RUSH (Montgomery Men #1) - C.A. Harms Page 0,26

more buildings and businesses in this city than any other person I know. So many people want to outdo him and take him down. He can’t come out of the gate weak. He has to keep control.”

I tried to interrupt, but Lex was on a roll.

“No, listen.” He nudged me to the side so people on the sidewalk could pass us. “Ash is kind and generous. He gives back to those in need almost daily. He comes from a good family.” Lex was really laying it on thick. I was a little skeptical about his motives for convincing me to fall for this version of the fire-breathing dragon—like maybe some sort of hefty bonus to his paycheck. “He’s worked hard to get where he is. And yeah, he’s fucked his way through his social circle, but they all knew it was just that—sex with no connection or lifelong commitment. But in no way does that define the man he truly is deep down, and I see something different about how he acts with you. I see the way he’s looked at you, and God knows I’ve been subjected to his continuous ramblings regarding the stubborn brunette who he can’t stop thinking about.”

I ducked my head, my cheeks heating. Did Ashton really think of me like that?

“If you aren’t convinced yet, then go to dinner with me tonight and allow me to tell you more about just who Ashton Montgomery truly is and where he comes from. The man behind the rough exterior.”

Lex would not let up. He was almost as persistent as his boss.

“Fine,” I said in defeat. “But no funny business,” I warned as I pointed at him accusingly, and he only chuckled as he gave me a one-armed hug.

“Six o’clock at Marino’s,” he squealed before he rushed off toward Montgomery Enterprises. It didn’t escape me that he gave no assurances that he and I would be the only ones there.

I suddenly regretted agreeing to meet him.

I had been on pins and needles all day, wondering what tonight was all about and what I would be faced with when I arrived at Marino’s. Lex was a sneaky shit, and so was his boss. To quote Ashton, I don’t give up until I’ve won. I had every reason to feel as though tonight would be just another setup.

So when I arrived and was led to a table occupied only by Lex, I was a little surprised and instantly felt guilty for doubting his motives.

“You suspected I was pulling a bait and switch, didn’t you?” Lex said as he stood up and pulled out the chair across from him.

I shrugged and sat in the chair he was offering, then tucked my purse safely away on the floor at my side. “Well you can’t blame me for doubting you.” I arched my brow, almost begging him to argue.

“Oh, sweetness, you are such a treat,” he said, sounding almost too giddy. “I thank the heavens every day that I was at the office when you came in that first time. You are a gift, a gem, I tell ya.” He continued to gush, and something told me he meant to say that he wasn’t the only one who saw me this way.

“Can I get you something to drink, miss?” our waiter said from my left.

“Yes, please,” I replied as I lifted the wine list. I was just about to choose the cheapest glass when a dark, soothing voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Good evening, Fernando.” I looked up to find Ashton standing at the edge of our table, wearing a dark suit that highlighted the bright blue tie that accompanied it. “Why don’t you get Lexington and his guest a bottle of Cheval Blanc 1947.”

Our waiter, who I now knew as Fernando, scurried off, leaving me staring up at Ashton as he eyed Lex, still avoiding turning to face me.

“Good evening, sir,” Lex said, batting his eyes, which only caused Ash to smirk.

I couldn’t look away from that strong jaw and those prominent cheekbones. Ash was a delicious man. I pressed my thighs together just a little tighter as I thought of running my fingers through his hair while he. . . .

A delicate hand with long, pointy, fire-engine-red nails slid around Ashton’s shoulder, interrupting my thoughts. For some reason, I felt the desire to wrench her hand from him and stab her with her own nails.

“I thought I’d lost you,” she cooed in a whiney voice.

I meant to keep my thoughts to myself, but