“Complicated,” I sigh. “Ana and Asher are handling it. I’m not really sure what that means, but they don’t want me involved.”

“You’re already involved.”

“That’s what I told Asher,” I say. “But I’m learning to pick my battles.”

“I shredded another NDA while you were in the shower,” she says. “If it doesn’t get handled soon, I’m sure you’ll be getting a court summons for Christmas.”

The only person getting summons to court should be Levi.

“I’ll bring it up to Asher again,” I say. “He’s picking me up tonight.”

Joey lifts a brow but quickly shakes her head and laughs. I don’t need to ask. I know what she’s thinking.

“That lasted long.”

In my defense—

Who am I kidding? I can’t defend myself. I’m the girl who constantly loses the battles of heart versus head. At this point, Asher could smile at me and I’d melt into a puddle of Olivia goo.

He kissed me.

Underneath the mistletoe.

If I was on my bed, I’d be rolling around, screaming into my pillow, like I did all night.

Get a grip, Olivia.

You’re twenty-two—a mature adult, not a love-sick teenager.

“Olivia?”

“Yeah?”

“You okay? Thought I lost you there for a minute.”

I try to think of something to say, but my head is filled with visions of Asher in a suit.

I fall back against the rug and sigh.

* * *

“My car’s here!”

I don’t get to say goodbye before the door slams shut, so I turn my attention back to my reflection in the mirror—lacy strapless black bra and a pair of matching cheeky panties. I put on a silky light blue dress that gives off just enough cleavage and stops right above my knee. I twist and turn and frown.

Panty lines.

I take off the dress and look in the mirror again.

Not wearing underwear to a work event is totally appropriate, right?

A sharp knock cuts through the apartment.

I sigh.

Joey probably forgot something. Her keys, most likely. I’m not surprised. She spent five very frantic minutes running around the apartment. I can’t believe she remembered herself.

It’s a very brisk walk to the door. I shiver as my feet touch the cold floor. I should have turned on the space heater, but it’s too late now. It takes forever to get this place warm and I’m leaving soon.

“Do you think I need to wear panties?” I’m asking the question before I get the door open.

It’s not Joey.

Asher has his back to me, his hands shoved into his coat pockets. When he turns around, he’s startled. Rightfully so. His eyes double as they skate—rather slowly—up my body.