Running Into Love - The Complete Box Set

by Annalisa Nicole

  What on earth? Closing the door, I rip open the card and read the handwritten note.

  Thank you for sharing your day with me yesterday.

  I’m glad you’re feeling better. ~A

  That’s it. No phone number, no e-mail address, no contact information, no nothing. What a strange, but sweet man. Again, I notice there’s a smile on my face.

  Monday is a good day at work. My boss, Amelia Wellington, is VP of marketing at Wellington Corp. I’ve only worked here for a little while but working for her has been wonderful. I thought it was strange at first the way we connected. She’s my boss, but we have a friendship kind of relationship in the office. I’m not expecting it to go anywhere, like a real friendship outside of the office, and that does make me kind of sad. I don’t have any other friends here yet, and I could see her and I becoming really good friends. I enjoy going to work every day; it’s a light and easy environment.

  I get her espresso ready and it’s waiting for her on her desk, as she walks in and asks me how my appointment went Friday. She’s been very supportive, in a professional boss kind of way, but shows genuine concern. I’m not sure if I should tell her about Gorgeous Eyes or not.

  With a smirk on her face, she says, “Spill it. I can see that look in your eyes.”

  Oh, what the hell, she is asking after all. So I tell her all about the gorgeous man that came to my rescue.

  “I’m so confused why a man that looks like him wanted to sit with me. He even brought me home and stayed with me practically the whole night. Then he sent flowers the next morning, and then nothing. Not even a phone number, just thanks for sharing your day with me.”

  “So mysterious, Willow, but I’m glad you had someone stay with you. You know, if you ever need anything, you can always ask. I know I’m your boss, but I’d like to help. Anytime you need it,” she adds.

  “Thanks, Amelia. That really means a lot to me.”

  Asher

  Back at the office on Monday and things could not be crazier. Even though I did as much work as I could from my computer, not being here Friday was difficult. Today I’m paying the price, that’s for sure. I didn’t anticipate staying with Willow all day, but I’m glad I did. She definitely needed someone with her.

  I was a coward sending her flowers with no contact information, though. She doesn’t even know my last name. I haven’t decided if I’ll go to her next appointment or not. I’m not sure if I’m ready to start seeing women again.

  Take a chance.

  Oh, Olivia. I’ve missed you so much. Life is just not the same without you. You were my rock; you were my everything. No one can compare to you. Our love was once in a lifetime.

  Great, now I’m having conversations in my head with my dead wife.

  Luckily, the rest of my week goes by without any more voices in my head. I was starting to think I should see my shrink again. I’m excited to go to dinner at my parent’s house tonight, although I’m sure everyone will gang up on me and complain about why I haven’t been there. I love my family though, we all have a close relationship.

  The second I’m in the door, my older brother Aiden tackles me to the ground, and we start wrestling like the old days. Quickly joining in is my other older brother Adrian and things start to get a little out of hand. With a kitchen towel in hand, Mom comes in, swatting at us.

  “You boys are going to be the death of me, knock it off before you break something.”

  The three of us stop what we’re doing, look up at her with puppy dog eyes, and say in unison, “Yes, Mom.”

  “Don’t you boys give me those looks,” she says, narrowing her eyes at us.

  We help each other up, then join our sisters, Ava and Amelia in the kitchen.

  “Why don’t you boys go out back and help your father with the grill? Your sisters and I can handle things in here. Dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes,” she says.

  Each of us grabs a beer out of the refrigerator, then we head outside and do what she says.

  “Look there, that’s a sight I haven’t seen in a while. My three boys all together in one place. It’s good to see you, boys.”

  “Thanks, Dad, it’s just been real busy at the office,” I say, feeling guilty.

  “Now don’t give me those excuses, your brothers and sisters are just as busy. But I’m glad everyone is here. I’m done with the steaks. If you boys want to help me bring everything in, we can eat.”

  Looking around my family table at everyone, I have been truly blessed, and I do miss getting together like this. Everyone is laughing and talking about their lives. I just sit back and take it all in.

  Dad asks Amelia, “So how’s that new assistant of yours working out?”

  “She’s so amazing. I don’t know how I’ve survived without her all these years. I just love her.”

  Working with Amelia and Aiden at my company is great, although we don’t get to see each other too often except for company meetings.

  “Why did you need to get a new assistant?” I ask as I dig into my food.

  “My last one went on maternity leave and never came back, but it turned out for the better. I’m never letting this one go.”

  Conversation is light and easy. I’m not going to bring up my day with Willow. They would all probably look at me like I’m crazy, anyway. And I sure don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea or to hear from any of them that I need to get back out there in the dating world. Besides, I still don’t know if I’ll see her again. The whole evening was just what I needed. I feel so much better after spending time with my family.

  Laying in bed at home, I pull out a photo of Olivia from my nightstand. I asked Ava to pack the rest of them away and put them all into storage. They were just too hard to look at every day. They were a reminder of what I once had. I was finding myself avoiding going home, so I didn’t have to see the constant reminders of just how happy my life was. I kept this one, though, and I pull it out when I need it.

  Willow and her upcoming appointment pound in my head. Putting the photo away, I just have this feeling that I need to be there for her. The appointment is Friday. I think I just made up my mind to go. With that peaceful feeling, I drift off to sleep.

  Chapter 5

  Willow

  Waking up Friday morning, and again, the mantra, ‘I can do this, only two more, I can do this,’ plays in my head. Round five, just one more after today. I haven’t heard from Asher, no more flowers, no nothing. I guess I should just be thankful he was there last time. How is nurse Zoey going to take me showing up alone again? Oh well, it was nice while it lasted. I need to get to the office and get a few things done for Amelia first. I’m glad I just have to walk next door for treatment.

  “Good morning, Amelia, here is your espresso. Remember, I need to leave at lunch time today?” I remind her.

  “Yes, of course. Do you think your mystery man will show up again today?” she asks excitedly.

  “I honestly don’t know. Part of me hopes he does, and part of me dreads him seeing me like this. Do you know what I mean?”

  “Well, I guess I do, but listen, if you need someone to take you home, give me a call, you know I’m here for you.”

  “Thanks, Amelia, I do. That really means a lot to me.”

  “I put a few notes on your desk. There are a few files I need you to pull before you go, if you can. My brother is taking the day off and he asked me to look into a few things for him. Between you and me, I’m relieved he’s taking some time off. He works too hard.”

  “Sure, it’s not a problem. I’ll get right on it for you and thanks again, Amelia, for your offer. Have a good weekend.”

  “You too, Willow, and I did mean what I said. If you need me, call.”

  After spending the morning pulling everything together for Amelia, I clean off my desk for the weekend. I grab my purse, stuff my e-reader in my bag, say a quick goodbye to Amelia, and make my way next door. I check in with the receptionist and cross my fingers that he’s here. I take
a look around the waiting room, and nothing. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. What was I thinking? Of course, he’s not here. And he’s not going to show up either. I don’t know why I even got my hopes up in the first place. With me and my luck, things just don’t happen like that to me.

  “Willow, are you ready?” Zoey calls from the door.

  She actually looks happy. She must have given up on bugging me, and she’s going to let me finish my last two treatments in peace. Maybe my luck is turning around.

  “OK, Willow, you are in room two. Go ahead and have a seat. I’ll be just a few minutes, then we’ll get you all hooked up.”

  “Sure thing, not a problem,” I say, stepping around her.

  I start to pull my e-reader out of my bag and walk into the room. Out of the corner of my eye, I see someone sitting in a chair. Without even looking up I say, “Oh, sorry, I must have been told the wrong room.”

  “Willow, you’re in the right room.”

  I stand there frozen with my hand on my e-reader, still in my bag. I slowly look up at the person that I know that voice belongs to. Asher is sitting, looking as cool as can be, dressed in a black t-shirt and faded jeans. I gasp because I’ve only seen him twice and both times he was in a three piece suit. I didn’t think he could look more handsome, but I was wrong. Seeing him dressed so casually with those amazing blue eyes contrasting off his black shirt, makes him look irresistible.

  I lick my lips; I just can’t help it. I can see myself licking every inch of him. His eyes are on my mouth. I know he just saw me licking my lips and from the look on his face, it looks like he’s thinking the same thing. Stepping back into reality, I put my e-reader back down in my bag and check my silk scarf around my neck. Nervously I make sure its covering what I know he’s already seen. I’m wearing a pink v-neck blouse with a scarf around my neck, so no one notices my port. I’ve paired that with a black skirt that sits just above my knees and black stilettos.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask, trying to keep calm.

  He’s really here. He really did come.

  “I was invited last time by Nurse Zoey.”

  “You didn’t have to come,” I say, trying to play it cool.

  “Well, not that you asked, but Zoey did, so here I am. I’m ready to talk your ear off about everything and nothing.”

  Zoey comes in ready to hook me up, then I’ll be stuck sitting in this chair for hours with no escape. With a crooked smile, I take a seat and let her do what she needs to do, not at all embarrassed this time. Obviously he came back, so it didn’t scare him off. If he wants to spend a few hours keeping me company, I’m sure not going to complain. The nurse finishes up, then leaves.

  “Thank you for the flowers, by the way. They were beautiful. I would have liked to have said thank you right away, but there was no contact information. Better late than never.”

  “You’re welcome. It was a little cowardly of me, wasn’t it? I’m a little new at this.”

  “A little new at what?” I ask confused.

  “The whole flower-sending thing. I wasn’t even sure if it was the right thing to do?”

  “How could you be new at sending flowers? And trust me, sending flowers is never a bad thing to do.”

  “It’s just been a while since I have spent time with a woman, other than my Mom and my sisters.”

  “Sisters, do you have a big family?” Let’s just steer clear of the whole, it’s been a while since he’s been with a woman part.

  “Yes, I have two brothers, two sisters, and both my parents. What about you?”

  “It’s just me. I don’t have any family to speak of. I just moved here after graduating.”

  “You just graduated? How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?” he asks, looking confused.

  “I don’t mind. I’m thirty; I didn’t start college until I was twenty-five. It just took me a while to realize I needed to make something out of my life. I graduated with a degree in business. I’m an executive assistant right now, actually not too far from here. What about you?”

  Asher

  “I’m thirty-one, I too have a degree in business, and I’m the CEO of a company not too far from here either.”

  “A CEO, good for you. Tell me about your family,” she says.

  “I have two older brothers and two younger sisters, we’ve lived here all our lives. My parents are retired. We actually don’t live that far apart from each other, now that I think about it. We’re a pretty close family.”

  “You’re lucky, I don’t have any family. Well, I have a mom, but I haven’t talked to her since I was eighteen when I moved out. We never really got along. The second I graduated from high school, I moved out west and I’ve been on my own since then. I put myself through college while working two jobs. It seemed things were moving in the right direction until, well, this,” she says, pointing to her chest, and then she turns red having drawn my attention to herself.

  “I know what you mean. You think you have everything together, and then one day, it all falls apart,” I say sadly.

  I need to take this conversation away from that subject before I pour out my soul to her. She’s just so easy to talk to and I can see myself telling her everything. But, we just met and I don’t want to scare her away.

  Zoey comes in to unhook her and I try not to look at her chest. I can tell she is a little self-conscious about it, but I can’t look away. How can someone so young go through this by herself? She has no family or friends here. I know our time is almost up. It’s now or never time.

  “Willow, can I see your phone?” I ask.

  “Sure, here,” she says and hands me her phone.

  I take her phone and step out into the hallway. From her phone, I call my phone so I can have her number. From my phone, I call Charlotte to check in, she tells me about an issue that needs my immediate attention. Zoey steps out into the hallway with me and hands me another appointment card with a knowing smirk on her face.

  “She’s all done. You can pull the car around front for her.”

  “I’ll call my driver,” I tell her.

  Stepping back into the room with Willow, I hand her back her phone, and say, “My driver will be out front in a few minutes to take you home. I’m sorry I can’t take you myself. There’s an issue I need to take care of at work.”

  “Oh, it’s not a problem at all, and thank you for sitting with me again.”

  I can see why they insist on having someone with her. It makes the time fly by.

  “You don’t have to have your driver take me home. Don’t you need your car?” she asks.

  I can tell she’s disappointed, but truthfully, so am I.

  “No, don’t worry about it. I won’t have it any other way. Simon can take you home. He’s the same person who took us last time. Do you remember him?”

  “Yes, and thank you again.”

  Tucking the appointment card into my pocket, I motion for Willow to go ahead of me out the door. Simon is waiting with the back door open for Willow. Setting her hand on the top of the door, she turns around and says, “Thank you again, for everything.” I place my hand on hers and hear her sharp intake of breath.

  “Not a problem. The pleasure is all mine.”

  Closing the car door, I reach in my pocket to take out my cell phone and send Willow a text.

  4:23 PM Thank you for sharing another day with me. A

  I can see her in the back of the car reaching for her purse, pulling out her cell phone.

  4:24 PM Asher? How did you get my number? W

  4:24 PM I borrowed it, remember? A

  4:25 PM Ah, I see. Purely to steal my number. W

  4:26 PM Guilty. A

  As they pull away, I see her rest her head back on the seat. She seemed to be feeling fine when she left. I wonder if she’s OK. The last two times she shouldn’t have been alone. Better get up to the office and see what the big emergency is.

  After an hour of working, I stare at my cell phone. It’s really bugging me th
at she’s by herself. Simon said she didn’t seem to be feeling sick, but he also said that it looked like she was trying to hide it. Picking up my phone, I text:

  5:37 PM How are you feeling? I’m done working, just wondering if maybe I could bring you dinner? A

  Twenty minutes go by and no answer, maybe she’s sleeping. I’ll give her another twenty minutes, then just head over. I pick up my phone and order takeout from my favorite deli. I bet some chicken noodle soup and a grilled cheese sandwich will be just the thing she needs.

  5:45 PM Actually that sounds really nice. I’m starving. Still only water and ketchup in my fridge. W

  Chapter 6

  Willow

  His text couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m starving and I don’t feel well enough to go to the store. I could’ve ordered my own delivery, and I was about to, but what better delivery man than the handsome Asher!

  Thirty minutes later there’s a knock at the door. Opening the door wrapped in my afghan, I find Asher. In one hand he has another beautiful arrangement of flowers and a takeout bag in the other.

  He hands me the flowers with a concerned look on his face.

  “Thank you, they’re beautiful! I don’t know who your florist is, but these are gorgeous,” I say, taking them with a smile.

  Walking into the kitchen, I put the arrangement in a vase and set them on the kitchen table. Whatever takeout he has in the bag smells absolutely divine.

  “Whatever you have in the bag smells divine,” I find myself saying.

  I’m saying my thoughts out loud again, at least this time they weren’t stupid or embarrassing.

  “I got you chicken noodle soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. I hope those are alright. I didn’t know what you liked, aside from Chinese.”

  “Yum, comfort food.”

  I take a seat on the couch sitting Indian style, facing Asher. He digs in the bag and places everything on the coffee table. There are two white Styrofoam containers of soup and two sandwiches wrapped in brown paper. My mouth waters and I can’t wait to dig in. He hands me the soup and a spoon. I pry off the lid and don’t waste any time taking the first bite.