But it had to be done. Even if she was only interested in Tatum, Drex couldn’t afford for her to hang around. She’d get under his skin, and eventually she’d find out the truth about him. The deceit would cause her to hate him, and she didn’t deserve that.
She slumped back against the sofa cushion. “I’ve been a nanny, but there’s a shortage of wealthy clients with kids in Freedom. Tomorrow, I’m going to check out Rocky Mountain Café and Steven’s Fish and Steak Emporium.”
Drex chugged part of his beer, stretched out his legs, and waved the bottle. “You’re looking for a waitressing job then?” Not only did he want to learn about her interests, he wanted to see how desperate she was for a job.
“I’d rather be a short order cook.”
He hadn’t expected that answer. Growing up, his father wanted to instill a good work ethic in his two sons and had insisted they take menial jobs during their high school summers. Drex landed a job cooking at the local diner. He lasted about three weeks before the pace killed him. “Really? That takes some skill. Have you done that before?” If she hadn’t, he’d warn her just how hard that job could be.
Tatum’s brows scrunched and his other hand fisted. Drex wanted to tell him to chill, but he wouldn’t say anything in front of Ashley.
“As a matter of fact, I have.”
“When was that?” He recalled Tatum telling him she was only twenty-six.
“What would have been my junior year in college.”
Now she’d piqued his interest even more. “What do you mean?”
“I came down with mono the beginning of my junior year and had to drop out. I was so tired all the time, I barely got out of bed for three months. When I recovered I realized I hated debits and credits, balance sheets, and income statements.”
“But you went into investment banking.”
She blew out a breath. “My father got me the job a few months later. He thought it would put me in the ‘right’ circles.”
He knew all about affiliating with the “right” people. “Why not go back to school and change your major to…”
That got a chuckle out of her. “Cooking? Dad wouldn’t have paid for me to become a chef.”
“But you became a short order cook anyway?”
“Yup.”
“Let me guess. Dad wasn’t pleased.”
“That’s putting it mildly. I worked in Boulder for about three months before he got me the interview at Bresson Investments. The increase in pay allowed me to move out of the house.” She gave him a thumbs-up.
He applauded her desire to take up a profession not backed by her dad. They had that in common.
“Now you want to go back to your short order cook roots?”
“Yes, though it will depend on what it pays. I might need to waitress so I can get tips.”
“You didn’t save anything from when you worked at the investment firm?” If her father was wealthy, as Holly had implied, why the lack of funds? Maybe she wanted to be as independent as he did.
Just as Ashley opened her pretty little mouth to answer, Tatum stood. “Drex, how about helping me in the kitchen?”
Drex worked to keep the smile off his face. He waved a hand. “Two of us can’t fit.” He kept his gaze on Ashley.
“Then how about we talk about something more pleasant than being unemployed?”
Now he glanced up at Tatum. His roommate had been the one to bring up that topic. “Just trying to understand Ashley’s needs.” Fuck. That sounded like he was interested in her sexual desires.
Admit it, you are.
She sat up straighter and glared at him. “I don’t mind being put on the hot seat. The day can’t get much worse.”
He’d purposefully tried to antagonize her so she wouldn’t get close and what did she do? She challenged him.
Fuck me.
* * * *
As soon as Ashley’s snarky comment came out of her mouth, she regretted it. Both men seemed as if they were trying to help her, and she’d snapped at Drex. Her day had been highly disappointing and when the questions came at her, she’d been transported back to family dinnertime where all her brothers and dad would bombard her tirelessly. She truly believed Dad and her brothers wanted to protect her, but the implication had always been that she wasn’t able to handle her own affairs.
“I’m sorry. These last two days have thrown me for loop. I’m super tired and probably should have called to cancel, but being home alone didn’t appeal to me.”
It hadn’t helped that Drex was more handsome than any man deserved—and he seemed to know it, too. He was as good looking as Tatum, but Drex had an arrogance about him that women were always attracted to. Maybe it was the jet-black hair and cobalt-blue eyes that seemed to see right through a person that made her think he was a badass playboy. What she was quite sure of was that as soon as the ladies of Freedom caught sight of him, they’d be banging on his door. Ashley had met men like Drexel Ford before. He had casual sex written all over his face and that just wasn’t for her.
Stop thinking about sex!
Drex chugged more of his beer then set the bottle down with an authoritative thud. “I get it.” A slight smirk crossed his face almost as if he was flirting, though she couldn’t be sure. “If you could pick one job in the world, what would it be?”
While she hadn’t expected that inquiry, it did make her body relax. He’d never responded to her apology, so she couldn’t tell if he’d been offended. “That’s easy. I’d be a baker.”
Similar to her family’s reaction, his brow rose. “Really? What kind?”
If he hadn’t leaned forward and dangled his arms over his thighs, she might not have taken his question seriously. “I like to bake pies.”
His chin tucked in. “Then why don’t you?”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “Who’s going to hire me? Other than USave, there isn’t a bakery in town.” It wouldn’t pay to drive forty-five minutes to Denver each day or the half hour to Boulder to work in one of their shops.
“Then why not USave?”
“They specialize in cakes for weddings, birthdays, and special occasions. I’d have no creativity to develop my own recipes.”
“So you’re looking to be an entrepreneur?”
At least he didn’t act as if it was impossible. “In an ideal world.” She wasn’t sure why he was taking the question in this direction, but she didn’t mind sharing her dreams.
“Starting your own company not only takes a lot of money, it requires marketing skills, and a work ethic that won’t quit.” His blue eyes bored into hers as if he truly believed this was an option.
“Which is why I’m looking for a job. Someday, I hope to have the funds.”
He leaned back. “How long have you lived in Freedom?”
“My whole life.”
He planted an ankle on his knee and looked totally at ease. And sexy as hell.
“And there’s no one here who would be willing to back your venture?”
He was talking crazy. “For starters, I only became unemployed yesterday, and two, I need to make a living while I figure out how to build my dream.” Her father could help, but she’d never ask him. He’d want to make every decision.
Drex shrugged then polished off the rest of his beer. “Mr. Wilkerson is looking for someone to do billing, handle customer service, and help with the accounting. Seems like that’s right up your alley given what you did for the investment firm.”
A shot of hope surged through her. “Seriously?” She more or less had done those jobs for Roger.
“I’m not the one in charge since I’ve only worked there one day, but Carl—he’s the new owner—said as soon as he finds someone to answer the phones, make the appointments, and follow up with customers, that he’ll be able to do repairs himself.” He winced as if he was cursing himself for suggesting it. “Now that I think of it, he did say he’d interviewed someone. Maybe he’d offered that person the job already.”
From the
wince, and the way his gaze shot to the side for a moment, it implied he might be lying. “Or possibly not. I’ll check it out.” She wasn’t going to let him back down now. While it wouldn’t allow her any room for advancement, and her father would scoff at her for working at a garage, at least it would be a job. It might even give her time to work on the plans for opening a bakery.
Drex smiled and her heart skipped a beat.
Maybe working with him wouldn’t be such a good idea after all.
Chapter Three
The oven timer dinged and Drex was quite happy to have a change in conversation. He’d been a damned fool for suggesting she look at Wilkerson’s for a job. What had he been thinking? He’d wanted to help her and had forgotten about his need to keep her at arm’s length.
He might not have slipped had the luscious brunette not stood her ground. At that moment, something inside him had stirred. And he wasn’t just talking about his cock. She’d stood up to him—something few women had the guts to do, but he figured it was because Ashley had no idea who he was, for which he was thankful.
Tatum ushered them over to the table. Once her back was to him, Drex adjusted his balls as he admired her tight ass. Usually it took quite a while for his interest to pique, but maybe he was intrigued because she treated him like an ordinary person.
Careful, Drex. This is Holly’s friend. He needed to confine their status to one of friendship.
Right before Ashley sat, he pulled out her chair and she froze for a second. This was cowboy country and he figured the men were polite here.
“Don’t mind me, darlin’. I’m just trying not to piss off Tatum.” He tossed a grin at his friend, who returned a glare.
Tatum ducked into the kitchen and brought out the lasagna and placed it in the center of the table. Drex inhaled and tried to remember his last good meal. On the drive out here, they’d stopped at too many unsavory places. “That smells awesome.”
“Hope it tastes as good.”
“You need help with anything else?” he asked Tatum. Drex didn’t want there to be any strain during dinner. Ashley didn’t appear very comfortable, and as much as he and Tatum liked to share, it would be nice if Tatum had someone in his life, especially if Drex decided to move back to Portland.
“Nope.”
Drex sat across from Ashley so he could watch her expression. A person’s words said a lot about them, but their eyes told him more.
* * * *
Ashley couldn’t get a read on Drex. Tatum was easy. There were no pretenses with the deputy. Like Holly, they were good through and through. Drex, on the other hand, had a little Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde in him. One minute he was polite, helping her with her job search, and the next he sounded like her dad, questioning if she had any abilities at all.
He took your idea of opening a bakery seriously though.
It didn’t matter what Drex was like. She’d accepted the dinner invitation from Tatum, so she didn’t feel obligated to swoon at his roommate’s feet. Hell, Tatum might think it rude if she more than glanced at Drex. It didn’t matter that Holly told her he and Drex shared. She wasn’t the type of girl for that lifestyle. Her two older brothers were in a ménage relationship with Nikki, but it didn’t mean she had to follow suit.
“You did come here to eat, right?” Tatum waved the large fork over her plate. Both men had already piled on the food.
Whoops. “Yes.”
Now they’d think she was a basket case, but she could always say she was still shell-shocked from the whole Roger Dilett fiasco—which wasn’t far from the truth. She helped herself to a little bit of food as she really wasn’t that hungry. Depression had a way of suppressing her appetite.
“So what’s around here that might be fun?” Tatum asked.
That had been his reason for inviting her in the first place, and she’d done some research. She wasn’t really sure if they were interested in what guys could do or if they were including her.
“Well, there’s always Bullseye Indoor Shooting Range.” She looked over at Tatum to judge his reaction. “Or do you get enough shooting practice with your job?”
His nose slightly scrunched up. “Yeah. Brady Braxson has a certain number of training hours I’m required to do—although if you want me to give you some pointers, I’m game.” He winked and her insides melted.
Out of morbid curiosity, she glanced at Drex, whose hardened gaze was on Tatum. “Do you shoot, Drex?” She wouldn’t have asked if she thought he did.
“No. Don’t have much use for guns.”
“Well, if you live in Colorado, you should learn.”
“Perhaps.” Drex’s features softened as if he regretted his harsh tone from a moment ago. “What else you got, darlin’?”
Darlin’? She wasn’t sure their relationship had progressed to that level yet, but she didn’t want to call him on it. “There’s always Skaterama and Bowlerama.”
Drex guffawed. “Seriously? They’re really named Skaterama and Bowlerama?” He stressed the last syllable.
“Yes. For real.” He was beginning to piss her off.
Tatum nudged her. “Do you like to bowl?” He made a subtle motion toward Drex, implying that activity would put him out of his comfort zone.
“I haven’t been in years, but I used to bowl on the high school team.”
Drex ran his gaze up and down her as if he didn’t know what kind of geek she was. Her face heated and she was unnerved at her reaction. Two could play at this game.
“How about you, Drex? Are you any good?” She lifted her chin.
“Never been.”
Tatum placed another heaping serving of lasagna on his plate. “Then bowling it is.”
From the way Tatum jerked, Drex must have kicked him under the table.
“Ladies bowl free on Wednesday,” she said. She didn’t want them to have to pay her way.
Tatum waved a fork. “Wednesday works for me, but it’ll have to be after six, ’cause that’s when I get off work.”
“The lanes don’t close until eleven so that’s perfect.” She tossed Tatum a smile then extended it to Drex.
This actually might turn out to be fun.
* * * *
All day Sunday, Ashley debated calling Holly. Unfortunately, as soon as Ashley accepted the date with Tatum, Holly had said she had to keep her distance since she didn’t want to be put in the middle in case things didn’t work out. Ashley totally understood. She’d been in the middle a few times with Zane and Garth. So she called Summer Ashford. She was the most unbiased of the group in part because she didn’t even live in Freedom and often missed out on the local gossip.
“Hey, girl. What’s up?” Summer seemed to be in a good mood.
“I had a date Friday night.” Her friend had been prompting her to go out.
“You go, Ash. I bet that helped take the edge off the horrible week.” Ashley had detailed the debacle with Bresson Investments. Since her offices were only three blocks from Summer’s Child Services office, they often met for lunch.
“It did.”
“Who was it? Anyone I know?”
“I went out with Tatum, Holly’s twin.”
She whistled. “Aren’t you lucky. I remember when he came for Holly’s birthday. He’s totally va-vavoom material.”
Ashley laughed. “I keep telling you to move to Freedom.”
“If I didn’t have to commute half an hour, I would.”
There were apartments partway between the two towns she could move to, but Ashley would leave that discussion to another time. “So, anyway, Tatum asks me to dinner and I meet his roommate. Get this. His name is Drexel Ford.”
“Drexel? What kind of name is that?”
“Sounds high society, right? I had to prompt him a few times before he gave in and told me his mother was Margaret Drexel. Her dad was Leeland Drexel, so the younger son is Leeland, but they called him Lee.”
“You really got the down-low, didn’t you?”
“Actually, no. And
that’s kind of the problem. He said he was a mechanic in Portland, but some things don’t add up.”
“Like what?”
It was hard to put into words. “Beside the fact his teeth are perfect, his brows are trimmed—”
“Ooh, do you think he’s manscaped all the way down?”
“Summer Ashford! I don’t know and I don’t care.”
“Yes, you do. I can hear it in your voice. Just listen to yourself. You told me Mr. Hunky, Tatum Morganton, asked you out, but you’ve only focused on this Drexel character.”
Is that true? “That’s because Tatum is pure of heart, and Holly’s told me everything about her brother—how devastated he was when their father walked out on them, how terrible it was when their mother dumped them at the next-door neighbor’s who always drank, and then the trouble he got into.”
“Trouble? He’s a deputy.”
“He’s straightened his life out now.” It wasn’t her story to tell, so it was better not to share his issues.
“So, it’s Drex that has you intrigued?”
“Intrigued is not the right word.” Frustrated might be a better description. “He’d known me all of fifteen minutes when he starts to grill me on my qualifications for a job. A garage mechanic, no less.”
“Ash-ley. That’s not nice.”
She inhaled. She wasn’t petty. Hell, she didn’t have her degree. “Okay, I don’t care what he does for a living, but he had no right to act haughty.”
“What would you like me to do?”
That took her out of her pity-party mood. She had come off sounding like Summer should fix her life. Ashley relaxed a bit. “Here’s the thing. Drex is now working at an automotive shop that just opened. Trust me when I tell you I’ve looked everywhere for a job.”
“And?”
“The owner is looking for someone to run the office. It’s right up my alley—making appointments, keeping the books, making sure the customers are satisfied, and a bunch of other tasks.”
Freedom to Surrender [Freedom, Colorado 4] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 3