Page 56 of The Wish List
“Asher, what toys should I bring?”
Before I could speak, Asher set AJ down and lifted the basket. “Bring whatever ones you want that can fit in here.”
“You have to be tidy at Asher’s home,” I reminded AJ. “Just like in your room.”
“I know, Momma. I’ll clean up my toys before bed.” He picked up the basket, the size almost dwarfing him. “I gotta pick the best ones.” He glanced at Asher, a furrow between his brows. “I don’t know if I have this many.”
Asher laughed. “Just pick your favorites. There are a few waiting for you at my place as well. I’ll carry the basket when you’re done.”
AJ hurried away, the idea of other toys exciting him.
“You’re spoiling him,” I admonished gently. He stepped forward, wrapping one arm around my waist and drawing me close, while he cupped my face with his other hand. “I want to spoil him. And you. AJ is easy. You are far more challenging, Ms. Duncan. I have a feeling you’ll fight me at every turn.”
“Not every turn. I accept coffee.”
He pressed his mouth to mine, our lips moving in perfect synchronicity. “How about the best coffee you ever tasted?” he murmured, dragging his mouth along my cheek. “A big sofa in front of a warm fire, curled up under the softest blanket I could find in this city?”
“And you beside me?”
“Oh, baby. You know it,” he whispered, his voice husky. “I plan on staying close all weekend.”
“Then go ahead and spoil me.”
He grinned, dropping a kiss to my nose.
“I plan to.”
* * *
I was nervous on the drive to Asher’s place. He pulled into a private parking lot, using a pass that got him through an extra garage door. The level was bright and quiet, not very full, with six cars and a large, square truck-like vehicle parked in a row. All were gleaming under the lights. He parked beside the large vehicle and got out.
AJ stared at the truck. “That’s a Hummer. It’s so cool.”
Asher grinned, handing me AJ’s knapsack and my small bag. “It is.”
“Does it belong to a neighbor?” I asked, trying not to laugh. AJ was staring at it like it was the holy grail. He stepped closer as if to touch it, but I patted his arm. “No, AJ. It isn’t yours.”
“He can touch it,” Asher objected. “I don’t mind.”
“Is it yours?” AJ asked, sounding awed.
“Yes.” He glanced around. “All of these are. This is my private parking area.”
I tried not to gape. All of these cars were his? I didn’t know much about cars, but I knew all of them were expensive.
Asher ruffled AJ’s hair. “If your mom is okay with it, I’ll take you for a drive in the Hummer this weekend.”
AJ’s eyes lit up, and I tried not to groan. “You have to behave,” I said.
“I will!”
We stopped at an elevator, and Asher pressed his thumb to a panel. The doors opened, and we stepped in. “Yours, too?” I asked.
“Yes. I have a private entrance.”
Of course he did.
Nothing prepared me for the condo we walked into. Soaring ceilings, an open floor plan, a massive fireplace, and a view to die for. I wasn’t sure where to look first. The kitchen was gorgeous, with rich wood cabinets and stainless-steel appliances. The fridge would hold enough food to feed AJ and me for a month. The freezer beside it would keep us stocked for a year. Corridors led to the left and right of the great room we were in.
