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)
“Then we’ll start the next year off together, yes?”
Behind him, the TV show began the countdown. His gaze slid to mine, waiting, hopeful, and filled with adoration. “Say yes, please, Rosie.”
I smiled because there was no way I could refuse this man. “Yes.”
He slipped his hand to the nape of my neck, pulling me close.
“Happy New Year, Rosie,” he whispered against my lips.
“Happy New Year, Asher.”
With his mouth on mine and his promise ringing in my ears, I looked forward to what the year held in store.
I woke up to low voices coming from the kitchen. Asher had stayed, but we hadn’t done anything other than hold each other. He needed the closeness, and I loved his warmth. He had held me tightly, and we had slept after the midnight celebration.
I sat up, running a hand through my hair. I was bundled up, but the air in the apartment felt cool. I shivered a little and wrapped the blanket around me. I checked the thermostat, wondering if the heating was on the fritz again. It occurred a lot here. I turned it up but nothing happened, and I groaned low in my throat in frustration. It always got fixed, but it often took a few days. AJ and I would have to bundle up to stay warm. I had one small heater I would set up in the living room then move to AJ’s room at night to keep the apartment from getting too cold. I could only hope they would fix it soon.
I washed my face and brushed my teeth, then I headed to the kitchen, leaning on the doorframe, observing AJ and Asher in silence. They were eating breakfast and playing checkers—a game Asher had bought AJ for Christmas. They were concentrating, leaning on their elbows, studying the board. AJ had a piece of toast with peanut butter in his hand, Asher was holding a half-eaten granola bar. Their serious expressions made me smile.
“I feel the tension in here,” I drawled.
They looked up, grinning when they saw me.
“Momma—I beat Asher once, and he beat me. This is the tie breaker!”
I stepped closer, ruffling his hair and kissing his cheek. “I see.”
Asher smiled at me, his eyes dancing. “Do I get a kiss too?”
I bent to brush my lips over his cheek, but he pulled me close, capturing my mouth. “Morning,” he breathed.
“Morning.”
“I made coffee.”
“Okay.”
I poured a cup and topped his up, then sat down and watched them finish the game. AJ won, and he lifted his arms in celebration. Asher fist-bumped him. “You’ve caught on well, bud. We’ll move on to chess next.”
AJ laughed in delight at the thought of spending more time with Asher. I smiled at him. “Go get dressed, baby. Wear something warm. It’s cold in here.”
He ran off, and Asher studied me. “I noticed the temperature drop. Why is it cold?”
“We often lose heat in the winter. They fix it as fast as they can.”
“What if they can’t?”
“So far, they have.”
“I don’t like the idea of you two being cold.”
“We’ll survive.”
“Come to my place.”
I shook my head. “AJ goes back to school the day after tomorrow. I return to work. We’ll add layers, and if it gets really bad, they’ll do something. The system is old, but they do the repairs when needed.” I shrugged. “A little chill is better than when we lost electricity for four days. No heat, lights, hot water, any way to cook anything. AJ was only two. It was awful.”
“I hate thinking of you in any discomfort.”
“I’m tougher than I look.”
He smiled. “I know you are. You’re exceedingly strong.”
“Not always.”
“I think you’re incredible.”
I waved off his compliment. “You’re biased.” I stood, stopping to drop a kiss to his mouth. “It’s the sex. It’s clouded your mind.”
He tugged me to his lap, wrapping his arm around me, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “It’s you, Rosie. I’m in constant awe of you.”
I snuggled close, loving his scent, his warmth, and the way he saw me. “Thank you.”
He tipped up my chin and kissed me again. “You’re welcome.” Then he grinned. “But if you want to remind me about the sex thing, I’m all for it.”
I laughed. “With AJ awake? Good luck.”
He returned my amusement. “We’ll have to wait until he’s asleep, then.”
“Good plan.”
The apartment was chilly by the time the heat was fixed. Asher was anxious and upset as we waited. AJ and I were used to it and added blankets. I had to admit, as the temperature dropped, the invitation to go to Asher’s condo looked better than ever. When the pipes clanked and hissed, indicating the heat had returned, I blew out a relieved breath. We were snuggled on the sofa watching a movie when it happened, and Asher frowned.
“Took them long enough.”
“Sometimes it gets cold out here,” AJ informed him. “But Momma puts a heater in my room so I’m okay.” He bounded away to get a drink, and Asher studied me.