Page 55 of The Wish List
I curled up, pulling my blanket around my shoulders. My phone pinged, and I looked at my screen.
You were so beautiful tonight. It hurt to leave you. Looking forward to the weekend.
Good night, Rosie, my love. Asher
Rosie, my love.
He’d never called me that before.
I smiled as I replied.
Looking forward to it.
PS – I hated seeing you walk away, but the weekend is soon!
Sleep well. Yours, Rosie XX
His reply was fast.
Mine. Yes. I like that.
Asher xx
I fell asleep dreaming of Asher, AJ, and a bright future.
* * *
Ms. Wells was on a tear the next couple of days, killing the high I had been feeling since my date with Asher. She loved to control everything and everyone around her. It wasn’t only me, but I had the feeling she watched me extra closely. I kept track of all our emails and interactions, as per Asher’s suggestion. She did like to refer to my “single mother status” far too often. It had rarely ever come up with my old boss or any of my coworkers, but she seemed to focus on that fact. I was on time every day, ate lunch at my desk as usual, and didn’t leave before four p.m. Still, I had a feeling she found me lacking. I wasn’t sure why she disliked me, but that feeling lingered.
Friday afternoon, I left work with an extra bounce in my step. I picked up AJ, and when we got home, I helped him pack his knapsack for the weekend.
“What toys should I bring, Momma?”
“Oh, ah…” I grimaced, unsure. Would Asher want toys strewn around his place?
A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I glanced at the watch on my wrist. It was barely five. Asher wouldn’t be here for another hour, but when I opened the door, there he was. Tall, handsome, and sexy in his suit and overcoat. He held a large laundry basket in his hands, and he was smiling, looking sheepish.
“Rosie.” He bent and kissed me. “I’m early. I couldn’t wait.”
I stepped back, unable to stop returning his smile. “I don’t mind.”
He came in, shutting the door, and placing the basket on the floor.
“Is that invisible laundry?” I asked. “Does your fancy apartment not have a washing machine?”
He chuckled as he took off his overcoat. AJ came running out.
“Asher!”
Asher bent, lifting AJ over his head. “Hey, bud.”
I had to turn my head at the sight of the joy on my son’s face. He flung his little arms around Asher’s neck. “I missed you, and I’m so excited!”
“Me too.” Asher stared at me, his gaze heated. “What about Momma? Is she excited too?”
“Yes,” I managed to get out, my breathing suddenly picking up.
“Good. Then we’re all excited.”
