Page 32 of Even if It Hurts

But I didn’t want to risk this man’s job, so I just said, “Okay then,” and started walking toward the parking garage. The exceptionally well-lit and well-guarded, private parking garage.

From the way the doorman walked a step behind and beside me to the way he hurried around me to get the door, checkingoutside it as he did, I got the distinct impression this was something he did often.

And even as a sliver of unfounded jealousy wove through my stomach, I was grateful for the notion. I needed something to cling to if I was ever going to get my heart to beat in a normal rhythm around my new boss.

“Does he make you do this a lot?” At the doorman’s questioning glance, I pointed to the ceiling and clarified, “Mr. Briggs. Do you have to do this for him often?”

“No.” The word left the man on a huff of amusement as he led me through the garage. “Other tenants? Yes. But in the years I’ve worked here, Mr. Briggs has never had a romantic guest.”

Oh.

He offered me a wink. “You must be special.”

“Oh, no...I—no,” I stammered, my head quickly shaking as I forced back every thought that was quick to rise. “No, I work for him.”

The man seemed to consider my words, but the same knowing smile from when he’d helped me onto the elevator earlier was edging at the corners of his mouth, as if he was sure there was more to it.

“I’m the new nanny for his niece,” I explained, even though I knew I needed to let it go. That, by continuing to explain, I was just making it worse. “She was struggling tonight, and he needed help. That’s all.”

“Of course,” he said with a conspiratorial wink as if silently agreeing to be in on our secret when there wasn’t one.

My lips parted to continue assuring him nothing was going on between Asher Briggs and me, but only a sigh left. I’d caused this by letting my curiosity get the better of me and asking questions that were so not my business.

Just another mess I’d have to deal with . . . later.

“This is me,” I said once we made it to my SUV. “Thank you for walking me.”

“Anytime, ma’am.” The meaningful smirk on his face told me all I needed to know: He was sure we would be doing this again...and soon.

I forced a smile that felt as exhausted as the rest of me as I climbed into the driver’s seat and started my car. Pulling my phone out before tossing my bag onto the passenger seat, I’d just unlocked the screen before noticing the doorman was still standing there. Waiting.

Realizing he wasn’t going to leave until I did, I pulled out of the parking space and started the process of weaving through the large garage. But just before I made it to the guarded exit, I brought my car to a stop and lifted my phone again.

A hint of a smile tugged at my lips as I went to my messages and started a new one to Asher. And as much as I wanted to deny it, those traitorous wings in my stomach took flight all over again when the three little dots appeared—indicating he was responding—within seconds after I’d hit send, as if he’d been waiting forsomething.

I made it through the deserted lobby and blindingly bright parking garage to my car, thanks to the doorman. Not sure what I would’ve done if he hadn’t been there to help guide me through such a dangerous place.

The Jerk

Not every evil thing hides in the dark. Some don’t hide at all. I thought you’d already learned that.

My eyes rolled at the response. I could just picture him delivering it with those unforgiving eyes and that harsh, hushedtone. Apparently the exaggerated scare tactics never ended with him.

Comforting. No wonder you have such a sunny disposition.

The Jerk

Good night Miss Pearson.

I locked my screen and dropped my phone in the cupholder, my eyes drifting to the clock on my dashboard as I took my foot off the brake and started rolling forward again.

It was almost two in the morning.

In five hours, I’d be on my way back here. Exhaustion settled into my body at the realizationas did a flutter of anticipation and excitement. If only Kaia was the sole reason behind my excitement...

Ibarely saw Asher the next day.

As soon as I’d arrived, he’d practically thrust a screaming Kaia into my arms and stalked onto the elevator without ever saying a word. When he’d finally gotten home that night a little after eight, his dark eyes had searched the apartment I’d made sure to tidy so it looked as if no one lived there, while asking,“She asleep?”

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