Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 54886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“He plays in there a lot.”
I looked around, realizing, aside from the bathroom, the apartment had no other doors.
“Where is your room?” I asked.
“I sleep on the sofa.”
“On the sofa?” I asked, shocked. She had no room? No privacy?
She nodded. “I haven’t found a two-bedroom place I can afford. I like this neighborhood. It’s close to AJ’s school and easy transit. The sofa pulls out to a bed. I don’t mind it. It’s comfortable enough.” She shrugged. “It will do until I can afford something better.”
I had a feeling “until I can afford something better” was a mantra for her. I thought of her too-big coat, going without breakfast. Sleeping on the sofa. She went without so AJ didn’t have to. I wondered how many other sacrifices she made without even thinking.
“What do you do for a living?” I asked.
“I’m an accountant. I put myself through school.”
“While pregnant?”
“Partially.” She smiled ruefully. “It wasn’t as if I had a choice. I had to finish school to get a decent job. I had to work in order to go to school. Luckily, I qualified for some small scholarships, which helped.”
“And his father never helped?”
She laughed and got up, pouring us the coffee she had made. “He ran as far away as possible. Last I heard, he was in the Northwest Territories as a guide or something. He always liked nature and hiking.”
“Selfish bastard.”
“It never would have worked out. We were too different. He was taking business courses so he could run his own company offering outdoor nature adventures. We met at a course we were taking together. He seemed nice. Sadly, nice and wanting the same things from life didn’t mesh. He wanted adventures. To never settle down. I hated the sun and outside. I wanted to get my degree, settle down, and have a family. When I got pregnant, he walked fast.”
“And you became a mother.”
She smiled, her love for her son evident. “Asher’s mother. Yes. He is worth everything.”
“So, an accountant?”
“Yes. I finally got on with a good place. I’m still at the bottom, but it’s steady and I plan to work my way up.” She took a sip of coffee. “And you? What do you do when not finding lost boys or feeding strange women?”
I chuckled. “I only do that once a year. Otherwise, I’m a philanthropist.”
“Oh.” She frowned. “What is that exactly?”
“I own several companies, which are profitable. We turn the profits into investments. Those funds are there to help people. We do grants, support charities, fund causes. Scholarships. Foundations. We even give money to individuals.”
“Wow. So you give away money for a living.”
“I tried the usual route. I came from money and made more easily. But I was tired of corporate greed. The first time I gave away a large chunk of money was the first time I felt good about myself. I realized I could do both. Make it and give it away. Help others. So I restructured my life.”
“That is amazing.”
I opened my mouth to reply but my phone buzzed, and I frowned as I read the message. “I have to go,” I said regretfully.
I was pleased to see she looked as disappointed as I felt. She stood, and I followed her to the door. “Thank you for your help today,” she said. “And breakfast. It was delicious, and I enjoyed spending some time with you.”
I stepped closer. “So did I.” I paused. “I don’t want to leave,” I confessed.
“Oh,” she breathed out.
“I want to see you again.” I cupped her cheek, the skin beneath my fingers soft and smooth. I stroked it with my thumb, feeling the heat gather under my touch.
“Are you sure?” she whispered.
“Do you feel it?” I asked, keeping my voice low. “This…draw?”
She nodded, not speaking.
I dropped my head, brushing along her cheek with my lips. “I want to explore it. If you feel the same way,” I added.
She gripped my jacket with her hand, fisting the material tightly. “I’m not alone.”
“I know. I think you’re a wonderful mother. I like your son. I like you.” I took her hand in mine, lifting it to my lips. “Please,” I asked again, the word coming easily when it came to her.
“I, ah, don’t think I’m the kind of woman you’re used to, Asher.”
I liked the way she said my name. It was different from when she said it to her son. This was breathier, needier.
“I’m not used to any kind of woman, Rosie. I’m a bit of a loner. But I want to get to know you better—if you let me.”
“I’m not in your league.”
“I wasn’t aware I had one. And if I do, I want you there with me. Let me see you again.”
“Maybe you should think about it, and if you decide you want to, you know where I am.”
I pressed my mouth to her cheek, my lips lingering. Her hair tickled my cheek, the scent of her, soft and feminine, swirling around me.