RUSH (Montgomery Men #1) - C.A. Harms Page 0,21

on my way. And explain what in the hell “It’s taken care of” meant. Something told me I wouldn’t like his explanation, but I didn’t like not knowing either.

“All the items on your to-do list have been taken care of, and everything will be waiting for you once we’ve finished with our meal.”

I sat perfectly still giving him a what-the-fuck look. “Are you insane?” I said, my irritation multiplying with each breath I took. “That’s it, right? You’re a control freak who strives to overpower everyone in your path.”

Ashton looked at me as he leaned back in his chair with his arm resting on the edge of the table. He didn’t speak, only smirked. “You’re feistiness is quite appealing, Kiera.” He trailed his tongue along his lower lip. “And to answer your questions, I am completely sane. I do, however, strive for control. I love power, in all things.”

I think he meant for his response to be appealing, but it only confirmed my suspicions that he was not a man I wanted or needed to be involved with. Flashbacks of my life with Jase came rushing in, and suddenly the expansive office felt as if it was no bigger than a shoebox.

As if he had noticed my uneasiness, he added, “But I also enjoy giving up that control and being at the mercy of a beautiful woman such as yourself.” He leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. “You’ve caught my attention, Kiera,” he said in a softer tone. “I’m not a bad guy.”

“That’s what they all say,” I mumbled, and he squinted.

I had to gain some control over my emotions. I had to step into the shoes of Kiera Masterson and tame Kinsley Hellman, because she died when I left Miami.

ASHTON

KIERA LOOKED AS IF AT any moment she would run from the room in a panic. She was doing her best to appear strong and in control, but I could tell I was losing her.

“I know you don’t know me,” I tried to save this day one last time, “but I can assure you, Kiera, I am a good guy. I do have a domineering side, but I respect women and would never hurt them.” I took her hand in mine. She tried to pull it back, but I refused to let go. “I just want to spend time with you, and this here”—I motioned toward the serving dishes between us—“is just breakfast between two friends.”

The silence stretched out between us, and my heart raced in anticipation. She could stand and leave or choose to stay. Either way, the situation was out of my hands. Given that I usually held the upper hand, I wasn’t familiar with being in a position like this.

“Just breakfast,” she said, and I offered a reassuring nod.

“Yes,” I replied, “and possibly the opportunity to watch you do a little more adjusting.” Her eyes grew wide before she pulled her hand back and covered her face in embarrassment. But her mouth lifted in a smile, and I felt a little more relaxed.

Kiera honestly made me feel all tied up inside. I had never been this needy for the company of a woman. I still had no idea what about her made me feel this way, but I intended to find out. I no longer cared if it took months, I would suffer through it for the chance to find out what this beautiful woman was hiding.

She wasn’t as tough as she appeared to be.

“I’m sorry you saw that,” she added as she lowered her hand.

“I’m not.” I shrugged, choosing to ignore her blush. I lifted the lids from the plates and gave her the subject change I knew she was searching for as I displayed the mixture of fresh fruit, bacon, and poached eggs.

Judging by the smile that now graced her lips, she was pleased with my choices.

And oddly that pleased me.

“I should go,” Kiera said as she pushed back from the table. “I can’t believe I’ve been here this long.”

“It just means you’ve enjoyed my company.” I too stood and placed my napkin on the table. “Admit it, I’m not such a bad guy.”

Her sweet, soft laugh only made me smile wider. Somehow her happiness only enhanced my own.

“It was nice,” she said as she picked up her bag and placed the strap over her shoulder. “But as far as you being a good guy, the jury’s still out.”

She’d turned on her heel and begun to walk toward my office door when without