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)
His words eased my anxiety a little. “You have to go.”
“We’d planned New Year’s.”
I had to laugh. “And we’ll do that when you get back. AJ won’t care if he eats Chinese food on the second or the thirty-first. All he’ll care about is he eats it with you. So, we’ll hold off until you get back.”
He cupped my face, looking into my eyes. “I am coming back, Rosie. This is not over. Please come with me, though.”
“Another time, Asher. I don’t want the first time I meet your family to be, ah, now. And I am not intruding on your time with your niece. You need to go, and I need to stay here. We’ll be waiting.”
“You promise?” he asked.
“I promise.” His plea made me feel better.
“Fine. You shower. I’ll make breakfast.”
“Okay.”
He kissed me. Softly. “I will miss this. You. Me. AJ.”
“It had to end sometime,” I reminded him. “We couldn’t stay here forever. Life has to go back to normal.” I slipped from his arms, pausing at the doorway when he said my name.
“You have a new normal now. We both do. Do you understand me?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Good.”
AJ hugged Asher. “See you soon!” he exclaimed.
Asher ruffled his hair. “Only a few days, bud. Then I’ll be back, and we’ll have supper, okay? We’ll start your skating lessons.”
AJ nodded. “Charlie’s dad goes on business trips all the time. He always brings him something fun!” Then he covered his mouth. “Sorry. That was rude.”
Asher laughed. “Nope. I agree. I’ll bring something fun for you.”
AJ clapped his hands in delight and sped off to his room. Asher had explained over breakfast he had to go away for a few days, and AJ had immediately assumed it meant the same as when Charlie’s dad was gone. It was easier than trying to explain everything else, so I had simply agreed with his thoughts. We watched a movie and had one last play in the snow before Asher left. I knew he had to get ready and that he planned on leaving early the next morning.
Asher turned to me. “Come here.”
I slipped into his arms, and he held me close. “A few days,” he said. “It’s only a few days.”
“Drive safely,” I replied. “Let me know when you get there, please. I checked the weather report, and tomorrow looks okay for driving.”
He smiled down at me. “Will you worry?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll call. And text.”
“Use Bluetooth,” I insisted.
He smiled. “I like having you worry about me. Few people do.”
“I will. So, check in. And enjoy your visit.”
“Are you sure you won’t come?”
I leaned up and pressed a kiss to his jaw. “Yes.”
He yanked me tight to his chest and covered my mouth with his, kissing me hard. Deep. Until I was shaking in his arms. “Asher,” I whispered as he dragged his lips to my ear. “It’s only a few days,” I repeated.
“I’m going to miss your mouth.”
“Is that all?” I teased.
“No. I’m going to miss everything, but especially this mouth. Your smile. Your voice.”
“My mouth and my voice will be waiting for you when you get back.”
“And you’ll pick up the phone?”
“Yes.”
“Not work every second I’m gone?”
“No.”
“I’ll call you later.”
“Okay.”
He kissed me again and opened the door, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “I left you something in the bathroom.” He paused. “I’ll see you soon, Rosie.”
And he was gone.
CHAPTER SEVEN
ROSIE
It was confusing how I could miss Asher so much that quickly. He hadn’t even left the building, and I wished he was back. I shook my head. I was being ridiculous. He’d only been in our life for a few days. He couldn’t possibly have made that much of an impact on us.
Could he?
In the bathroom, he’d left a sweatshirt, which made me grin. I had told him I would miss his scent, so he’d left me this to borrow while he was gone. I slipped it over my head, inhaling deeply. It smelled like him. Rich, decadent, and intoxicating. I kept it on all day.
Around eleven, I closed my laptop and got ready for bed. AJ had fallen asleep around eight, so I signed on and logged some calls. It was a busy night, so I was pleased. I pulled out the sofa bed and sat on the mattress, running my hand over the blankets. I missed Asher waiting for me. His strong body, his warmth. He had called and texted, and I knew he was no doubt asleep since he planned to be on the road no later than six the next morning. I sighed as I picked up my book, deciding to read a little. My phone buzzed with a text from Asher.
You awake?
I smiled as I replied.
Yes. You shouldn’t be since you have to get up early.
His reply was swift.
Couldn’t sleep. You weren’t beside me, all sexy and sweet, drooling on my chest as you slept.