What If You by Sandi Lynn (epub ebook reader txt) 📗

in shock, but I’m really happy. I’ll see you at home.”

As soon as the door shut, I turned and looked at Asher who stood there cocking his head at me.

18

Asher

I couldn’t believe when I looked over and Everly had fallen asleep. I knew I had worn her out, so I was going to let her sleep for a while before waking her up to take her home. While she slept, I browsed on my phone. She wasn’t out thirty minutes before she scared the living shit out of me. She later told me that was the reason she didn’t stay with anyone after sex. Now it made sense to me why she was in such a hurry to leave the first night we’d slept together.

It made me very uneasy knowing a murder took place in my hotel. That wasn’t going to be good for business unless the police hurry and find the murderer. I’d have to do damage control in the morning because I knew the press was going to be outside my building.

I climbed into bed and decided to do some research on Miss Everly King. When I googled her name, the first thing that popped up was her life coaching business. I couldn’t help but smile at her business picture. To look at her, you’d never know she possessed something so unnatural. I wasn’t surprised when she agreed to my proposal regarding the two of us while she was in New York. I only offered because fucking her was amazing and she’d be easily available. I could have her anytime the need arose, and the best part was, she’d be heading back to Rhode Island in a couple of months and she’d be nothing but a distant memory. The only thing I was unsure of was if I could handle this thing of hers if it happened again while we were together.

After checking out her business page, I scrolled further down and ran across an article with her picture as a child and the headline: Local Six-Year-Old Psychic Girl Finds Missing Sixteen-Year-Old Girl.

Clicking on the article, I began to read it. The one thing I noticed was it took place in Connecticut, not Rhode Island.

“Mr. Remington, any comment on the woman who was murdered in your hotel last night?” a reporter asked as I tried to get into the building.

“It was a tragedy, and our thoughts go out to the woman’s family. The NYPD have assured me that they are doing everything in their power to track down the murderer. Now if you’ll excuse me,” I said as I made my way inside the building.

The rest of the day was a shit show at best. Everything that could go wrong, did, and I was highly frustrated.

Everly

“So how did the two of you leave it last night?” Diana asked me.

“He really didn’t say much. In fact, after Daniel left the hotel room, Asher became freakishly quiet. We climbed in his car and he drove me home. There’s something else I need to tell you.” I bit down on my bottom lip as I stared at her.

“Oh God. What?”

“We’re kind of using each other for sex.”

“What do you mean?”

“He asked me last night since I’m in town for a couple of months if I would be interested in —okay, I’m not going to beat around the bush about it. Since I’m in town, we are going to be having a friends with benefits relationship. Just sex, only the two of us, for as long I’m here.”

Immediately, she covered her ears. It was just the reaction I expected.

“Everly, do you understand what you’re doing?”

“Of course.” I gave her the ‘duh’ look. “I get to have sex whenever I want with an incredibly sexy man. You should be happy it’s with him and not some random guy I pick up in a bar. Aren’t you happy knowing that I’ll be safe with him?”

She rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. “Yes and no. He’s Asher Remington. He has a bad reputation with women.”

“So. It’s not like I’m marrying the guy. We’re only satisfying each other’s needs. Nothing else.”

“Who are you trying to convince, Everly? Me or you? I love you and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I appreciate that, Diana, and I love you too. I won’t let myself get hurt. Besides, I’m leaving in a couple of months. I can’t stay here.” I gave her a small smile as I patted her arm and went to my bedroom. My phone that was sitting on the bed rang and when I grabbed it, I saw Asher was calling.

“Hello.”

“Everly, it’s Asher. Listen, are you busy right now?”

“No. Why?”

“I thought maybe we could grab some dinner and hang out for a while.”

A smile crossed my lips.

“I’d love too, but a bad storm is on the way.”

“What are you talking about? The sun is shining brighter than it ever does. Hold on a second. I just checked my weather app and there is not a rain drop or storm in sight. I just got home, and I need to change so I’ll have Damien pick you up, swing back by and get me, and then we’ll head to my suite. Sound good?”

“Sounds good. I’ll be ready.”

“Were you talking to someone?” Diana asked as she stepped into my room.

“Yeah. Asher just called.”

“Phew.” She placed her hand on her chest. “I thought maybe you were talking to—you know.”

“No. We’re having dinner. He’s sending his driver over right now to get me.”

“Again?”

“I’m a little surprised myself. But who am I to say no to a tantalizing night?” I grinned as I grabbed my purse.

I slipped on my sandals and headed for the door.

“By the way, a bad storm is coming so make sure you have the candles ready in case you lose power.”

“Really? I haven’t heard anything about a storm,” she spoke.

I cocked my head at her.

“Right. I’ll go get them now. Have fun.”

“I intend to.” A sly