Page 49 of Age of Shade

“Yeah, angel,” I finally answer, once we’re tucked away together in the back seat. “I’m ready.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

ADINA

6 Months Later

I got the job.

I didn’t expect to. At least, I wouldn’tallowmyself to expect to.

Somehow, even after six months of my life being pretty darn close to perfect, I couldn’t bring myself to be optimistic about this. After all, if I didn’t think I’d get the job, I could be happy and surprised if I did. If Ididexpect to get it and ended upnotgetting it, I’d have been devastated.

Incredibly, happy and surprised won out today, and I’m all but skipping as I get off at the familiar subway stop around the corner from Asher’s office.

In the days when I haunted the place at night, I used to wonder about the people he worked with. Now, as I walk through the front door, I wave at the two women behind the reception desk, June and Dana. Ryan, the dental assistant, grimaces and promises to return the book he borrowed from me soon when I greet him in the back hall.

None of them know me as the girl who used to empty their waste baskets. I’m just the woman their boss is in love with.His wife.

I find my adorable, lavender lab coat–wearing husband in his office, frowning at his computer screen. Asher looks up as I slip inside, closing the door behind me.

He pushes his chair back from the desk, face splitting in such a big smile that returning it is practically an involuntary response. “Come here.”

I don’t need to be asked twice. Crossing the room, I’ve barely cleared the corner of the desk before a pair of strong arms have wrapped around my waist, dragging me into a familiar, firm chest. Warmth spreads through my muscles, loosening tension I didn’t even realize I was carrying just by being close to him.

Asher Roth is my happy place.

“Missed you,” I murmur quietly, leaning down to meet his lips. Asher’s arms tighten in response, pulling my body more firmly against his.

“Missed you too,” he replies when we finally break apart, gazing up at me with such undisguised adoration it makes my heart flip. I’ll never get used to being looked at like that; like I’m the most important person in the world, the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, and his very favorite person, all rolled into one. “How was your day?”

My smile widens. Getting the job was exciting and all, but telling Asher is even better. I bite my lip, savoring the anticipation for all of half a second before the news comes bursting out of me. “I actually got a call on the way over here… I got the job!”

Asher’s face transforms instantly. “You got it?” The exclamation is so loud that I’m sure he can be heard out in the hall. I squeal when he leaps to his feet, pulling me off the groundwith the force of his hug. “I’m so proud of you,” he mumbles against my hair, and I sniff, burying my face against his neck.

This is such a full-circle moment for us. How could I have ever known that the kind dentist, who gave me a place to sleep on a snowy night, would be holding me in his arms, celebrating me achieving my dream at the end of it all. For years, I’ve thought about how lucky I was that day. My bad luck had finally run out, and I ended up in the right place at the right time.

How could I have possibly known thatluckywas such a spectacular understatement?

My eyes are burning as Asher sets me down on the edge of his desk and gathers my face in his hands to kiss me with such obvious devotion that it makes my throat tighten.

How is it even possible to love someone this much?

“It’s per diem to start,” I tell him when we break apart, our foreheads still pressed together as we beam at each other. “The money isn’t awesome, but apparently they have a few full timers retiring this year, so who knows.” My smile fades a little as a sliver of worry creeps in. “They warned me that paychecks might be a little all over the place the first few months—”

“That doesn’t matter.” Asher’s voice is firm and leaves no room for argument. He shakes his head slightly, thumbs tracing back and forth over the sides of my face. “You’re the love of my life, Adina Roth, and you’ve worked so incredibly hard for this. You’re going to be spending your daysprotecting children. Do you really think I care how much money you’re making?“ His tone is incredulous, and his eyebrows lift in disbelief.

Well, when he puts it like that.

I sigh happily, feeling a smile pulling at the corners of my mouth again as the last bit of doubt drains away. “I’m really excited. Like…reallyexcited.”

“You should be.” His eyes glint behind his glasses. “Did I mention I’m proud of you? Ridiculously proud? It’s obscene,really. I’ll have to rent a billboard to shamelessly brag about how awesome my wife is.”

Giggling, I lean forward to nip at his bottom lip. I adore goofy Asher. “You have mentioned it, I think.”

“I’m going to say it a few more times too.” Drawing back, he glances at his watch. “I have a few more appointments, but after that, we’re going to dinner to celebrate.”

It’s been a hectic few months. The clinic has officially become a registered nonprofit, offering affordable dental care to low-income families in the city. Donations have been flowing in, and about a dozen local dentists have stepped up to volunteer their time on a regular basis. Every time I come here, there is new equipment being rolled in, fresh magazines scattered across the waiting room tables, and families drifting in and out with one less worry on their shoulders. There’s already talk of expanding and opening other locations.

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