Page 24 of Charming
“Just about. I need to grab a few more things, then I’m ready.”
“Do you need help packing anything? I’m great at folding lingerie just so you know.”
“Is that right?”
“Mhm,” he murmurs as he wraps his arms around me and places a kiss on my lips. “Come on, let’s get you over there.”
Suddenly anxious, I finish shoving things in my bag and zip it up. Asher takes my large suitcase while I grab my purse and a small tote bag and we begin the walk over to his room. It isn’t too far, but Asher holds my hand the whole way and keeps looking at me with a smile.
“How was it when Katie left?”
“It was okay, I guess. I’m sad she can’t stay longer, but I’m also looking forward to spending some time with you,” I admit with a shrug and shy smile.
His own smile widens and his eyes shine, “Me too.” When we reach his room, he holds out a hand, “Wait here.” He places my bag inside the door and takes the things from my hands and walks into the room. The door closes behind him automatically so I’m unable to see what he’s doing and I stand there awkwardly. He returns only moments later and before I can say a word he lifts me into his arms. “I need to carry you over the threshold like a proper husband.” My hands go around his neck and I laugh at the excited look on his face.
He sets me down and gives my rump a pat. “Alright, do you want to unpack anything or can it wait for a bit.”
“No rush. It can wait.”
“Great, I took the liberty of ordering us dinner and it arrived just before I went over to get you. I thought we could enjoy a quiet dinner in and maybe order a movie. Is that alright with you?”
Jitters flutter in my tummy, but I cover them with a nod, “Sounds perfect.”
He takes my hands and leads me further into his suite. The layout is like a small apartment. A full kitchen, small dining area, larger living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms full of beach décor make up the space. It’s more than he needs not that that surprises me, but I’m still surprised he’s staying here instead of one of the homes on the mountain at the resort above ours or at a home on the new golf course that can be rented instead. They are sister resorts, the one above family friendly as opposed to this one. Rumor has it the private homes are amazing with their own private infinity pool, lavish interiors and generous space.
Leading me to the dining room table, I smile when I see not only covered dishes of food, but wine cooling in an ice bucket. He’s also somehow managed to get fresh aromatic flowers arranged at the center of the table. Lit taper candles also catch my attention. “I hope you like chicken codon bleu.” He starts removing the tops of several covered dishes. “I asked Katie and she said you aren’t a vegetarian so I figured chicken was safe. We also have salad and baby red potatoes.”
“It looks and smells great.” And it does. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until the aroma of the food started permeating the air as he revealed the dishes to me. My stomach rumbles in appreciation and Asher smiles having heard.
He holds out my chair for me and then moves to his own. Placing my napkin on my lap, I grab the wine and fill my glass then his. “Thank you,” he murmurs. I nod and we dig into our food. We’re quiet at first as we taste everything. It’s delicious.
“What other kinds of food do you like?” Asher asks me watching me with amusement, as I’m not shy about eating my fill.
“All kinds of things really. Mexican food, Italian food, Chinese, I’ll pretty much try anything. I like to cook too.”
“You do?”
“Yes, it’s one of my favorite things to do when I have the time. And I don’t just mean bake, like cookies and stuff. I mean dinner. Katie thinks it’s great and a lot of times will buy ingredients for certain dishes and then beg me to cook for her.”
“Wow, you must be good.”
I shrug modestly, “I’m not bad. I like it. It relaxes me after a long day at work. If I’m working through an issue with work, cooking can be one of my favorite ways to figure it out.”
“How so?”
“I think that when I open up my mind to the creativity needed for making certain dishes – like when I concoct my own recipes for things – it opens other creative avenues. I’ve solved many marketing mysteries while preparing dishes.”
“Marketing mysteries?” he asks puzzled.
“Oh. That’s what I do for a living. I’m CEO of a marketing firm in New York.”
“CEO? Wow.”
“My father left me the company when he died,” I admit not wanting to suggest I worked my way up. It’s never felt right suggesting that I’ve done so. Not that I haven’t worked my ass off, but would I be CEO of the company if it wasn’t for my father? Doubtful. “Reveal Design and Marketing. I love it. I love my job. Taking someone’s dream and help give it life through marketing or web design or branding, is an honor and privilege. Plus, I’m really good at it,” I admit with a laugh.
“That’s amazing.”
Shrugging, “It’s silly, but it’s always something I wanted to do. I remember holding up random items as a child and making up a jingle for it. My dad used to say I could convince anyone that they needed whatever it was I was selling. I came by it honestly though. I always loved going to the office with him and watching him work. When it came time to go to college, a degree in marketing and design was a no-brainer.”
