Four Brothers and a Bride-Chapter 42

DEMI

"It was a close shave. I don’t know how he spotted me from afar. Maybe the stupid red jacket gave me away." I gasp as I recall Ashton heading speedily in my direction that night. If he had broken into a run from the diner, he would have caught up with me long before I could flag down a cab. Even while I slid into the cab, I was scared to death all through the journey that he would intercept us somehow.

"Does he suspect you?" Liam asks over the phone.

"I don’t think so." Ashton and I haven’t spoken properly since the night in his room. I still can’t get him on the phone even though every other family member can which affirms my suspicion that he has blocked me. I don’t know why he would do that. Could this rash decision be as a result of the awkwardness of the date night? The energy between us has been off ever since that night.

"Be careful." Liam chimes.

"Anything from Ashley so far?

"Nothing unusual. Nicola is eagerly pursuing him. She is desperate to win him back. They sext all the time. If I get something useful, I’ll let you know."

"Okay."

I don’t say it but it feels strange to realize how unbothered I feel about my husband sexting his ex. Meanwhile, I had felt some type of way when Liam had told me about Ashton and Mila. If I ever doubted my feelings for Ashton, this is the defining moment that clears that up. I shake my head, hoping to distract myself from that hot realization.

"How is it going with Ashal and the penthouse?"

"I am still on it."

Liam sighs. "And the HQ? Anything?"

"Asher lets me sit in during meetings now. I’m trying to befriend his secretary. I suspect she knows more about Asher and the company than she should. She is Asher’s longest serving secretary. I don’t think it’s solely because of her efficiency."

"Step on it." Liam hangs up.

"Was that a personal call?" Josh asks, entering my office.

"Family emergency. I apologize."

"I’ll let this one slide. Hope everything is alright though."

"Yes. Thankfully."

His big eyes dart suspiciously around. "I’ll let you get to work."

"Yeah."

Sheesh. What’s his deal? Is he an actual employee here or a spy for HR? Even Asher, the boss’ son, actually puts in the work. Somehow, Josh struts around like he can get away with anything.

His arrogance amazes me. It could be because Mr. Rollins is super fond of him. They have lunch together every other day and from what I have heard from the staff cafeteria, Mr. Rollins might even prefer spending time with this employee to doing the same with his own son.

A few employees gossip about the closeness of the boss and his employee, citing it as Josh being desperate to brownnose the boss because Asher is too focused on work.

I do find it strange. However, I have seen Josh deliver a sterling performance. He does have some skills that necessitate Asher viewing him as a threat. Josh clearly has his sights set very high, maybe as high as chief operating officer and chairman of the board of directors in the future, two dreams that make Asher quake in his boots.

Whatever their beef is, I don’t want to know. I just hope Josh stays out of my business.

My eyes stray towards Nessa’s office. She has been acting strange all morning. Her mood has been off. She barely responded to my greeting earlier.

Asher came in a bit late today. He has also been cranky like his secretary. I can’t imagine what’s up with them. Did something else happen at the AGM that I missed? Is he mad at her for not representing the company well or something?

I ignore both of them. At least one good thing came out of this; Asher hasn’t been yelling for me every half hour and rudely disparaging my efforts. He has been calm all morning. The few times our eyes met, he blatantly ignored me.

Nessa gets up and heads for the restroom. With fewer eyes on me and less work landing on my desk, I try to call Anna. Her line hasn’t been connecting all morning. The last time we had met in her workplace, Asher’s visit had put me on edge. I have questions. I hope Asher isn’t troubling her again. Still, that’s not the reason I’m trying to reach her. Today is a special day for her family, a hard one and I always call to cheer her up. It’s her father’s death anniversary.

Nessa’s landline starts to ring. I stare towards the bathroom. She isn’t back yet. Since I have less to do, I jump at the opportunity and strut over to take the call.

"Good morning. Thank you for calling Rollins Enterprise. This is Demi Branson. How may I assist you?" I think my high pitched, exotic accent is good enough.

"Demi?"

I stare down at the phone and replace it on my ear. "Who’s this?"

"Where’s my secretary and what are you doing taking calls on her desk?" I whip my head to find Asher outside his office, staring daggers at me. I jam the phone back in place and clear my throat.

"Nessa went to the bathroom. I just wanted to help." Darn it. Why did it have to be a call from this blowfish? Like his father, I can never please Asher so it’s best to not try. Where other employers will deem me diligent, Asher will only scold me.

"Don’t ever do that again. Know your place." His brows are furrowed with annoyance. This must be stemming from our unpleasant conversation last night.

"Copy that, sir."

"Go get Nessa. It’s urgent."

Nodding, I make my way to the bathroom. When I step into the posh female restroom, the stalls all look empty. I notice a locked door at the extreme. Someone sniffles quietly.

"Nessa? You in there?"

A flushing sound follows a hasty unlocking of the stall. Nessa steps out with slightly red eyes and a blank face. She goes over to the sink and turns on the faucet to wash her hands.

"Are you okay?"

"I’m fine."

Her response is curt unlike what I am used to getting from her. She dries her hands with a tissue, dunks it in the waste bin and walks away. I don’t get it. Why was she crying?

My eyes stray inside the toilet she used. Curious, I go in. Nothing seems unusual until I spot a pregnancy strip with two clear lines in the waste bin in there. I wonder if it’s hers or someone else’s. Could she be pregnant? That would make sense given her mood swing. If she isn’t elated by her pregnancy, it only means her partner isn’t thrilled about the baby. Poor Nessa.

Before leaving, I text Anna for a change.

I still don’t hear from her till my lunch break.

"Aren’t you going for lunch?"

I look up from my phone, surprised to find Asher by my door.

"I’m not that hungry. I have a sandwich in my bag. I think I’ll just have that and get back to work." Due to me usurping Nessa’s role, Asher chose to saddle me with more work to keep me too occupied to go assisting others. Asher’s eyes dip to the phone in my hand. I bury it under my desk.

"I’m sorry. I was just trying to reach my friend, Anna. She’s been unreachable all morning. I am worried. It’s unlike her to be totally unreachable on her off day. I just wanted to talk to her."

Anna will definitely choose today as her off day from work knowing what it means to her family. They usually spend the whole day together in remembrance of her father.

I don’t understand the worried look on Asher’s face.

"Maybe she made other plans and doesn’t want to be disturbed. You are not the only one in her life." He jams both hands in his pocket. "She might want to spend today with her boyfriend."

"I doubt that."

"Why? She doesn’t have one?"

"She’s got priorities and right now a man isn’t one of them."

His eyebrows arch upwards. "How are you so sure? You two don’t keep secrets from each other?"

"We might not know every single thing about each other but if Anna had a boyfriend, I’d know." I dig into my bag and unearth my sandwich. Maybe if I start eating, Asher will go away. His next words surprise me.

"Give her some more time. I’m sure she’ll call or text when she can."

Why does he care? What’s that look in his eyes? Typical Asher wouldn’t want to hear a thing about my worries. He doesn’t give a damn about me or my friends so what’s with the encouragement? Like he can read my expression, Asher avoids my eyes and turns away.

"Asher?" When he turns back to me, there’s no trace of the understanding man that was just in my office. His face is all business and professional with the slight scowl that is his signature expression around me. I guess the old Asher is back.

"I’m sorry about last night."

"Eat your lunch, Branson." He flashes his Rolex at me. "You’ve got forty-five minutes left and believe it or not, you’re not going home unless you turn in all those reports." He walks away like his father owns the place.

"Well, his father does own the place." I admit to myself.

***

When I prayed to get an escape from the mountain of work on my desk, I didn’t think for a second that my savior would be mother. Against the backdrop of Asher’s complaints, mom insists on whisking me away.

"I never see her ever since she started working. She’s put in seven hours today already. That should count for something. Come on Demi, you and I are going car shopping."

"Car shopping?" Asher and I reiterate in shock.

"Yes. It’s time Demi gets a befitting car of her own so she doesn’t always depend on others to drive her or resort to taking cabs."

"Mom, we have drivers and enough cars at home. What does she need a car for?"

"Why do you have private cars, Asher?" Mom fires back at him. "You also have access to those drivers and the cars yet you and your brothers keep buying cars every year." Asher fails to come up with a retort. "My point exactly. Look what happened at the AGM. We totally forgot about Demi. Did you ask her how she got home? Did you check with the drivers to ensure she got home safe?"

"She’s neither a baby nor my problem."

"Asher!"

"Sorry mother." He loosens his tie as mother glares at him. "My apologizes, Demi."

"Demi, Ashton just got a new supply of fancy cars. You can pick whichever car you want and have it customized."

"Ashton? You’re taking her to the automobile company?"

Now Asher looks constipated. What’s his deal. Where else would mother purchase a car for me if not the company’s very own automobile company?

Excitement bubbles in my chest at the thought of seeing Ashton. However, I keep a demure face and pretend to be a half-decent employee who is uncomfortable with leaving work in the middle of the day.

"Do you have a problem with me taking business to your brother’s company?"

"Of course not, mom. Demi, you’re done for the day." Asher resigns to fate.

"Thank you, sir."

Beaming, I join mother in her SUV to Ashton’s company. On the way, she continues to apologize for not visiting me sooner or gifting me a car for my first job in the company. She makes more promises to give me even bigger gifts as I mark more milestones as a member of the Rollins family.

"What do you mean he’s not in the office?" Mother bellows angrily.

Gris apologizes on Ashton’s behalf. "He had an urgent matter to attend to and left this morning. I’ll call and inform him of your presence."

"Never mind. I’ll call him myself." Mother starts reaching for her phone in her bag. At her behest, I make myself comfortable on the sofa while she speaks with Ashton on the phone. Even the low hum of his voice sends thrills down my arms. Staring at his desk, I recall the moment we had had when his arms caged me on his desk.

"Stop it, Demi. You’re just here to get a car." I remind myself as I struggle to keep my thoughts in a professional plane.

But then memories of the night I spent in his room swamps me. I happened to stir awake and find Ashton sleeping on his couch. That must have been an uncomfortable sleep. The small sofa in his room isn’t suited for sleep and his height and body mass didn’t make it any better.

Still, he looked fine in his sleep with his hair falling like bangs over his face. His arms were folded on his chest. His position made me suspect he had probably fallen asleep watching me.

Did he also find me cute in my sleep? How long did he watch me for? I don’t recall how long I watched him either. I just know that he stirred awake while my eyes were still taking in his body and imagining his it without the clothes on. Color seeped into my cheeks as Ashton’s eyes fluttered open. Instantly, mine fell closed.

I heard him rise and move around. He probably checked the time. I was still pretending to be deeply asleep when he roused me awake. I played my part and stretched like a cat. Did I overdo it? I hope he didn’t suspect me. I guess not because he heaved me off the bed like a baby. I have never felt more precious.

Spurred by how close we were standing, I took advantage of my fake sleepy state and dug my hands in his hair. When he didn’t stop me, I knew he had more than platonic feelings for me. It was quite obvious from his eyes as they dipped to my lips. My heart quickened.

I don’t think I would have rejected him if he had tried to kiss me then. I don’t think we wouldn’t have tumbled on the bed shortly after but thankfully, Ashton showed great restraint and sent me on my way. We haven’t spoken ever since.

Until now.

He streams in, a little flushed to see just me in his office. Did he run here?

"Demi." He whispers in a raspy voice. His eyes skirt around.

"Mother had to leave." I quickly explain. "She couldn’t wait any longer."

"Oh."

The awkwardness is palpable. Ashton frisks himself for his keys or phone or something, looking everywhere but at my eyes. I wring my hands nervously. Why are we being weird around each other? It’s not like we did anything bad in his room. Could there be another reason for his discomfort around me?

"Um, I hope we didn’t pull you away from anything important."

Finally, he looks at me with a little guilt. "Oh no, no, no. It’s fine. I have it handled." He heads for his desk. "Mother said you needed a car? What kind of car do you have in mind?"

"Actually, I’ll be fine with anything I get. I’m not crazy about cars."

"Great. Let me take you to the showroom." With his head down, he starts shuffling towards the door.

"ASHTON." My shoulders sag in defeat. I can’t take this anymore. He pauses by the door, takes a moment before turning to me. "Is there a problem?"

"What?"

"Do you have a problem with me?"

"Why would I have a problem with you?"

"Ok. Did I do something to upset you?"

"Demi, what’s with all the questions?"

"What’s with all the attitude? You ignored me back at the HQ and then blocked my number on your phone shortly after. Like that wasn’t enough, you started giving me a cold shoulder. Even now, I can tell you’re not comfortable being around me. What have I done to deserve this?"

He runs a hand through his hair and sighs. "I’ve just been having tough days Demi, okay?"

"Look, I’m sorry about going into your room. I didn’t mean to put you in that situation. I genuinely wanted to help. There was nothing more to it. I’m sorry if it put you in a bad light." I swing the straps of my bag across my shoulder and head for the door. "You can just send me any car. I’m not picky."

Ashton grabs my wrist before I can leave. I ignore the jolt that zings up my arm.

"I’m sorry I blocked you. I was upset."

"Maybe it’s for the best. Keep it that way. I think your brothers will cut you some slack then." When I try to wrench my wrist from his grasp, his grip only tightens.

"I’m sorry." His voice wavers.

"You have nothing to be sorry about."

"No...I am truly sorry." There’s something in his eyes I can’t discern. Guilt? I am not as mad as I am acting over being blocked.

"Ashton, really, it’s fine. I’ve blocked people on my phone too. It’s not that deep." Our eyes linger until I absently reach for his face. He jerks back. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to..."

"That’s okay."

My phone beeps. Blushing, I quickly turn away and pull up my new message from Anna. A worried expression fills my face as I turn back to Ashton.

"What’s wrong?"

"It’s Anna. She’s been unreachable all morning and just texted to let me know she went to spend her off day with her family. They went out of town."

Ashton shrugs. "What’s wrong with that?"

I stare up at him. "Today is her father’s death anniversary. They wouldn’t leave town on a day like this!"

***

Ashton’s face pales at my utterance.

"Something is amiss here. I can feel it." I blurt out when I call Anna’s phone two minutes after she texts me only to realize her phone is switched off. "She literally just texted me. How’s her phone switched off already?"

"Maybe it died."

I move away when Ashton draws close to me. My heart is beating now but not because of him. "I need to go check on her."

Ashton grabs my arm.

"Calm down, Demi. I’m sure she’s fine." Next thing I know, he pulls me into his chest and holds me tightly. His hand cradles the back of my head. I shut my eyes as my heart calms in his embrace.

"I’m scared."

"I promise that she’s fine. Take a deep breath." I follow his lead, inhale and exhale. My ringing phone snaps me out of my false sense of calm. I pull away from Ashton and stare at the caller. Liam? I move further away and pick the call.

"Are you alone?"

"No."

"Is it one of them?"

I know he’s referring to the quads. "Mhmm."

"Are you sitting down?"

"No?"

"Sit down."

"Why?"

"It’s about Anna."

My chest tightens painfully as he tells me what he garnered from Asher’s call to Ashley earlier today.

"Stay calm. You can’t let them know you know or they’ll grow suspicious and realize their phones have been tapped." Tears shimmer in my eyes. Luckily, my back is turned to Ashton. How could they hide it from me? Poor Anna. How is she doing? I bite down on my lower lip to keep from crying.

"There’s something else." Liam ends the call by telling me what he has recently uncovered.

"Demi, are you okay?" Ashton asks nervously behind me. When I hang up on Liam, my game face is back on. I blink away the tears and turn with a cherry smile on my face.

"Who was that? Anna?"

I stare at his face. How could he stand there and ask me with a straight face about Anna knowing she can’t even remember her own name because of the head injury she sustained?

I wonder if it was Asher or Ashley that texted me through Anna’s phone. If they’re so innocent, why didn’t they tell me? Why are they hiding her condition if they aren’t guilty? I won’t let them hide their wrongs anymore. That Rollins tradition of sweeping things under the rug will no longer hold now that I am in the family.

"Oh no, not Anna. She still hasn’t called."

"Who was it then?"

A bright smile fills my face. "It was my new friend. I got to know her recently. She went MIA and I have also been worried about her. I’m glad she called to let me know she’s alright."

"Oh, really. What’s her name?"

My lips curl in a lopsided grin. "Olivia Dunn."