“Asher, what’s wrong? I put those there, I’m sorry. I was trying to be cute. I took them from the flowers you gave me this morning.”
Placing his hands on his desk, he hangs his head and takes a deep breath.
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to yell and scare you.” Looking up he fixes his chair and takes a seat.
“It’s just that yellow roses were the only flowers I ever gave to Olivia, they were her favorite. It just caught me off guard.”
“I’m sorry, Asher. I didn’t know, I’ll take them away.”
“No, you don’t have to do that, it’s fine, really. Thank you, it was very sweet of you. I know you had no way of knowing that. I’m sorry I over reacted.”
Charlotte enters with lunch and the tension in the room evaporates. He picks up the roses and places them to the side, stands again and walks around to my side of his desk, places his hand on my cheek, and gives me a kiss. We eat our lunch as if nothing ever happened.
“Friday is my last chemo appointment, were you still coming with me?”
“I wouldn’t miss it. You know I’ll be there. In fact, we should go out after to dinner to celebrate, as long as you feel up to it.”
“Sounds like a fabulous idea. Well, I should let you get back to work. Thank you for lunch.” Standing to leave, I glance at the two yellow roses.
“Are you sure you’re fine with those? I don’t mind taking them with me.”
“No, they’re fine. I’m good with them here. I’ll come down and get you around five. Now that there is food in your house, we can go back to your place and I’ll cook us dinner.”
“I’ll be ready at five, but I’m cooking dinner. No arguing.”
With that I kiss him on the lips and start to walk out the door. He grabs my arm and turns me back around. With a warm passionate kiss that takes my breath away, he hugs me close to his warm hard body. “I’ll see you at five.”
Asher
Seeing those two yellow roses on my desk sent me into a panic. How could such a coincidence like that happen? Now that I think about it though, it almost seems like Olivia was giving me a confirmation. I am falling in love with Willow. And I couldn’t be happier.
I can’t wait to introduce her to my parents on Sunday. I already talked to them about her, it’s not like I didn’t think my brothers and sisters already didn’t, or that they could keep their mouths shut. I wanted to make sure they know about her cancer, trying to make her meeting them more comfortable. My parents would never intentionally make anyone uncomfortable but just to be safe I told them. They are both so very excited to meet her.
With that thought in mind, I grab the phone and call Aiden.
“I wonder if you could do something for me, not company related. And I want you to keep it confidential. I want you to see if you can locate Willow’s mom.”
“Asher, are you sure about this? I don’t know the story involved here, but this could turn around and bite you in the ass,” Aiden says concerned.
“I’m well aware of that, but I’m hoping that’s not what’s going to happen.”
“I’ll see what I can find out for you.”
Feeling pretty good about finding her mother for her, I wrap up my work for the day. Things have been going great. Willow’s last treatment is Friday. I have a nice evening planned for Saturday at the benefit, and Sunday I get to introduce the woman I am quickly falling in love with to my parents. Saying goodbye to Charlotte, I make my way down to Willow’s floor to pick her up and have a nice evening in.
“Are you ready to go, sweetheart?” I ask her.
“Yes, I just need to log out and shut down my computer. I’ll just be a few minutes.”
“I’ll be in with Amelia, come on in when you’re ready.”
Walking into Amelia’s office, I can tell there is something wrong.
“What’s up little sis, what’s with the face?”
“Asher, I just hung up the phone with Aiden and I have to tell you I think this is a really bad idea.”
“Man, can any of you keep your mouths shut? I want to do something nice for Willow. I just want to find her mother, not put her on a plane to meet her. I want to present to Willow the option of knowing exactly where she is, if and when she’s ready to talk to her. Nothing more. Wait, do you think this is a really bad idea?”
“Well, now that you put it like that I don’t think it’s such a bad idea, but let me go on record as saying keep me out of it. If you’re in the dog house, you’re going to be there on your own.”
“Thanks for your vote of confidence. Hey, Ava and Willow are going shopping for a dress, did you want to tag along with them too? It would mean a lot to me if you got to know Willow better outside of the office.”
“Yeah, I would be happy to, it’s not like I have any other plans.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Aren’t you and Roger still dating?”
“Roger! Are you kidding me, we broke up six months ago.”
“Sorry, I guess I’ve been a little out of it lately.”
Willow makes her way in the office and plops down in the chair next to me. “Ready to go when you are,” she says.
“You two have a hot date tonight?” Amelia asks.
“Asher is going to let me cook him dinner tonight. You want to come too?”
“No, you two go on, get out of here. Have a good night.”
Making our way to the parking garage, I open Willow’s door for her then make my way to the driver’s seat.
“So what do you have planned for dinner?”
“I thought I would make you my famous chili. I should have thought about it and started it this morning in the crock pot, but it will still be good.”
Chapter 13
Willow
While I was getting everything out of the fridge and cupboards to make my chili, Asher hauled himself up on the counter. He is sitting on the island watching me move around the kitchen, looking as relaxed as I’ve ever seen him. Browning the beef and the onions, I pour him a glass of lemonade and place it next to his thigh.
“Hey, come back over here.” He grabs my hand and pulls me between his legs. He’s even taller than normal sitting on the counter. He jumps down and in one swift movement he lifts me up to where he was just sitting. Straddled between my legs he pulls me into a close hug. Wrapping his arms around my back, he kisses my neck and trails up and over to my lips. The beef starts sizzling louder in the pan on the stove.
“Crap, the chili!” I move to jump down.
“You sit, I’ve got it.” He moves over to the stove and finishes the beef and onions.
“I thought I was supposed to be cooking for you. How about we both do it?”
“Alright, come show me your magical chili recipe.”
“It’s not magical, just famous.” Working together, we finish the chili in no time. While the chili simmers I grab a pot and fill it with water.
“What are you making now?”
“I need to boil water for the noodles.”
“Noodles. For what?”
“The chili, silly.”
“You eat noodles with your chili? Who does that?”
“Me. I’ve always eaten my chili over noodles. Doesn’t everyone?”
“Um no, sweetheart, I’ve never heard of chili with noodles.”
“Huh, I thought that’s how chili was served.”
“Well, I’ll try it your way, just for you.”
“Thanks, I promise you will love it this way and never go back to eating it plain again.” Soon everything is pulled together, dishing out noodles, then chili on top with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. As we get comfortable on the couch, I eye Asher to see his reaction to my chili.
“Well it’s definitely different, I’ll give you that. The chili is great, but I don’t think I’m sold on the noodles.”
“Really, well you won’t find me eating it any other way. To each his own, I guess.”
After finishing dinner Ash
er took all the dishes into the kitchen and loaded up the dishwasher. He comes back and sits next to me on the couch.
“Well it’s getting late, I should go.”
“Oh, alright,” I say, feeling sad that he’s leaving.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” He tilts my chin so I’m looking in the eyes. “You feel alright?”
“Yes, it’s nothing like that. I was just feeling sad that you were leaving. Asher this might be forward of me and I don’t want you to get the wrong idea here. You know I’m not ready to move our relationship to the next level just yet, but do you think you could stay here with me tonight?”
“Sure, I can sleep on the couch if you need me to stay with you.”
“I was kind of hoping you would sleep with me in my bed, and just hold me. I really don’t want to be alone tonight. If you don’t want to I totally understand, and I’m completely fine with whatever decision you make.”
“I would love that, and I promise to be the perfect gentleman and keep my hands to myself.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind? I just really don’t want to be alone tonight.”
“I’m sure. I don’t want to be anyplace else.”
I take his hand and lead him upstairs. Lucy runs ahead of us and jumps on the bed. She does a few twirls and plants herself in the center of the bed.
“I’m just going to get my pajamas and change in the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”
After brushing my teeth, I take a deep breath and head back into the bedroom. Asher is lying in my bed with the sheets just over his waist, his work clothes are draped nicely over the chair in the corner of the room. He’s still wearing his t-shirt. God he has to be the nicest man on the planet. Climbing under the covers, I get a quick glimpse of his black boxer briefs.
“Goodnight, Asher,” I say nervously.
He rolls over to me and Lucy gives a sigh. She gets up and lays by me feet. He kisses my neck sending shivers down my body.
“Goodnight, Willow.” Laying his front tight to my back, he intertwines our fingers and rests them on my hip.
“Asher?”
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
“Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
Falling asleep with Asher’s warm heat pressed against my back and our fingers laced together fills my heart. It is filled with love and peace. It’s a feeling I have never felt before.
Asher
Falling asleep with Willow felt like one more piece of my heart was being put back together. I didn’t feel like I was cheating on Olivia at all. All of my previous doubts and feelings of betrayal went away the last time I talked to Olivia.
Waking up the next morning, we had at some point switched positions. Willow was pressed up against my side with her arm draped over my stomach, her head rested on my chest, and her leg tossed over my thigh. I hold her tight with my arm around her shoulder. She is still asleep, I kiss the top of her head not wanting to move. It’s just so comfortable and it feels so right. She sighs softly and squeezes my stomach.
“Sorry, did I wake you?”
“No, I was already awake. I just didn’t want to move, I’m so comfortable.”
“I was just thinking the same thing, but I need to get going. I need to go home first and change before going to the office.”
“Mmmm right, just five more minutes.” She tightens her hold on my body with a sigh.
“Sure, sweetheart. Anything you need,” I say returning the squeeze.
After she got ready for work, we head back to my house. I showered and dressed. Coming into the kitchen, I find that Willow has made breakfast and coffee, she has two place settings waiting at the bar.
“You didn’t have to do all this.”
“It’s no trouble at all. Go ahead, dig in while it’s still hot.”
After breakfast, Simon drives us to work and I can’t help but think this is something I can quickly get used to.
As per our usual routine, we walked to the elevator together, stopping at her floor with a kiss and a promise to meet me for lunch at noon. I head to my office picking up my messages from Charlotte on the way. There’s a message from Aiden, so I return his call first.
“Hey big brother what’s up?”
“I got a lead on Willow’s mom,” he says.
“That fast? What did you find out?”
“She still lives in Illinois. She’s married, and has a good credit score. That’s about all I can tell you. I have an address and a phone number for her. I put all the info together, and it should be sitting in a file on your desk. I gave it to Charlotte last night for you.”
“Yep, I see it sitting right here. Thanks, Aiden. There wasn’t anything else we could find out about her?”
“Nope, she doesn’t have a criminal record so without hiring a private investigator, I can only find out what’s available on the internet and through a regular background check.”
“Thanks for doing this, Aiden, I appreciate it.”
Hanging up with Aiden, I look over the file. There isn’t much information to go on. At least I have an address and a phone number, if that’s what Willow is looking for. Glancing down, I see the two yellow roses. Taking a book from the shelf, I press the roses between the pages and place it back on the shelf.
Lunch time rolls around and it’s such a nice break in my day to have Willow join me. We enjoy each other’s company and our deli lunch.
“So how do you feel about Friday?”
“I won’t lie, I’m a little nervous. Not for the actual treatment itself. I guess I’m more nervous for the testing after and the results. This may sound strange, but I almost want them to do more chemo. I just want to make sure it’s all gone and never coming back. Does that sound strange?”
“Sweetheart, I don’t think it’s strange. I understand that you are scared and I hope you know I will be with you every step of the way. I’m not going anywhere.”
Wrapping her in a hug, I just hope I can somehow ooze confidence into her. I’m scared for her as well. I want her to be one hundred percent healthy.
Like the day before, we went back to her house and cooked dinner together. We work so well together. Dinner and clean up done, we sat and watched TV for a little while. There was no second thought about staying the night again, it just came naturally. I still slept in my boxers and a T-shirt but holding her close came as natural as ever. We fell asleep in the same position, me pressed up against her back, and our fingers entwined. We woke in the same morning position as the previous morning, her draped over my side, with her head on my chest.
Today is the big day. This is her last treatment. She’s put on such a strong front, but I can’t help but wonder how she’s really doing on the inside. I feel helpless. All I can do is be there for her. I hope she knows I would give up everything to take this away from her. I just pray she’s beaten it, and she can move on to the next chapter of her life.
Of our life.
Chapter 14
Willow
Waking up with Asher on the last day of treatment was such a big comfort. He’s been such a constant in my life since we met. I hope he knows how much he’s done for me by being here with me. After getting dressed, we went back to Asher’s so he could get ready.
We head to the office with the same ritual, stopping on my floor with a kiss and a promise to pick me up in a few hours to head next door. I greet Amelia and get to work. The short workday goes by fast, soon Asher is standing at my desk, and it’s time to go.
“Are you ready, sweetheart?” he asks.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Walking hand in hand next door, it’s funny how the first half of my treatment I was running and hiding from Zoey because I had no one. Now I have a boyfriend who has been here for me every step of the way.
“Willow, Zoey is ready for you. Come on back,” the receptionist says holding the door open for us.
Asher stands and takes my hand. With a deep sigh, we head back to the treatment area. I
am sitting nervously in my chair waiting for Zoey to come in and hook me up, still holding Asher’s hand. He squeezes my hand and smiles at me.
“Are you doing alright?”
“I am now, with you here.”
Zoey comes in to connect my last treatment and says, “You know you get to ring the bell this visit right?”
“The bell, what bell?” I ask confused.
“The last day of chemo, patients get to ring the big bell. You made it through treatment, and it signifies the end of a chapter and the beginning of the rest of your life.”
Being unhooked for the last time is very scary, like I said I almost want to do more treatments. What if it isn’t gone? I don’t know if I could do all of this again but then again, I have Asher in my life now. I can’t believe I was so naive to think I could’ve done it on my own to begin with. We walk over to the bell hanging from the ceiling. Asher takes out his cell phone and snaps a photo of me ringing the bell with a goofy grin on my face. He takes another one of me hugging Zoey. He hands me a long narrow gift-wrapped box with pink paper and a white bow on it.
“What’s this for?”
“Open it, sweetheart.”
Lifting the lid, I pull out a platinum necklace. A breast cancer charm dangles from the center. It’s encrusted with diamonds and says ‘I kicked cancers butt’. I hurl myself into his arms with tears streaming down my cheeks, and kiss him all over his face.
“Thank you, it’s beautiful. I love it. Will you help me put it on?”
Holding the chain out for him, he takes the two ends while I hold my hair in my hand. Clasping the ends together, he places a soft kiss at the nape of my neck. Chills run down my arms.
“I’m so proud of you, sweetheart,” he whispers in my ear.
Turning, I look around the room one last time. I look at the others faces, from first timers to recurring patients. I feel sad for their journey and happy that mine is almost to an end. I still have some tests to do, probably for the rest of my life. Right now, I just want to take it one day at a time and enjoy what I have. Walking together, hand in hand back to the parking garage, Asher helps me into the car.
Take A Chance (Running Into Love) Page 8
