nope, I didn’t mind it at all.

“Uh…” I frowned, looking away from his intense eyes. “No, no, I only work here now.” I was looking at his shoulder rather than his face, but I saw him nod once.

“It was a real invitation.” His voice was low but calm. I could probably listen to this man talk all day, although from Quinn’s stories about him and my own few interactions, that would be the last thing he’d want to do.

“Thanks, but I can’t tonight.”

“Date?”

I snorted and let out a small laugh before shaking my head. “No, I just have to get home.” He tilted his head to the side slightly like he was trying to figure me out and I fidgeted under his intense gaze.

“Ash, you coming?” Quinn asked from behind him. I peeked over his thick frame to see her wearing a sly smile that I couldn’t quite figure out.

“I’ll walk you to your car.” He finally turned to let me pass. I didn’t realize he had been talking to me until he was standing at my desk, waiting.

“You don’t have to do that. My car is right out front.”

“Grab your shit, Sutton.” His tone was clipped. I was momentarily distracted by the way he said my name.

“He won’t let you out of here alone, Sutton. Just give in,” Quinn said as she, Noah, and Jaxson started toward the lobby.

Asher stood like a sentinel beside me while I shut down my computer and packed my bag, trying to move quickly. I went to sling the bag over my shoulder, but Asher grabbed it from me before I could.

“You don’t need to—” I stopped talking because he was shooting me an annoyed glare and I couldn’t tell if he was pissed at me for existing or because I was going to argue.

We walked in silence behind the others, their laughter filtering back to us. Asher walked close to me—not close enough to touch but close enough that I knew he was right behind me.

“Night, Sutton,” Liam called with a wave at me from his desk near the front of the office. “Don’t forget my offer!”

He was a nice enough guy who worked on one of the coordination teams that got families set up with therapists. He had been stopping by my desk for the past week, trying to talk to me. It kind of annoyed me—I was just here to work.

This afternoon, before I went into Quinn’s office, he had invited me out to a “casual” hangout on Saturday night with him and a few of his friends. I had politely declined; I had no interest in going anywhere with someone I didn’t know. Nor would I give up my newfound uninterrupted weekends with Sophie for a casual hang with some guy from work.

“Have a good weekend.” I waved back without addressing his offer. I felt Asher step closer and bend down so his face was near my cheek.