I was able to show Crew a few more men before my staff came in with our meals.
“Looks and smells amazing, thank you,” Crew said to the staff before they left. As cocky as the man was, he appreciated people and things. That was easy to see.
“After this week of you shadowing Tyler, I should have a schedule for you, and you can begin doing what you do.” I waved my fork in a nonchalant manner that only seemed to make Crew smile.
“Yes…do what I do.” He popped a cherry tomato in his mouth, never breaking eye contact. This man truly was testing my resolve.
We were both quiet for a little while as we tucked into our meal. Words weren’t needed from Crew to relieve the common awkwardness dinner dates often had. Crew radiated a calming sort of confidence. Clients would adore him; of that I was certain.
“Can I ask you a question?” Crew’s expression turned serious and while I hated answering anything about myself, curiosity got the better of me.
“What is it?”
“Do you date, or have a significant other? I know you don’t like to get personal, but it feels like a harmless question.”
There was nothing harmless about it. “I do not date anyone in my employ. I don’t have a partner, and as busy as I am I rarely find time to date.” That was the best answer he was going to get from me.
Crew tsked as he stabbed a tiny potato onto his fork. “Self-care is important, Mr. Asher. You really should tend to your…needs.”
“My needs are none of your concern.”
“They could be.” He waggled his brows.
“I literally just told you I don’t date people in my—”
I was cut off by his howling laughter. “You…” He roared, his fork clinking against the plate.
“What’s the matter with you?”
That seemed to make him more hysterical.
“Sorry…I was teasing. I didn’t…” He caught his breath. “I like getting you all flustered, it’s my new favorite thing.”
I narrowed my eyes, but it was a losing battle. Crew had an infectious smile and soon I was grinning.
“You’re a pain in my ass, Crew.”
His eyes widened and when he opened his mouth to retort, I stopped him. “Don’t you dare go there.”
We both ended up chuckling then.
* * *
The week after that flew by. As I’d walked the house and grounds I’d oftentimes encounter Tyler and Crew together. I was happy to see the two of them getting along and Tyler had such a good head on his shoulders, I knew he’d show Crew all he needed to know.
It was the last day that Crew was scheduled to shadow Tyler when Dane entered my office in somewhat of a panic.
“Sir, Mr. Asher, sir.”
“Breathe, Dane, calm down. You know it’s hard to understand you when you’re frantic like this.”
“Yes, right, apologies.” I sat back waiting patiently while he gathered himself, even though on the inside I was vibrating with the need to know what was wrong.
“Are you collected?”
“Yes, Mr. Asher.”
“Now, proceed.”