Landlady: A New Adult Romance (Northbridge Nights Book 1)

by Jackie Wang

  “They let me take you back home a few days ago. I'm sure they won't want to keep us apart.”

  “We'll see,” Sierra said. Her expression seemed forlorn, and I wondered if something else was still troubling her.

  I pulled up in front of Maywood Farm and cut the engine.

  “Asher! Sisi!” Lillian called out. She ran down the steps and rushed to greet us. She must've seen us through the window. “I wasn't expecting you two! What a pleasant surprise.”

  “Mom, Asher and I came here to talk,” Sierra said, her lips set in a firm line. “About the farm. And its future.”

  Minutes later, we were seated at the dining table. Lillian wrung her wrists, her crow's feet deepening with each passing second. “So that's what you two talked about this afternoon? I thought you were just taking him out to lunch,” Lillian said, rubbing her knuckles with her thumb.

  “Mom, Asher and I want to help. Asher?” Sierra looked at me.

  I sat up straighter. “I'd like to give you two a loan. With interest, of course. Just like one you'd get from the bank. You can pay me back every month.”

  Lillian's fingers brushed against her neck. “We couldn't possibly, Asher.”

  “I want to,” I insisted. “I won't take no for an answer.”

  Sierra kicked me under the table. I softened my tone. “What I meant was, I care about you and Ernest. About this farm and this family. I want to see it thrive.”

  “I don't know, Asher. I'll have to talk to Ernest about this.”

  “Where is Dad?” Sierra asked.

  “He's out back, talking to Jordan actually,” Lillian said.

  “Jordan? What's he doing here?” Sierra asked.

  “Your dad called him over to have a chat.”

  “Without you?”

  Lillian shrugged. “They've needed this father-son talk for a while now. Don't interrupt them.”

  I could see Sierra tense up. I wrapped my hand around her shoulder and pulled her close. “We'll wait then,” I said.

  Ernest and Jordan showed up about ten minutes later.

  “Asher,” Ernest said. “I wasn't expecting you.” He turned to Sierra and arched his brow.

  “Asher and Sierra came here with a proposal,” Lillian said, nodding at me.

  I stood up. “I'd like to give you two a loan. With interest. Until you're back on your feet. And Sierra and I could come help out on the farm every weekend.”

  Ernest frowned. “That's not what Sierra told me this afternoon.” He turned to Sierra, who sat on the couch, stiff as a board. “Sierra said she would sell the house and split the profits with us. That she'd move back to the farm. Isn't that right, Sisi?”

  I helped Sierra back to her feet. We walked towards Ernest.

  Sierra began, “I talked about it to Asher, and he wants to keep me in the city. We're in love Dad, you understand right? We'll loan you the money you need and—”

  “—You think this boy is more important than your family,” Ernest stated. It wasn't a question.

  “Dad, please.”

  “You want to keep your Grandma's house all to yourself so you can live the good life with your boyfriend in the city while we struggle in the dirt.”

  “That's not how it is,” I interjected. “We want to help. We'll do what we can.”

  “I don't need handouts from the likes of you,” Ernest shot out. He looked like he wanted to throttle me.

  “Dad! That's no way to talk to Asher,” Sierra cried. “Apologize. Now.”

  “Hell no,” Ernest spat. “If you want to stay with him, I can't stop you. But I must say, I'm disappointed in you, Sierra.”

  “What the hell are you talking about, Ernest?” Lillian interrupted. “You like Asher. You told me yourself.”

  “Yeah, that was before his pompous prick of a father came here waving his check book in my face.”

  “What do you mean, Dad?” Sierra asked.

  “Didn't your boyfriend tell you? His dad came here trying to buy us out. Said if I could get you to leave his son alone, he'd give us $250,000.”

  My heart sank. How could he? How could my father sink so low?

  “And what did you say, Dad?” Sierra asked.

  “I told him to fuck off, that's what I said.”

  “But—you just—”

  “I don't want no bribe,” Ernest said. “But that doesn't mean the conversation didn't get me thinking. Are you sure this is what you want, Sierra? To be pulled into the upper crust and to put up with all the drama that goes along with it? Wouldn't you be much happier leading a simple life here, on the farm? Helping your parents and brother? Eventually, settle down with a local... have some kids—”

  Ernest gave Jordan a pat on the back. “Even your brother's doing his part.”

  “Jordan, you're—” Sierra was cut short.

  “—That's right, Sisi, I'm stepping up,” Jordan said. “Mom and Dad need my help. So why aren't you pulling your weight?”

  I'd had enough. They were bullying my girlfriend, and I wouldn't stand for it. “She's trying her goddamn best to please all of you, and you still think she's not doing enough,” I said. “She's on crutches for God's sakes. What good would she be on the farm? If you need money, I can loan you every penny I have. It's about $100,000, not enough to last forever, but it's a start. It's not the quarter-million dollars my father offered, nor is it the amount you would've received from the sale of the house. But it's everything I have, and I hope it's enough to make you reconsider. I am madly in love with your daughter, and I can't bear to be apart from her. I need her to stay with me. I need to see her gorgeous smile before I go to sleep every night and when I wake up every morning. I'll make her the happiest woman alive, I promise. But we need to stay together. In the city. In our house.”

  Everyone was stunned. I was stunned myself. I never expected to blurt all of that out.

  After a moment, Lillian spoke up. “Sierra, is that what you want? To be with Asher?”

  Sierra nodded slowly. “I love him, Mom. Much as I want to help out on the farm, Asher's right. I can barely walk properly, let alone carry anything. Can you at least try to make things work with Asher's loan? Then if it's still not enough, we can think about selling the house?”

  Lillian nodded. “I'm impressed, Asher. I didn't think you'd fight for my daughter so much.”

  “I'll always fight for her. With every ounce of strength I have,” I said, looking her square in the eye.

  Ernest still didn't say a word.

  “Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to hit the road before it gets too dark,” I said. I took Sierra by the arm and helped her back outside, down the stairs and into my car.

  Once we were on the road again, Sierra spoke up. “Did you mean all that stuff you said back there?”

  “Of course.”

  “My dad hates me now, I know it,” she groaned. “He thinks I'm a horrible daughter. A useless, ungrateful—”

  “You're not,” I reassured her. “So stop beating yourself up. You're on crutches for God's sake. It'd be cruel to make you work. Besides, I might die if you leave me.”

  “I—” Sierra sighed. “Fine. What should we do now?”

  “It's about time I took you out on a proper date,” I said. “Don't you think so?”

  “What did you have in mind?” Sierra asked.

  “A surprise.”

  CHAPTER 25

  SIERRA

  IT WAS ALMOST SIX when we pulled into a cozy lodge off the Interstate.

  Cedar River Bed and Breakfast Inn oozed rustic charm. Built completely out of what I assumed were cedar trunks, the massive building sported a large wraparound deck and floor-to-ceiling windows. It also had an unparalleled view of Cedar River and Cyprus Mountain. Nestled just off Exit 51, the lodge was the perfect weekend getaway destination. And the perfect place to go on a first date with Asher.

  The scent of pine and mouth-watering barbecue greeted us as we pulled up the asphalt driveway.

  “How did you find ou
t about this place?” I asked, awed by the architectural beauty before us. “It's gorgeous.”

  “Google,” Asher grinned. “The reviews looked good.”

  “It also looks pricey,” I noted.

  “Not really,” Asher said. “About average. Apparently, the food's to die for. Especially the pulled pork.”

  “Good, because I'm starving,” I said, licking my lips. It'd been a really long day, and I hadn't gotten around to eating much, as usual. First Vicky, then Charles, then my parents and Jordan. I was surprised I’d survived the whole ordeal.

  Asher dropped his car key off with the valet and escorted me inside. At reception, he booked us the Honeymoon Suite, and we were promptly brought upstairs.

  The Honeymoon Suite was one of the largest in the lodge. It had vaulted ceilings and two levels. The bottom was a living area with comfortable leather couches, a low-profile fireplace, and a flatscreen TV. The upper floor had a king-sized mattress and a polished mahogany wardrobe.

  “If you have any questions, I'm just a phone call away,” the owner said.

  “Thank you... Maria.” Asher nodded at the middle-aged lady.

  Once Maria was gone, I sank into the sofa. “This place has such a homey feel to it.”

  Asher nodded. He sat down beside me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “I knew you'd like it.”

  “How long are we staying here?”

  “However long you want,” Asher smiled. “Taking care of you is my number one priority.” Asher brushed some hair away from my eyes and leaned in for a kiss.

  I shifted under his weight, distracted by the painful itching and throbbing in my calf.

  “I hate this stupid thing,” I said, gesturing to my cast. “It's so uncomfortable. I think I need some painkillers soon.”

  “A few more weeks of patience, my love,” Asher cooed. “In the meantime, you've acquired a man-slave to do your bidding.”

  “Ha, man-slave,” I scoffed. “Rub my feet then, won't you dear?”

  “Sure,” Asher said. He pulled my legs up over his lap and took off my shoes. I was worried my feet would stink, but they were alright. Asher peeled off my socks and began kneading the balls of my feet. It was the perfect amount of pressure: it relieved my achy muscles but didn't tickle. Once he was done with my right foot, he moved onto the left one.

  “That feels amazing,” I sighed, leaning back against the couch. “So this is what it feels like to have a servant at my constant beck and call.”

  “Glad you like it. Do leave a tip if you enjoy my services,” Asher said, smiling.

  “I'd tip you if I had any cash,” I said.

  I looked at Asher, and couldn't how lucky I was. I wished even more desperately now that I didn't have a stupid cast holding me back. Oh, the things I'd do if I had the mobility...

  “I don't have any of my stuff,” I suddenly pointed out. “You kind of caught me off-guard.”

  “Don't worry, I can grab your things tomorrow morning and bring them here.”

  “Are you seriously considering staying here?”

  “It's a beautiful, relaxing retreat. Why not?” Asher shrugged.

  “We have responsibilities,” I reminded him. “You just promised my parents a loan. And you said you'd help on the farm... Not to mention, at least one of us should have a job, right?”

  My wake-up call irked Asher. “Let's worry about that tomorrow, hmm? For now, I just want to take a lovely lady out to dinner. And maybe do a few naughty things with her when we come back.”

  “Sorry, I'm such a spoilsport,” I apologized. “Come on, let's go eat then.”

  We went back downstairs and made a beeline for the adjoining restaurant. It was packed and thrumming with raucous laughter and animated chatter.

  “Table for two please,” Asher said to the hostess.

  We were seated ten minutes later at a table outside, on the deck. The patio was lit up by lanterns and fairy lights, as well as tea light candles on the tables. Though the sun had already set, it was still a very warm, muggy evening. Overall an incredibly romantic atmosphere. After a couple glasses of wine to start, I felt my body loosening up.

  Over veal cutlets (for me) and a juicy T-bone steak (for Asher), we talked about anything and everything. Our favorite TV shows and movies, how he adopted Bowser, his sister Adele...his years at Harvard law...We chatted about my classmates at LaSalle College, my stingy boss, and how I met Callista. Hours passed that way.

  Conversation flowed easily between us. I didn't know why I thought it would be difficult, seeing as we had such amazing chemistry.

  “We've got to come back here when my leg's all better,” I said at the end of dinner. “We could go hiking in the woods, or even fishing. So many possibilities.”

  “I'll go anywhere, as long as it's with you,” Asher said, holding my hand. “I want to make you the happiest woman alive.”

  “You are way too cheesy. I liked you better when you were snobby.”

  Asher cut off a slice of chocolate cake with his fork and fed it to me. I closed my mouth over the dessert, and it dissolved on my tongue.

  “Wow, you were right, Ash, this place does have spectacular food.”

  “Great view, great food, great rooms, great company,” Asher said. “What more can a man ask for?”

  “You're right. This is perfect.”

  When we got back to our room, I desperately needed a bath. My bones ached and my head swam. But I hadn’t brought a cast cover with me, so I'd need help. Normally I wouldn't ask my date to do something so unappealing, but I had no choice.

  “Asher, could you do me a favor?” I asked.

  “What is it?”

  “Can you give me a bath?”

  “I would love to,” Asher said. “That sounds incredibly sexy.”

  “It would be sexy if it didn't entail trying to keep a gigantic cast elevated and dry,” I said.

  “I'll take any chance I get to see you naked.” Asher grinned. He locked the front door, swept me off my feet and carried me towards the bathroom.

  Once inside, Asher drew a bath, and I sat on the toilet seat, watching steam curl up from the hot water. Asher looked in the mirror and watched as it fogged up.

  “I bet this isn't what you pictured yourself doing at the end of a first date,” I said.

  “No, it isn't,” Asher replied, “it's even better.”

  “How could this be better?”

  “Uh, first of all, I get to see Sierra Maywood naked in a tub. Hot. Second of all, I get to actually wash her body? Even hotter. I'm the luckiest man alive.”

  God, I fricking loved this man.

  After the bathtub had been filled halfway, Asher turned off the faucet. Then, on one bended knee, he helped me peel off my t-shirt. He unhooked my bra, and the rush of air against my skin made my nipples harden. Asher let out a small hum as he tugged off my bra straps and marveled at the sight of my breasts.

  “You, Sierra Maywood, are a goddess,” he murmured.

  I ran my fingers through his dark hair and leaned against him, bringing a nipple to his mouth. He drew the tight bud between his lips and sucked. Tiny fireworks exploded in my belly, and I wanted to forgo the bath altogether in lieu of something far more exciting in the bedroom. But my muscles ached, and I felt sticky. I needed a bath.

  “You drive me crazy, Asher,” I moaned.

  He made circles with his tongue around my areola, teasing the puffy pink skin before gently nipping it.

  “Have I told you how much I love your tits?” Asher groaned. He cupped his right hand over my right breast and squeezed. “They're absolutely perfect.”

  “You're absolutely perfect.” I smiled. “Now help me in please.” Leaning against Asher's shoulders, I hobbled into the bathtub. The water lapped against my shins. It was fairly hot, but not scalding. Asher lowered me down slowly, careful to keep my right leg elevated. I propped up my cast on the edge of the tub, and Asher kept it from sliding down into the water.

  He grabbed a face c
loth and wet it before squeezing body wash on top and working it into a lather.

  After I had settled down, Asher washed my neck, letting the foam slide down between my breasts. My nipples were poking in and out of the water, and he couldn't help but give them a pinch. I squealed.

  “Focus, Asher!” I cried, trying not to laugh.

  “It's kind of hard when you're naked in a tub, and all I want to do is join you,” he replied.

  “If you get my cast wet you're in big trouble, buddy.” I shot him a warning look, and he nodded.

  “Okay, lift up your arms.”

  “I can wash my own upper body, Asher. I just need help with washing my left leg.”

  Asher shook his head. “I want to explore every inch of your body. Please?”

  I felt hairs on the back of my neck prickle as Asher dragged the washcloth over my sensitive arms. When he brushed the undersides of my biceps ever so gently, I groaned. Asher squeezed more body wash into his palms and washed my breasts in a very professional manner. He actually seemed to be concentrating quite hard and lost in his own thoughts.

  “What are you thinking about?” I asked when he was almost done.

  “Just how magnificent your body looks,” he said, not looking up from washing my leg. “And all the nasty things I'd do to you if you didn't have a broken leg.”

  “You better slow down with the praises; it's all going straight to my head, you know.” I grinned. “Come on, let's get me dried and up to bed, shall we?”

  “Yes, ma'am.” Asher winked at me as he lifted me out of the tub and wrapped a fuzzy towel around me. The towel was warm and soft, and I just about swooned in his strong arms. I was a bit light-headed from sitting down in the hot water for so long and clutched Asher for support.

  “Have a seat,” Asher said, gesturing to the toilet. He pulled out a hair dryer and plugged it in. Then he began blow-drying my hair while running a brush through the tangles. “I love your hair,” Asher said, “Always have. It's pure silk.”

  Each brushstroke against my scalp sent tingles down my back. It was so relaxing, and the heat felt so good against my head and shoulders that I almost fell asleep. I suddenly realized that this was what it felt like to be pampered by the man I loved. And I never wanted it to end.