Unwrapped (Sugar & Spice #1)

10. Asher

Chapter 10

Asher

I lean back in my chair, watching the skyline of the city stretch out in front of me. The view from my office is something most people would kill for, but today, I’m distracted by something else—someone else, to be more precise. Ivy.

Ever since we talked about the possibility of me becoming an investor in her bakery, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her. Not just about the business aspect, though that’s definitely part of it. The idea of helping Ivy and Tessa bring their dream to life excites me. But it’s more than that. Ivy has a way of sneaking into my thoughts in ways that have nothing to do with work. The way she laughed the last time we were together, the way her lips felt against mine… Hell, the way she makes me feel like I’m not just Asher Mercer, CEO, but someone real, someone who could be more.

I glance at my phone, a message from Keri sitting on the screen.

Keri

Ivy Calloway is here to see you.

I can’t help but smile. I’ve been hoping she’d come by. My fingers move quickly across the screen.

Asher

Send her in.

The anticipation makes my pulse quicken as I stand up and adjust my jacket, trying to play it cool. A few moments later, the door to my office opens, and Ivy steps inside. She looks as beautiful as ever, her brown hair loose over her shoulders, her eyes bright but conveying a hint of nerves. She’s holding a folder, but all I can think about is how much I want to pull her into my arms.

“Ivy,” I say, crossing the room toward her, “it’s good to see you.”

She smiles, but there’s a nervous energy to her that I recognize immediately. “Hey,” she says, holding the folder out as if it’s a barrier between us. “I, uh… I wanted to talk to you about the investment.”

I take the folder from her hands, setting it down on my desk without even glancing at it. My eyes never leave hers as I step closer, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Business first, huh?”

She blushes, her lips parting slightly as she looks up at me. “That’s why I’m here,” she says, her voice soft.

I grin, leaning in just enough to close the distance between us. “Is it?”

Her breath hitches, and I can see the way her eyes dart to my lips before she catches herself. She’s nervous, I know, but I also know she feels this pull between us just as much as I do.

“Asher,” she says, her voice shaky, “we should talk about the investment. I mean, that’s why I came here…”

I let her words hang in the air for a moment before I close the gap between us, pressing my lips to hers in a soft, teasing kiss. Her response is immediate, her hands coming up to rest against my chest as she kisses me back, but there’s a hesitation there—a nervousness that I don’t want to ignore.

When I pull back, her eyes are wide, her cheeks flushed. “Ivy,” I say quietly, “you know this is more than just business, right?”

She nods, biting her lip as she looks up at me. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“So,” I say slowly, stepping back slightly to give her some space. “You’re worried that mixing business and… whatever this is will make things complicated?”

She nods, still not meeting my eyes. “Yeah. Honestly we haven’t even defined what ‘this’ is, and now we’re talking about going into business together. And I know I said I didn’t need to define it, that I was happy to just see where it takes us, but I’m worried. It’s a lot.”

I uncross my arms, pushing off the desk and stepping closer to her again. I reach out, tilting her chin up so she has to look at me. “Okay,” I say softly, “then let’s define it.”

Her eyes widen, and I can see the way her pulse quickens at the base of her throat. “Define it?”

“Yeah.” I give her a small smile, trying to ease the tension. “If it makes you feel better, I’m happy to define it. What do you want this to be, Ivy?”

She hesitates, biting her lip as if she’s afraid to say the words out loud. I wait, giving her time, but inside, my heart is pounding. I need to know what she wants, because if she’s feeling anything like what I’m feeling, then we’re on the same page.

Finally, she speaks, her voice barely more than a whisper. “I want… I want it to be real. I want it to be just you. I don’t want to be part of your world, Asher. I just want to be part of you.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the chest, and I realize how much I needed to hear them. I close the distance between us again, cupping her face in my hands. “Ivy, I don’t care about the world I come from. I only care about you. I want it to be just us too.”

Relief washes over her face, and I press my forehead against hers, my thumbs brushing gently over her cheeks. “No more wondering what this is,” I murmur, kissing her softly. “It’s real, Ivy. It’s just us. I’m yours and you’re mine.”

She kisses me back, and this time, there’s no hesitation. No nerves. Just us.

When we finally pull apart, she’s smiling, and I can’t help but smile back. “Now,” I say, stepping back and motioning toward the folder on my desk, “let’s talk business. You said you wanted to move forward with the investment?”

Ivy nods, her expression shifting into something more serious as she straightens and looks toward the folder I’d set on my desk earlier. “Yeah,” she says, “Tessa and I talked about it, and we both think it’s the right move. We want to move forward with the investment.”

Her words are confident, but I can see the slight tremor in her hands, the way she’s trying to stay composed. This is a big step for her—and for us. I admire how she’s balancing the personal with the professional, even if it feels a little delicate.

I pick up the folder, flipping it open and skimming the documents she’s laid out. My mind flickers back to how we first started talking about this. I wanted to help, of course, but the more we’ve talked, the more I’ve seen the potential in what she and Tessa are building. It’s not just about supporting Ivy anymore—though that’s a big part of it—it’s about building something amazing together. And I’m all in.

“That’s great news,” I say, setting the folder back down and meeting her eyes. “You two are going to kill it. And you know I’m here to help every step of the way. Whatever you need.”

Ivy smiles, her nerves seemingly melting away. “Thank you, Asher. I mean that. This feels… right.”

I take a step closer, reaching out to touch her arm. “It is right. You and Tessa have worked hard for this, and now you’re about to make it happen. I’m just lucky to be part of it.”

Her cheeks flush at my words, but there’s a quiet confidence in her now that I love seeing. She’s finding her footing, and I’m so damn proud of her.

“Now,” I say, keeping my voice light, “since we’ve got the business side sorted, there’s something else I wanted to ask you.”

Her eyebrows lift in curiosity. “Oh?”

I hesitate for a second, wondering how to phrase this, but then decide to just go for it. I’ve never been one to dance around something once I’ve made up my mind. “There’s this event coming up in a few days. One of those big, fancy galas. It’s for charity, but it’s… well, it’s going to be pretty high-profile. Paparazzi and all that.”

She tilts her head slightly, clearly trying to figure out where I’m going with this. “Okay…”

I take another step closer, my hand sliding down her arm to take her hand. “I want you to come with me,” I say, my voice soft but certain. “As my date. As my girlfriend.”

For a second, Ivy just stares at me, her eyes wide, as if she’s not quite sure she heard me right. Then, slowly, a smile spreads across her face, and she lets out a small, breathless laugh. “Your girlfriend?”

I grin, squeezing her hand. “Yeah. That’s what I’d like it to be. Official. If that’s what you want.”

She bites her lip, clearly trying to contain her excitement, but it’s impossible to miss the way her eyes light up. “Yes,” she says, her voice filled with a mix of happiness and relief, “yes, I want that. I want to be your girlfriend.”

Before I can say anything else, she throws her arms around me, and I catch her, laughing as I pull her close. “You’re sure?” I ask, brushing my lips against her temple. “It’s going to be a big event. Lots of people, lots of eyes on us. I just want to make sure you’re comfortable with that.”

Ivy leans back slightly, her arms still wrapped around my neck, and she looks up at me with a steady gaze. “I can handle it,” she says firmly. “As long as I’m with you, I can handle it.”

Her words send a surge of warmth through me, and I lower my head to kiss her, slow and deep, letting the weight of everything we’ve just said settle between us. When we finally pull apart, I press my forehead against hers, holding her close.

“I can’t wait,” I murmur, my voice low. “We’re going to have an amazing time.”

Ivy smiles, her fingers gently trailing down my arm before she steps back, looking more relaxed than she had when she first arrived. “Me too,” she says, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

The next few days pass in a whirlwind of meetings, plans, and constant back-and-forth calls. Ivy and Tessa have been hustling nonstop to get everything in place for the bakery, and I’ve been doing everything I can to help where needed, but mostly I’ve been trying to give Ivy the space she needs to take the lead. I know how important it is for her to feel like this business is hers, not something she’s been handed.

The memory hits me in the middle of a board meeting.

Someone's droning on about quarterly projections, but all I can think about is that Shakespeare project junior year - and what a fucking coward I was.

I wasn't sick. Not even close.

I'd spent that entire morning psyching myself up for our study session. I remember pacing my bedroom, rehearsing casual opening lines. "Hey Ivy, have you noticed how Lady Macbeth kind of reminds me of that one teacher..." God, I'd been so lame.

The truth was, I'd been terrified. Ivy Calloway was brilliant in English class. The way she dissected themes, how she'd quote passages from memory... Meanwhile, I was skating by on charm and decent writing skills. The thought of spending three hours trying to match her intellectual depth had sent me into a panic.

So I'd faked sick. Called Jessica Martin, knowing she'd spread the word. Spent the afternoon lying in bed, imagining Ivy in the library, probably looking beautiful in that soft way she had, waiting for me.

I'd watched her present our project the following Monday, in awe of how she commanded the room with her quiet confidence. Her analysis was perfect - everything I'd hoped to discuss with her, she'd figured out on her own. She didn't need me at all.

"Mr. Mercer? Your thoughts on the projection models?"

I snap back to the present, clearing my throat. "Sorry, could you repeat the question?"

Zane shoots me a knowing look from across the table. He's the only one who knew the truth back then - how I'd chickened out because I was afraid of looking stupid in front of the girl I couldn't stop thinking about.

The meeting drones on, but my mind keeps drifting to Ivy. To all the missed opportunities. To how fucking ironic it is that I'm still terrified of looking stupid in front of her, but now for entirely different reasons.

I'd give anything to go back and do that project with her. To have those extra hours, those early moments. But maybe this is better. Maybe we needed all those years apart to become the people we are now - people who might actually have a shot at something real.

Still... I owe her a Shakespeare discussion.

I pull out my phone under the table, typing quickly:

Asher

Ever wonder what would've happened if I hadn't been 'sick' for that Macbeth project?

Her response comes seconds later:

Ivy

Funny, I was just thinking about that. You weren't really sick, were you?

I smile, my heart racing just like it did back then. Of course she saw right through me.

Asher

No. But I'm ready to make up for lost time. We can finally have that discussion about appearance versus reality...

The three dots appear as she types, and I hold my breath, feeling sixteen all over again.

Ivy

Hmmm, sounds like you just want to cheat off of me Mr. Asher

I grin, typing back.

Asher

I promise to work very, very hard Miss Calloway.

Ivy

I’ll think about…:) In other news…Guess what?

I lean back in my chair, already feeling the excitement in her message.

Asher

Tell me.

A few seconds pass, and then my phone buzzes again.

Ivy

We got it! The offer was accepted, and we secured the loan. The bakery is officially happening!

I grin, feeling a surge of pride for her. She and Tessa have been working so hard for this, and now it’s finally real.

Asher

I’m so proud of you, Ivy. You two did it!

A few moments later, she responds.

Ivy

I’m so excited! We should celebrate.

I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.

Asher

Absolutely. How do you want to celebrate?

Ivy

I’d love to show you the building. You know, give you a tour of what’s going to be our bakery!

I sit up straighter, already feeling the excitement build. Seeing the place in person would make everything feel even more real.

Asher

I’d love that. When should I come by?

Ivy

How about tonight? Around six?

Asher

It’s a date.

I count the minutes until I pull up in front of the building Ivy had mentioned, a modest but charming space in a part of town that’s quickly becoming known for its small, trendy shops and local businesses. I can already see the potential in the location, even from the outside. This place is going to be perfect for them.

As I step out of the car, I spot Ivy standing by the entrance, her face lighting up the moment she sees me. She’s practically buzzing with excitement.

“Hey,” I say, pulling her against me, planting a lingering kiss on her lips, one that leaves us both a touch breathless. “You look like you’re ready to burst.”

She laughs, stepping back to gesture at the building. “I can’t help it. I still can’t believe this is actually happening. Do you want to see the inside?”

“I’m dying to,” I say, following her as she unlocks the door and pushes it open.

The inside is a blank canvas—bare walls, an open floor plan, and plenty of natural light streaming in through the large windows. It’s not much right now, but I can see the vision forming in Ivy’s mind as she walks me through the space, pointing out where the display cases will go, where they’ll set up the kitchen, and how they’re going to design the seating area for customers.

“I can see it already, baby. It’s going to be amazing, Ivy.”

She turns to me, beaming. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” I reply, stepping closer to her. “You’ve got something special here. I’m just so honored you’re letting me be involved.”

She smiles, looking up at me with so much warmth that it makes my chest tighten. “Thank you, Asher. For everything.”

I lean down, kissing her softly. When we pull apart, I take a deep breath, knowing there’s one more thing I want to ask her.

“So,” I say, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, “there’s that event I mentioned a while back. It’s in a few days, and I was wondering… would you still be up for coming with me? As my girlfriend.”

Her eyes widen for a moment, and then her face breaks into a wide grin. “Of course,” she says, her voice full of excitement. “I’d love to. Did you think I’d change my mind?”

“Not really but I also understand that this isn’t just a night at my place or yours; this is big-time. This is… official. Are you sure you’re comfortable with that?”

She nods, her expression confident. “I can handle it. I’ll be with you, right?”

I grin, pulling her into my arms. “Yeah, you will be.”

And with that, I know everything is falling into place. This thing between us—it’s real. And I’m determined to prove that to her not only with this event but for the rest of our lives.