Page 52 of The Desperate Warrior

Did she have salad dressing on her face? She used her napkin to dab the corners of her mouth just in case.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear. Did you say you’re taking a Mediterranean cooking class?”

“Yeah,” Jules replied cautiously. “My cousin Nikki signed me up. Said I needed to do something fun for a change. You know, considering all that I’ve been through with the accident.”

He regarded her with sympathy. “I’m sorry for all of your troubles.”

“Thanks.” She was surprised by the emotion that surged through her. It was nice to know that her coworkers cared about her situation.

“It’s good to have you back.”

“Thanks. Honestly, I have no idea what I’m getting myself into with the cooking class,” she chuckled. Good grief, why was she trying to explain herself?

She’d always liked Asher with his windswept, boy-next-door vibe, dark-blond hair, and easy manner. He was kind to the staff and refreshingly humble for a surgeon. Still, she found his sudden interest in her extracurricular activities unexpected.

“Where’s the class being held?” he asked.

Jules searched her brain. “I think it’s on Main Street.”

“Really? That’s interesting.”

“Why?”

“I signed up for that same class.”

Her jaw went slack. “Wait, really? You cook?”

He laughed. “Nope, can’t even boil water. That’s why I’m going. I’ve about had it with takeout. My refrigerator’s a museum for stale Chinese food, so I figured it was time to learn something new before I starve.” He gave her a wry grin.

“Oh. Well, I guess I’ll see you there.” Brock would see this as an opportunity to get to know Asher and question him about Steve Randall.

“See you there.” Wrapping up the remains of his sandwich and taking the last swig of his water, Asher stood and gave a friendly nod. “Have a good one, ladies.”

“Wait,” Mindy called.

He stopped and turned back around.

She threw Jules a large grin before announcing. “Jules is having a birthday party this Friday night. She’d love for you to come.”

He looked surprised. “Really?”

“Sure,” Jules answered casually. “I’m inviting all of the staff members.”

“In that case, I’d love to come. What time?”

“Seven p.m. at Jules’s house,” Mindy answered and then looked at Jules. “What’s your address?”

Jules rattled it off.

Asher repeated it as if committing it to memory. “Okay, thanks.” He offered Jules a parting smile. “I’ll see you Wednesday and Friday. Twice in one week.”

“Yep. Looks that way.”

As soon as he left the room, Mindy leaned in with a gleam in her eye. “He’s a hottie. I detected some interest there. I think he likes you.”

Jules pulled a face. “I didn’t get that impression at all. He was just being polite.”

“You’re so clueless,” Mindy laughed. “He’s into you. It was written all over his face.”

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