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)
I laughed as I typed my response.
I do not drool.
I loved his teasing.
You do. It’s totally adorable.
I shook my head.
Go to bed.
Baby, it’s cold outside.
I laughed.
It is winter.
It’s lonely too. Your hallway is sort of dark.
I stared at the screen and flung the blanket off, rushing to the door. I opened it, meeting Asher’s gaze.
“What…?” I asked, but before I could say anything else, he stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. He kissed me, hard, wet, and deep. His skin was cold, his mouth warm, and his embrace tight. He pulled back, leaning his forehead on mine. “Hi.”
“You are supposed to be at home.”
He tightened his arms. “I am now.”
“Asher—”
He cut me off with his lips on mine again. “I was lying in my bed, wondering why I wasn’t here. Even for a few hours. I’ve been pacing my empty condo all night, missing you and AJ. So, I came over. If you don’t want me to stay, I’ll start driving.”
I slid my hands under his open coat, tugging on his T-shirt. “Get in bed with me.”
He grinned against my mouth. “Your wish, my command.”
I settled against his chest, his arms around me. “I didn’t come here for a booty call,” he murmured. “But, wow, lady. You missed me.” He chuckled. “I think I might fear for my manhood when I get back. You’ll drain me.”
I laughed at his teasing. “I think you can keep up.”
He slipped his finger under my chin, lifting my head. “I’ll do everything I can to make sure you’re satisfied.”
I bent and kissed his finger. “You are the ultimate Snickers.” At his low laughter, I smiled. “I had no idea…” I trailed off.
“No idea?” he prompted, tapping my chin.
“Um, sex before was okay. Not like with you.”
“Obviously, aside from sperm donation, your ex wasn’t much good at anything except running like a coward.”
“I always thought it was me.”
He kissed me soundly. “Trust me. It wasn’t.”
He pulled me back to his chest. “Sleep for a while, Rosie.”
“What about you?”
“I can sleep now too.”
He was gone when I woke up. For a moment, I thought I had imagined his late-night visit until I saw his note and another shirt.
In case my smell fades from the first one. I liked seeing you in my clothes. Back before you know it—Asher xx
He had loved the fact that I’d worn his shirt all day. He left me another one.
I planned on wearing it.
ASHER
“If you look at your phone one more time, I am going to pitch it in the snow. No business deal can be that important,” my sister Suzy informed me dryly. “You’ve checked it a dozen times since you got here.”
I slipped it into my pocket. “Just waiting on a reply.”
I had texted Rosie three hours ago. She hadn’t responded. My call went to voice mail.
Was she okay?
Was AJ sick?
Was she sick?
Had she already forgotten about me?
Internally, I shook my head. She was no doubt busy. Laundry. Playing with AJ. Out. Something.
But she hadn’t answered, and I was worried. I almost started to laugh. I didn’t worry about anyone. Aside from my sister and niece, and even they didn’t get much of that worry. I knew James loved them fiercely and protected them both.
“A new project,” she asked. “Or—” she grinned widely and took a sip of wine “—does this have something to do with your ‘I’m not alone’ comment over Christmas?”
I was surprised it had taken her so long to bring that up. Granted, since I’d arrived, I had been busy with Bonnie. Opening gifts, having tea, reading to her before she went with her dad to pick up pizza, leaving Suzy and me alone for the first time since I’d gotten here.
I was quiet for a moment. “I met someone. I was letting her know I arrived, and she hasn’t responded. I’m a little surprised.”
“And concerned,” Suzy added, tilting her head. “She must be special to have your attention, big brother.”
“She is.”
“When did you meet her? How long have you been seeing her?”
“Just before the holidays.”
“So, November?”
“More like a couple of days before Christmas.”
Suzy’s eyebrows flew up in shock. Before she could speak, my phone rang and I answered quickly, my voice filled with relief. “Rosie. Is everything okay? “
“I’m sorry!” she exclaimed. “It was so cold AJ couldn’t play outside, and he was restless. The neighborhood theater had a cheap matinee and we went, and I guess I forgot my phone. We stopped for a burger, and we were gone longer than I expected and I missed your calls—”
“It’s all right, baby. I’m glad you and AJ had a nice afternoon and you’re both okay.”
“I didn’t mean to worry you. In your message, you sounded upset.”
“I was concerned. But it’s all good.”
“Your drive was okay?”
“Boring and fast.”
“Did you speed?” she tsked.
“A little.”
“Asher,” she scolded.
I glanced at my sister, who was watching me with narrowed eyes.