Her Coworker - Asher (Emma POV)

I finally arrive to my destination, my current job, The Woodern Tavern. It’s a nice, aesthetic bar that I work at as a waitress. One of my old friends from college, Sammy, recommended me the place because of its owner and bartender. It’s a temporary job as I search for a job from my major.

I enter the tavern, heading up to the bar where said owner and bartender awaits. He’s leaning against the counter, a smile on his face that makes me a little more fluttery than I’d like to admit.

The man behind the counter, Asher, is simply a piece of eye candy. He’s always wearing a sleek suit while bartending with his black hair slicked back. He’s the pitch perfect look of what a hot bartender looks like. And with those dark eyes sometimes I feel like I’ll turn to mush under that gaze.

“Hey Asher!” I greet. “I’m gonna go change and start my shift!”

“Without me?” He jokes and I already feel my face heating up.

I quickly head to the back, get changed into my waitress outfit, and then proceed to start doing my job.

And every time I go up to the bar for whatever reason, Asher drives me insane. A slight touch to the shoulder, the back, or even just standing a little close behind me.

It’s driving me insane as in I shouldn’t be having these kinds of thoughts about him when I have a boyfriend.

John is sweet, amazing, and I love him so much.

And Asher…something about him just makes me wet. It’s so shameful. I’m worried if he made an advance…I wouldn’t be able to hold back.

I can’t believe I’m thinking this. I’m terrible.

After what feels like an eternity of working with these dangerous and tormenting thoughts in my head, someone catches the corner of my eye.

It’s John! I completely forgot!

“Babe!” I hurry over with a smile. “You finally made it!”

“Sorry for the wait.” He nods, looking at the menu. “What would you recommend?”

“Oh! I’ll ask Asher to make you a cocktail!” I grin. “Asher’s the bartender, and his cocktails are the best I’ve had.”

“Really?” He replies. “Alright then, please do.”

I hurry back over to Asher. “Asher! One of your famous cocktails!”

“Is that for you, or…?” He smirked.

“It’s for my boyfriend, John.” I reply, pointing over to where he’s sitting.

“So that’s your boyfriend…” Asher murmurs as he makes his cocktail. A short moment later he hands me it, leaning in with his mouth dangerously close to my ear. “Enjoy.” He whispers, sending shivers down my spine.

I quickly return to John, giving him the cocktail, before heading back towards Asher. Goosebumps are still on my neck as I approach him, my head glanced downwards.

And then I accidentally bump into him. His hand wraps around my waist and I gasp in surprise. He holds me close and I look up at him, his dark eyes staring straight into my soul.

My thighs lightly rub together.

“Be careful, Emma…” He smirks, leaning closer. “Unless you wanted to be this close?”

My throat dried up. I couldn’t get any words out of my mouth. He was getting closer. I should stop him. John is right over there. He’s my boyfriend, I shouldn’t-

And then his lips claimed mine. My eyes fluttered close as we held it for a second. Reluctantly we separated, and I already wanted it again. Despite how much I shouldn’t.

He leaned back down, but curved to the side. I gasped as his mouth latched onto my neck as he started to suck. I frantically started looking around. Thankfully John was occupied, but there were a few in the bar glancing at us.

I let out a breathy sigh as he continued to suck on my neck, all of my worries fluttering away.

I shouldn’t be doing this, but I can’t stop him…both my body and mind won’t.

He finally releases, admiring his work with a grin. I don’t even need to look at my neck to know that there’s a bright red spot there now.

“How adorable, Emma.” He grins, getting back behind the bar.

I gasp, quickly walking away to take another persons order. Oh god, what did I just do?!

A few minutes later with a hammering heart I slowly approached John’s table now that my shift is over. I’m so afraid he’ll notice the mark…but he doesn’t comment about it at all.

We start heading out when Asher approaches us, causing my heart rate that had just calmed down to skyrocket again.

“You must be John.” Asher greets, holding his hand out to my boyfriend. John grabs his hand, the two of them sharing a firm handshake “I’ve heard much about you.”

“Asher!” I exclaim, heat rising to my cheeks.

“Nice to meet you too.” John replies. “Emma was right, your cocktail was great.”

“Thanks.” Asher nods, his eyes turning to me. And as I stare into them, I see a clear message. “I’ll see you tomorrow then, Emma.”

He wants more.

I hate how much my heart thumps at that.

“See you tomorrow.” I whisper, twirling my hair.