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)
I had managed to get through to the super in my building, but he told me that the heat was still out. The electricity had come back about an hour before I called. “It’s cold, Rosie,” he said. “If you have a warm place, stay there. I’ll let you know when it comes back. And I’m worried the electrics will shut down again. Stay safe.”
I hung up, knowing I had to move. Joe and his wife did their best, but if the owner of the building wasn’t willing to fix the main issues, what they could do was patchwork. I couldn’t keep living with a small space heater and a prayer.
I sighed as I looked out at the snow-covered city. I feared for those homeless. I was grateful not to be one of them. Yet I worried.
Asher came behind me, his reflection a tall shadow that hovered over me. “You look very serious, Rosie.”
I shook my head. “Just looking at all the snow. Where will they put it all?”
“They have dumping places, plus a couple of the stations use melting machines. Some goes down the sewers, and the rest is piled at corners and on boulevards.”
“I don’t remember ever seeing this much snow before.”
He hummed in agreement, pulling me back to his chest and wrapping his arms around me.
“There is a huge amount.”
“Did you get hold of Suzy?”
“Yes. They’re all fine. Hunkered down and safe. She was relieved to find out you were here with me. She was worried.”
I patted his hand. “I’m relieved too.”
He held me tighter. “Not as much as me. I can’t stand the thought of you cold, scared, and on your own.”
“I’ve done it for a long time.”
“Not anymore.”
I stared out at the white-covered city. But I would have to. I had to go back to the apartment and figure out my life.
“What?” he asked, spinning me around. “What do you mean, go back?”
I sighed, realizing I had muttered my thoughts out loud.
“It’s where we live, Asher. Today was lovely. I’ll stay tomorrow too if that is okay, then we have to go home. I have to figure out what is going on with my job, make sure everything is okay at the apartment, and keep going with life.”
I had been thoroughly spoiled the past couple of days. Napping, eating, watching movies. Reading. Comfortable and safe. It had been wonderful. Amazing. But it was time to get back to reality.
“You can’t.”
“Pardon me?” I asked, confused. Why was he so upset?
He paced in front of me, back and forth, his steps fast, his face like thunder. He stopped mid-pace and met my eyes. He was determined. Serious. I suddenly realized the businessman had appeared.
“Do not ask me to take you back there.”
“All right,” I said quietly. “I’ll take the bus.”
He gripped my arms. “You cannot go back and live there.”
“Asher, I have no choice. It is what I can afford.”
“You do have a choice.”
“Asher, if this is about—”
He cut me off with his mouth on mine. He kissed me senseless. Until I was clutching his shoulders, kissing him back with the same intensity he was devouring me with.
He pulled back. “That is what this is about. You aren’t going back there because you and AJ are staying here with me.” He shook me gently. “Don’t you see, Rosie? This is where you belong. With me. Where I can see you. Feel you. Where I know you’re safe. I can’t begin to think of you back there in that cold little apartment, wondering and worrying if your lights will go on. If you have heat.”
“We’ve made do before.”
Again, he shook me. “You don’t have to ‘make do’ anymore. Ever.”
“Asher, it’s so fast. You can’t possibly think this is a good idea.”
He leaned close. “It’s the best idea I have ever had.”
“You’re overstepping.”
“I’m aware. But I’m not stopping.”
“Your sister—”
“Agrees. She can’t believe I haven’t moved you in already.”
“AJ—”
“Can be taken to day care every day and picked up. By me. You. Someone I hire. He loves it here, so you can’t use him as an excuse.”
“I’m not trying to find excuses. I’m trying to point out…” I waved my hand, trailing off. I wasn’t sure what I was trying to point out. Then I remembered my argument.
“We’ve only known each other a short time. What if we’re not compatible?”
He hauled me back to his chest and kissed me again, his tongue doing things to my mouth that should be illegal.
“Stop it.” I slapped his chest. “You’re clouding my head.”
He pressed his forehead to mine. “We are compatible. We were meant for each other. That is why I went to the store. That is why you named your son Asher. He hid that day because that was what was supposed to happen. I was meant to find you. You were meant to be mine.”