“Ashley, could you get Nic and Sylas set up with keys to the building and show them their new offices, please?”
“Sure thing.”
Phoebe stood and shook their hands. “I look forward to working with you both.” Her cell rang. “Excuse me.”
Their new boss walked out of the conference room, leaving him alone with Ashley and Sylas. How the hell did I get myself into this mess? I had a plan to win Ashley back. Clearly, his plan had to be changed.
“Congratulations, guys.” Ashley smiled. She actually seemed a little relieved and pleased. “Maybe this will be good for all of us. You know. Just being coworkers.”
“Sure thing, boss.” Nic smiled. “I only want to make you happy.”
Sylas laughed. “Same here.”
“Would you stop parroting me?”
“Damn it.” She sighed, and he could sense her walls coming back up. “I should’ve known this was too good to be true. Listen to me. Both of you.” Her eyes narrowed. “Phoebe is expecting you to stay professional, and so do I.”
Phoebe rushed in, holding her cell. “Great news, fellas. Lucas is on his way here to drive you to the rental house. What do you say?”
“Great,” Sylas answered before Nic could. “That way we can choose our bedrooms.”
Phoebe turned to him. “Nic?”
“Yes. Perfect.” It was a lie. There wasn’t anything perfect about this entire day.
“Lucas, they are ready whenever you are. I’ll tell them. I love you.” Phoebe clicked off her phone. “He’ll be here in five minutes, guys. Ashley can give you the tour of the offices another time.”
“Sure.”
“I’m very happy to have you on the team.” Phoebe smiled and then left.
Nic really did like his new boss. Even though his main reason for taking the position was to get closer to Ashley, he believed this was actually going to be a very good career move. At least he hoped so. “What time is dinner, Ashley?”
“It’s two thirty.” She looked at the time on her cell. “I have a run with a friend at four. Let’s see. I can be ready by seven. How about you two?
“Absolutely,” Sylas answered.
“Seven will be great.” The idea of going on a date with Ashley once again felt great, even if Sylas would be dragging along.
“Are you both staying at the Dream Hotel?” she asked.
“I am,” he said.
Sylas nodded. “Me, too.”
“I’ll have the limo pick you up at seven thirty.” She walked out of the conference room, leaving him alone with Sylas.
Sylas turned to him. “Well? What do you think? Us living together again?”
“It’s not ideal, but I’ll live with it—or should I say, ‘I’ll live with you?’ Regardless, I plan on finding my own place as soon as I can. I’m here for one reason, Sylas. I’m here for Ashley.”
“Yeah. You and me both.”
He glared at his former best friend but didn’t say another word. Not necessary. Sylas already knew how he felt.
He would keep planting one foot in front of the other until Ashley was back in his arms again. In my arms only.
Ashley came back into the conference room. “Lucas is here. Are you ready?”