Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 54886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Except, I couldn’t help but notice when I went in to peek at AJ, his room was toasty, with the little heater pumping away in the corner. I hated and loved the fact that she made sure he was fine, while she did without. She was a selfless mother, but she needed someone to look out for her as well.
I wanted that someone to be me.
Six o’clock couldn’t come fast enough, and I was out of the office before the chimes on the large wall clock I had in the waiting room had finished their song. I made record time getting to Rosie’s and was knocking at her door at six fifteen. She opened the door, smiling.
“This is becoming a habit.”
I grinned, stepping inside and handing her the small bouquet I had picked up earlier. I cupped her face, her skin soft under my cool palms, and kissed her. “One you can’t break, I hope,” I murmured against her lips before kissing her. “You look beautiful.”
AJ rushed over, so I kept my caress PG. I hunched down, exchanging fist bumps. Rosie went to the kitchen to put the flowers in water, and I listened to AJ tell me all his news. Like his mother, he was observant and loved to watch people. His world contained more crayons, nap times, and cookies, but I still enjoyed hearing him talk.
“You and Momma going for supper?” he asked.
“Yes.”
He twisted his lips. “Not me.”
I ruffled his hair. “Not tonight. This weekend, we all will. Okay?”
His sunshine smile broke out. “Okay!”
I grinned. He was easy to please.
Rosie returned, her pretty green dress swirling around her legs. She had her hair up, showing off her neck, tendrils dancing around her face. The dress had long sleeves and a bow on the hip. The color set off her eyes and ivory skin. I found myself wondering if the bow was for show or actually worked.
I hoped to find out later.
I met Rosie’s neighbor when she came over. Mrs. Watson set down a large bag containing wool and knitting needles. She looked me up and down, pushing her glasses higher on her nose as she did so. Rosie introduced us, and I shook her hand. She grinned at me. “You’re a fine specimen, aren’t you?”
I had to laugh. “I clean up well.”
She stepped closer. “She’s a good girl. A good mother. You gonna treat her right?”
“Absolutely.”
She nodded, watching as I helped Rosie on with her coat. It was different from the coat I’d seen her wear the first day. Shorter. Newer and fancier, but thinner. I frowned at the feel of it, but I didn’t say anything, not wanting to embarrass her. Mrs. Watson beamed at her. “That looks lovely, dear.”
“Thank you for the loan,” Rosie replied.
“You have a good time. Don’t rush to come back. I have my knitting, and I can sleep on the sofa. You enjoy yourselves.” She winked at me.
“Thank you.”
AJ got lots of hugs and kisses from his momma. He held up his arms, and I picked him up, getting a hard hug and a kiss on the cheek. His show of affection warmed my heart, and I felt that tug toward him, the same way I felt toward Rosie.
I turned up the heater in the car and put on the seat warmers. Rosie thanked me. “She insisted I borrow her coat. Mine is old, and I didn’t want…” She trailed off. “This one looked nicer.” She glanced down. “My dress isn’t new either, but—”
I leaned across the console and cupped her face, kissing her until I felt her relax. “You look beautiful. I don’t care if the dress is new, if the coat is borrowed. I want to spend the evening with you. That’s all that matters.”
“I don’t want to embarrass you.”
“You could never embarrass me,” I replied firmly. “Ever. I’m proud to have you on my arm. Please forget about the dress, the coat, everything—just for a little while. Please?”
“Okay.”
I winked at her. “Good. Because if you don’t, I’ll open up Zoles only for you and make you pick out a new coat and dress. Boots too.”
“You wouldn’t,” she gasped. “You can’t do that!”
I laughed as I guided the car into traffic. “I can, Rosie. The store belongs to me. I can do whatever I want, so…” I trailed off, glancing her way.
“I wouldn’t allow it,” she said primly.
I chuckled and took her hand. Little did she know I had plans to shower her with gifts, both the useful and frivolous varieties. And I was going to enjoy it. I had no doubt she was going to fight me on it, but I was looking forward to the scuffles as well.
I was looking forward to anything that had to do with her.
The restaurant was small, quaint, and homey. We walked in, and the owner stepped forward. “Asher!” he said, shaking my hand. “And who is this lovely lady?”