Page 49 of The Wish List
“Perfect.”
“Momma!” AJ’s voice called.
“I have to go.”
“Call me later.”
“I will.” She paused. “Asher?”
“Yes, Rosie?”
“I missed you too.”
She hung up, but her admission made me smile.
* * *
I sent her flowers the next day. I had casually confirmed the name of the company she worked for when we spoke later that night. I wanted to send her something that reminded her of me and let her know I was thinking of her. She texted me in the afternoon, thanking me and telling me she was looking forward to seeing me the next day.
It does seem forever away.
Your flowers are beautiful.
I replied swiftly, ignoring the people sitting in front of me.
Not possibly as beautiful as you.
The little heart emoji she sent back made me grin. The proposal we were going over was granted more money than I had planned to give. It seemed right somehow, given they were working on helping single mothers.
My staff left the room wondering if I had taken leave of my senses. It was rare I doubled the suggested contribution.
But my respect for single mothers had changed drastically. I’d admired them before Rosie. Now I thought they should be revered.
I had a feeling she would be pleased with my decision.
And even though I was going to see her the next day, I showed up at her door at nine that night, knocking quietly in case AJ was in bed.
She opened the door, looking surprised and, to my delight, happy to see me. She was in a long nightgown sort of thing. Shapeless, huge on her, and, no doubt, fuzzy and warm. She looked sexy and sweet all at once.
“Asher? What are you doing here?”
“I missed you,” I replied.
She pulled me in, throwing her arms around my neck. I held her tight, enjoying the feeling of having her close, then slipped my fingers under her chin and kissed her. Our mouths moved together, lips and tongues touching, tasting, exploring. She was sweet tea and mint. Warm hellos and soft whimpers. I drew back, gazing down at her. “Hi.”
“Hi,” she replied.
“Can I come in just for a few moments?”
“Yes.”
I toed off my shoes and laid my coat over the sofa arm. “AJ out?”
“Yes. You missed him by about fifteen minutes. I was just having supper.”
“You didn’t eat with him?”
“I had a really late lunch. I sat with him while he ate his dinner so I could hear all about his day.”
