She suddenly raised her brows and glared at him demandingly. “Oh? And what’s it really about?”
Chapter Sixteen
Within the west wing game room, the poker game was starting to heat up between the men. Asher tossed his cards down on the table with disgust and leaned back in his chair. Timon collected his winnings while gloating and chuckling, which didn’t settle well with any of the men. Monroe chewed on his cigar and glared at the jovial scientist.
“No one likes a gloating winner,” Monroe grumbled then became further agitated. “And take that ugly, stupid ass tie off your head!”
Timon appeared offended by the comment. “This is my good luck tie,” he protested.
“Don’t believe him,” Professor remarked while puffing on his cigar then collected the cards. “He took it from Doc’s closet. I doubt he even owns a tie.”
Jacey entered the game room as Professor shuffled the cards for their next hand. She received several looks from the guys at the table as she approached Asher. She didn’t pay much attention to the others. They obviously sensed something was bothering her by her fast gait but none commented. Asher collected his cards and smiled pleasantly at her as she approached him.
“Playing cards with us, darling?”
Jacey stood behind him where he sat, gently placed her hands on his shoulders, and looked at the cards he barely revealed. His mannerisms indicated he was an excellent card player. His small pile of coins told a different story.
“Just thought I’d hang out with the guys for a while,” she replied softly while keeping close to him.
Asher grinned proudly and patted Jacey’s hand on his shoulder. He discarded one card for an inside straight. Maxwell entered the game room with a mission in mind and quickly approached her. When he saw her leaning on Asher’s shoulder, he kept his distance.
“That’s hardly fair just walking out like that,” Maxwell boldly announced.
Jacey didn’t bother looking at him and remained calm. “There’s nothing more to say.”
“There certainly is,” Maxwell demanded. “For starters, you can stop this childish nonsense and grow up.”
“Me?” Jacey snarled and glared at him while clutching Asher’s shoulders with enough vigor to catch his attention. “I’ve done the mature thing. I’m sorry if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear, but that’s not my problem.”
The men continued to play poker and attempted to ignore the feuding couple. Brian appeared to be the only one listening to their conversation, although they all undoubtedly were but politely hid the fact.
Maxwell’s look remained harsh as he continued to glare at her and her secured location behind Asher. “And I’m sure I know where that decision came from.”
Despite holding a straight in his hand, Asher cast his cards down with disgust. “I fold,” Asher grumbled.
Maxwell glared demandingly at Asher’s profile. “Something you’d like to say, Asher?”
Asher didn’t look up while remaining stiff and emotionless. “Nothing you’d want to hear, Maxwell,” he replied dryly in a tone that unnerved the others.
Jacey was furious with Maxwell, and she wasn’t holding back on her verbal assault. “Don’t start with that again,” she snapped and finally released Asher’s shoulders. “I told you; Asher has nothing to do with my decision.”
“I think it’s about damned time you severed his apron strings and got out from under him,” Maxwell remarked.
Asher slammed his hands on the table, causing everyone’s drinks to vibrate from the force. He abruptly shot up from the table, knocking his chair to the floor, and turned toward Maxwell. It wasn’t often Asher lost his temper, but when he did, nothing good would come of it. Every man at the table leaped to their feet and jumped between Maxwell and Asher. Timon grabbed Maxwell’s arm and kept him from getting any closer to the town’s most feared resident. Jacey stepped in front of Asher, knowing he’d never go through her, and placed her hands to his shoulders in an attempt to calm him. Asher’s gaze remained frozen and fixed on Maxwell. The look in his eyes frightened her. She swore his eyes turned a darker shade of blue. Maxwell pulled away from Timon and left the room without another word. Jacey allowed her hands to fall from Asher’s shoulders as she exhaled nervously and then met his gaze.
“Can we go?”
Asher calmly and casually picked up his chair then pushed it closer to the table. He looked at his poker buddies and attempted a pleasant smile.
“Sorry for disrupting the game,” Asher announced casually as if nothing had happened. “We’ll try again next week.” He bid them goodnight, placed his hand to the small of Jacey’s back, and then guided her from the room.
†
Asher’s black SUV pulled up to Jacey’s house not more than twenty minutes later. She’d left the porch light on for her return, although she hadn’t expected to be home so early. The vapor light above the barn lit the large area surrounding the paddock and the front porch area as well. Jacey got out of Asher’s car and fumbled with her house keys as she approached the porch. Asher got out of the car more slowly and followed her with his hands in his pockets. The expression on his face was difficult to read but something was obviously bothering him. Rather than unlock the door, Jacey leaned against the railing and stared at the keys in her hand. Asher sat on the railing, leaned against the support beam, and studied her a moment in silence before speaking.
“About what Dr. Maxwell said,” he began then hesitated. “Do you feel that way? Do I need to cut the apron strings?”
Jacey slid down the railing, leaned against him, and rested her head on his shoulder. He immediately placed his arms around her in a warm embrace and nuzzled the top of her head with his cheek. She inhaled deeply and sighed softly.
“There was a time when I wasn’t allowed to tell people you were my friend. It wasn’t that long ago when no one accepted you,” she announced then lifted her head and met his gaze. “I like having you around, Asher. Any man who wants to date me will just have to accept the entire package.” She straightened proudly. “I know you’ve made an effort to stay out of my relationship with Maxwell to ensure we were given a chance, but I’m not ready to have you cut those apron strings just yet.”
Asher inhaled deeply and smirked. He almost seemed pleased by the way the evening turned out. “Well, with Dr. Maxwell successfully out of the picture, I suppose that’ll give us more time for Karate lessons.”
Jacey eyed him suspiciously and cocked her head slightly. “Asher, are you happy that I broke up with Maxwell?”
Asher hesitated then frowned. “He asked me to back off and said some very rude things about my intentions toward you.” He then considered his own comment. “I wouldn’t doubt you heard similar remarks earlier from him as well. Out of respect for you, I refrained from busting his jaw,” he remarked almost matter-of-fact. “You know I only want to see you happy, but I was starting to doubt it would be with Dr. Maxwell.” Asher grinned almost playfully in light of her breakup. “I promise we’ll find someone suitable for you.”
“Don’t do me any favors,” she muttered then sighed. “I think I’d like to enjoy life without the pressures of dating for a while. I’d like to just spend time with you, Timon, Professor, and my horses.”
Asher affectionately caressed her hand and grinned. “In that case, I’ll just tighten my apron strings and work on my growl,” he teased.
“Your growl doesn’t need any work,” she informed him then laughed. “Night, Asher.”
“Good night, darling.”
Asher kissed her on the cheek then gently caressed her face before leaving the porch. She approached the door and unlocked it. Jacey hesitated and then looked back. Asher casually leaned on his open car door, smiled, and appeared to be waiting. Jacey hid her smile and shook her head. Nothing was ever going to happen to her on his watch, of that she was convinced, and she pitied the man who tried to hurt her. After all they’d been through, she considered herself lucky he didn’t do a nightly
sweep of her house, looking under her bed and in the closets for the boogey man. She entered the house, finally allowing Asher to get into his car and drive away. Jacey hoped that one day she’d find a man she loved as much as she loved Asher. She’d gladly take someone just like him. Sadly, Asher would probably hate such a man.
Chapter Seventeen
Despite being slightly dreary outside the following day, the weather didn’t deter club members from playing at least nine holes in the early afternoon. Most members chose to enjoy the indoor amenities the club had to offer, which included racket ball, the indoor pool, spa facilities, and the lounges. The controversial Men’s Smoking Lounge existed in the far corner of the country club. It was an elegant room with comfortable leather sofas, overstuffed chairs, small tables, and a massive bar along the back wall. Fondly referred to as ‘the boys’ club’, many people from town, including the men, viewed the Men’s Smoking Lounge as extreme sexism. Interestingly enough, most of the club members’ wives didn’t seem to share that view. They’d argue that they didn’t want the men in their Garden Room and that it gave each of them time away from one another. The Men’s Smoking Lounge also only catered to those twenty-one and over, so only men of legal drinking age were permitted in the lounge. Being it was one of the few areas where members were allowed to smoke and drink, it remained popular among the men.
Asher stepped into the smoking room, placed his hands casually in his pockets, and looked around at the dozen or more men smoking and having an early afternoon drink. The young hostess, Lea, looked more like a sentry standing guard at her post. She seemed a little too serious for a hostess. Despite the rule of no women in the smoking lounge, Lea was the prime example of the contradiction to that rule. The young woman wore a skintight dress that barely covered her round buttocks. Her jet-black hair was pulled back into a tight bun near the back of her head with only a few stray locks falling down her face. She was a showpiece from her perfect make-up down to her stiletto high heels. Carl saw Asher, hurried across the lounge, passing Lea at her post, and greeted Asher in the doorway.
“Asher,” Carl announced cheerfully. “I’m glad you could make it on such short notice.”
When Carl offered his hand, Asher appeared obligated to shake it despite lacking enthusiasm.
“I had to rearrange my schedule,” Asher informed him while maintaining a serious tone, “but reading my hate mail can wait another hour, I suppose.”
Carl stared at him a moment as if not sure how to respond. He grinned and treated it as a joke. He guided Asher to the massive bar where an attractive yet tough looking woman poured drinks and flirted with the wealthy men. Carl gave the woman a nod, indicating Asher.
“Angel, give Mr. Asher anything he wants on the house,” Carl announced.
Angel gave Asher a quick once over while smiling lustfully. “I’ll be sure to do that.”
Asher eyed Angel behind the bar, possibly surprised by the comment, although he hid it well. She leaned on the bar in a somewhat seductive position, being sure to flaunt her cleavage before his face, and smiled sweetly.
“What can I get for you, handsome?”
He barely acknowledged her or her impressive cleavage. “Brandy, thanks,” Asher replied dryly.
Angel winked and retrieved the brandy bottle from the back shelf. Carl remained standing alongside Asher’s chair, although slightly distracted by Angel’s flirtatious attitude. He then looked back at Asher and composed himself.
“Brian is running a little late,” Carl announced, “but I believe he discussed our business proposition with you.”
“Yes, he mentioned his intent,” Asher said with little emotion.
Carl’s cell phone rang, causing Asher to glance at the phone he removed from his inner jacket pocket. Few people in town bothered with cell phones, since most areas couldn’t get reception. The country club and those living just outside town closer to the highway seemed able to receive a strong enough signal to warrant owning a cell phone. Carl looked at the caller ID then smiled sheepishly.
“Excuse me,” he announced while indicating the phone. “I have to take this.”
Carl answered his phone while walking across the smoking lounge. Angel placed Asher’s drink on the bar, flashed a smile, and then tended to other patrons. Asher removed a cigar from his inner jacket pocket and lit it with a fancy, silver lighter. He leaned back in his chair and blew smoke into the air. Brian entered the lounge, saw Asher at the bar, and approached while grinning. He took the vacant seat alongside him.
“I wasn’t sure you were going to show,” Brian announced cheerfully. “Does this mean you’re considering my offer to invest in the club?”
“It’s crossed my mind.”
Brian appeared curious but maintained his grin. “What brought about the change of heart?” he questioned. “I didn’t think you really cared for the club.”
“Revenge mostly.”
“Still in a fighting mood from last night, huh?” Brian teased while hiding his grin.
“No, I don’t get angry,” he replied without emotion. “Revenge is less stressful and more therapeutic.”
Brian stared at him, not sure how to take the comment. He then glanced at Angel behind the bar and attempted to get her attention. She glared at Brian then ignored him and walked away. Asher chuckled in his throat at the exchange.
“Another scorn lover?” Asher teased then indicated Angel. “Despite her name, an angel she’s not. One day you’re going to cross the wrong woman. That one is liable to put your testicles in the blender and hit puree.”
Brian shifted uncomfortably in his chair as if feeling the comment. “Can we drop the subject?” he snapped then attempted to slip back into his good mood. “Carl and I are ready to propose voting you in as an investor to the other board members. You’d naturally have one fifth say in all votes, if they approve you.”
“I’m not sure you’re going to find Nathan keen on the idea,” Asher informed him, “but if you want to waste your time, I’m open to the idea.”
“Fantastic,” Brian announced with enthusiasm. “Don’t worry about Nathan. I think we can appeal to Davis. That will give majority to vote you in. I’ll let you know when we’re having our next meeting.”
Jacey appeared in the smoking lounge doorway and waited for Lea to approach her.
“The front desk called and said that Asher wanted to see me,” Jacey announced to the young hostess.
Lea nodded without emotion and approached Asher and Brian at the bar while Jacey obediently waited in the smoking lounge doorway. Before Lea could give him the message, Asher saw Jacey and cheerfully motioned her to the bar.
Brain glared at Asher and showed his disapproval. “Asher, men only in the smoking room.”
Asher smiled at Brian and casually waved him off. “Bullshit.” He more firmly motioned Jacey to him, surprising the hostess as well as Brian.
Jacey fidgeted and uncertainly approached them where they sat at the bar. She received several looks from the men within the lounge as well as Lea and Brian. Jacey immediately felt uncomfortable from the stares.
“You’re early for lunch,” she informed him and attempted not to look around the room at the men staring at her.
He held up his cigar and grinned. “I’m enjoying my monthly donation,” Asher informed her. “Got a massage by a woman with a moustache this morning. She nearly broke my back.”
“I hate to be rude, Asher, but I’m not supposed to be in here,” she gently informed him and remained tense. “Was there something you needed?”
Asher’s jovial mood immediately hardened, and he turned defensive. “If anyone has a problem with you being in here, they can take it up with me.”
“I’ll be sure to tell my bosses that as they’re reaming me out,” she announced.
“Just as long as we have that straight,” he remarked then grinned. “Did you want to grab an early lunch? I’m prepared to clear my schedule for you.”
“I can’t take lunch f
or another half an hour,” she informed him and again fidgeted at the stares she was receiving.
Asher glared at several men seated around the room. They immediately minded their own business and avoided looking at Asher. He smirked slyly and looked back at Jacey. She was uncomfortable with his non-verbal intimidation on her behalf.
“I’ll meet you in the restaurant in half an hour, okay?” she gently suggested.
Asher reluctantly nodded, allowing Jacey to hurry from the room and escape stray looks from the male members. Brian flashed a smile and stood, suddenly seeming in a hurry himself.
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to speak to Jacey a moment,” Brian announced cheerfully.
“You’re wasting your time,” Asher casually replied while puffing on his cigar and watched the smoke form little rings above him. His words stopped Brian in his tracks. “She’ll never go out with you, Brian.”
“Our failed attempt at dating was three months ago,” he protested and seemed almost insulted by the reminder. “People change.”
Asher sharply eyed him. “Some for the better, others for the worse,” he replied and cleverly raised his brow. “Women talk. Don’t think for a moment that Roxy hasn’t already shared her magical time together with you to Jacey.”
Brian frowned at the comment but didn’t seem interested in heeding his warning. He hurried from the room after Jacey.
Chapter Eighteen
Roxy and Davis entered the reception office after a moderately extended lunch in the fancier dining room on property. Davis joked with his daughter and gave her a warm embrace before approaching Jeannette’s old desk where a stack of mail awaited. Roxy collapsed into the chair near him, eyed her father’s good mood, and smiled.
“You’ve been in a good mood all morning,” Roxy announced cheerfully. “Can I assume you had fun at your poker game last night?”
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