Page 76 of Beauty and the Beard

Sasha

I’m just crawling into bed with a book when my phone rings with Leaf’s ringtone. I don’t think it’s even finished one full ring before I’m rushing to answer it.

“Hey, Leaf.”

“Sasha, I’m so sorry it took me so long to call. My phone died, and I didn’t have a charger. Then I got back, and some lodgers roped me into their after dinner card game and fish talk. Millie needed me to move some stuff into the kitchen and… yeah. I’m sorry.”

Leaf’s voice edges on panic and I find it endearing that he’s so concerned about my feelings.

“You don’t need to be sorry. I’m happy you called. Things happen.”

A breath of relief over the line is clear as a bell and I fucking miss him. So much.

“Fuck, it’s good to hear your voice. I miss you.”

Placing the phone on the pillow next to me, I put the call on speaker and pretend he’s laying there with me.

“Me too. Do you have time to talk now for a while? I… I’ve made some decisions and I want to know what you think.”

“My phone has a full battery and I’m in for the night. You have me for as much time as you want.”

His voice is soft and I picture him reclining on the sunset loveseat. Maybe with his nighttime tea nearby.

“Are you sitting near the window in your favourite spot?”

“I am. No sun, though. Just the moon over the water. It’s still pretty.”

I release a slow breath. “How would you feel having company on that seat?”

He sucks in a sharp breath and I curl my hands into the comforter while I wait for his answer.

“There’s only one person I’d like to share this space with. And if it’s who I hope you mean, my response is I’d love it more than anything, and how soon?”

I gasp. Relieved and swamped with emotion that Leaf truly wants me there. And I struggle to control my tears and emotions so I can talk.

“I’ve been thinking a lot and I have a plan. To ah, make a change. Live a happy life. And if you want me there, I have a huge ask of you.”

Leaf’s answering voice is thick with emotion. It warms my heart to hear that he’s as moved as I am with whatever this is we have growing between us.

“Somehow I don’t think whatever it is you ask of me will be much Sasha.”

Smiling at how easy everything seems to Leaf, I tell him about my photography space and how I found a place in the town of Maple to serve as a studio. How my course work can be completed mostly online. Except for the gallery event near the end, I don’t need to attend everything in person.

“So you can come here to stay? With me?”

His voice cracks and I find the smile staying on my face longer.

“I can look for an apartment if you prefer. I know it’s rather soon to —”

“No. I want you with me every morning, Sasha. I don’t care what people think. That’s not a huge ask at all, baby. I just wish you’d be here tomorrow.”

God. This man. How did I get so lucky?

“Well, that’s not actually my ask. But I’m delighted to hear how excited you are to have my clothes all over your space.”

His throaty laugh sends goosebumps racing down my body.

“And on the floor. On the sofa. You look great without them… just sayin’.” He schools his voice. “Really Sasha, just knowing you’re willing to come back means everything to me.”

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