Page 67 of The Wish List
“It’s okay, my love. I have you. AJ is safe. Everything is fine.”
“I got fired today,” she wept. “Because I left to get AJ.”
Fury tore through me. “Wells?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“We’ll figure it out.” I tilted up her chin, meeting her tear-filled gaze. I hated to see her green eyes clouded over with fear and worry. “You will be fine. You have me, and I won’t let anything happen to you or AJ. I’ll take care of you. I promise.”
I could see her struggle. “I know you’re independent, Rosie. I love that. But it’s okay to accept help from someone who loves you and only wants the best for you,” I said, holding her gaze. Letting her see the adoration in my eyes.
She blinked. “You love me?”
“Yes.”
“You. Love. Me.”
“And AJ.”
She flung her arms around my neck, sobbing hard again. I held her and let her cry. She needed the release. She’d had to be strong for so long, and today was the proverbial last straw. I rocked her, letting the heat and my closeness soothe her. When her tears stopped, she rubbed at her eyes, staring up at me.
“I love you too,” she whispered. “So much, Asher. You’re incredible, and I feel so much, I can’t even express it.”
I bent and kissed her. “Good. Then together, we’ll figure everything out. You’re not alone anymore, Rosie. Never again.”
She nestled into me, and I smiled, finally relaxing.
They were here. They were safe.
And she loved me.
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
ROSIE
Iwoke up feeling hot. Bundled in so many blankets I felt like a burrito. Asher was gone, his side of the bed cool, so I knew he’d been up for a while. He obviously wanted to make sure I was warm without him. I preferred his hot skin next to mine, but it was still nice to wake up and have my first thought not of being chilled.
I sat up, looking around. A glance at the clock told me it was past ten. I never slept this late.
Then again, I was rarely home on a Tuesday.
The other thought absent was the dread of going in and facing Ms. Wells. Untangling myself from the blankets, I padded over to the window, opening the blinds. It was still snowing, the world outside covered in white, the tree branches laden with snow and ice, bending under the weight they carried.
I got ready, dressing in leggings and a cozy sweatshirt. Asher hadn’t packed a lot, but I could make do. It was only for a few days.
The thought of that made me sad, but I tamped down the feelings. I was here now.
I found Asher and AJ stretched out on the rug in front of the fireplace, the flames dancing behind the glass. Between them was the checkerboard, and they looked thoughtful as I crouched between them.
“Good morning.”
I received two enthusiastic responses. AJ was thrilled to be back at the condo and with Asher. He talked and grinned for five minutes. Asher waited his turn, then drew me close and kissed me. “Hello, my love. You look better.”
“I feel better. Lazy.”
“No. Long overdue. I made coffee.”
I stood and stretched. I saw how Asher’s gaze followed the hem of the sweatshirt lifting and exposing my skin. His eyes gleamed, and I shook my head. “Behave.”
