“I couldn’t ask you to do that, Asher, that’s too much,” I insist.
“Again with the asking. When will you realize that it’s my pleasure? Anyway, it’s already a done deal. Ava won’t take no for an answer and neither will I. Unless you aren’t feeling well, that is.”
“Well alright, if it’s being insisted by both of you, who am I to argue? Thank you, I would love to go with you.”
After eating a roast beef sandwich on rye and vegetable noodle soup, our lunch hour is almost over. Asher cleans up the wrappers and throws them in the trash can under his desk. He walks over to me, reaches out his hands, and helps me stand.
“Thank you for keeping me company during lunch again. I could get used to this,” he says.
Pulling me into a hug, we both stand there enjoying each other’s warm bodies. Pulling slightly away, he looks into my eyes and kisses me on the lips. It’s not an out of control kiss, but sweet and slow. His tongue slowly enters my mouth and I’m lost in the moment, until Charlotte buzzes in and tells Asher that his next meeting is waiting for him in reception. Breaking away from the kiss, he walks me to the door, then kisses me one more time.
“I’d like to see you again. Can I bring you dinner later?”
“I’d love that, but you don’t have to keep feeding me. I can go shopping and cook for you. I love to cook.”
“Don’t worry about it, I love feeding you. I like knowing you’re getting more than just water and ketchup. If you want, after we eat, I can go to the store with you and help.”
“That sounds really nice. I’ll see you tonight then.”
“See you then. Oh, don’t forget your flowers.”
Turning back around, I take the flowers from him.
“Duh, how could I forget? And thank you for these, they’re beautiful.”
“You’re welcome, and I’ll see you after work.”
With one last kiss, I head back to the elevator. Charlotte gives a little wave and has a small smile on her face. I press the down button and step into the elevator along with another woman. The doors close, and the woman turns her body to face me.
“Nice flowers, are those from Asher?” the woman asks.
“Yes, they are,” I say, telling her the truth.
I’m not exactly sure if our relationship is supposed to be a secret; I didn’t think it was. Asher, Amelia, and Aiden all said it wasn’t breaking any policy, but I need to check with Asher and ask him how he feels about other employees knowing that we’re dating.
“It must be nice dating the boss. Such a shame about his wife, though, isn’t it?” the woman says.
Immediately my heart sinks in my chest. What, he’s married? He’s never indicated he was married, and neither did his brothers or sisters for that matter. I sat at dinner with his family and not one of them said anything, or even looked like it was wrong that I was there. What is wrong with these people? I can’t even look at this woman, I’m so embarrassed. I can hear the blood pounding in my ears as I get off the elevator on my floor. I’m just heartbroken and angry beyond belief. Walking to my desk, I throw the flowers in the trash, knock on Amelia’s door, and then crack it open just a little. She smiles and looks pleased to see me.
“Amelia, I’m sorry, but I need to go home. I’m not feeling too well,” I tell her, barely holding in my anger.
“Willow, what’s wrong? Do you need me to get Asher?” she asks.
“NO! No, in fact, please don’t tell him I’m leaving. Don’t bother him. I’m really sorry I’m leaving on such short notice. I’ll make up the hours, I promise.”
“Don’t worry about the hours. I’m not sure if I’m comfortable not telling Asher, though. You know he’ll be worried about you. But if you insist, I won’t say anything. I hope you feel better. If you need tomorrow off too, just let me know.”
“Thank you, I’ll be here tomorrow. I just need to get out of here right now,” I admit.
I need to get far away from all of these people and think. Think about how I can get out of coming to work tomorrow, maybe I should pick up a paper and check the want ads. I can’t believe he’s married. If that woman knows about me then so do a lot of other people. I must be the laughing stock of the company. Poor cancer girl who thinks she’s dating the owner of the company, but she’s the idiot because he’s married, and I’m being played.
I close Amelia’s door barely keeping myself from sobbing hysterically. Once I get to my car, I can’t hold it together any longer, and I start sobbing, uncontrollably. I was really starting to fall in love with him. How can he be married? I didn’t notice any pictures at his house last night. How could I have missed that? I wipe my face with the back of my hand and say out loud, “Get a grip Willow.”
Just before five I text Asher:
4:47 PM Sorry have to cancel dinner tonight; something came up. W
4:48 PM OK, did you still want me to come over later? I can still help you do the grocery shopping. A
4:49 PM No, sorry. I’ll just talk to you later. W
4:50 PM Are you feeling alright? A
4:50 PM Yes. Fine. W
4:51 PM OK, sweetheart, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. A
Ugh, with the sweetheart. I’m never speaking to him again, and now I have to start looking for a new job.
Asher
That’s strange for Willow to cancel. I hope she really is feeling alright. I wonder what could have come up. She doesn’t have any family or friends here that I know of. I’ll ask Amelia if she looked OK when she left the office today.
“Charlotte, can you get me Amelia on the phone before you leave.”
“Yes, sir,” she replies politely.
“I have Amelia for you. Is there anything else you need, sir, before I go?”
“No thank you, Charlotte, have a good night.”
Picking up the phone, I say, “Hey, Amelia, look Willow just texted me and canceled our plans for the evening. Did she look OK when she left?”
“Willow left hours ago. She asked me not to say anything and I wasn’t going to, until I went to her desk to grab some files. I saw a beautiful arrangement of flowers in her garbage. She left right after lunch saying she didn’t feel well. What’s going on? Did something happen at lunch?” she asks.
“No, we had a nice lunch. I don’t know what could have happened. How did she look, did she look sick?” I ask concerned.
“She only poked her head in my office for a few minutes, but she looked like she was ready to cry. I was worried. I asked her if she wanted me to get you. She said no, not to bother you. I told her I didn’t feel right not telling you. I thought I was doing the right thing, until I saw the flowers in the trash.”
“That’s alright Amelia, don’t worry about it. I’ll call her and check on her. Thanks for telling me.”
Hanging up the phone with Amelia only makes me worry more. It’s not like Willow to lie to me. She said she was always a say it like it is kind of girl. She always says what’s on her mind. I’m beginning to worry there’s something really wrong. Packing up my briefcase and laptop, I rush to my car and go right to her condo not even bothering calling her. She has me really worried.
Knocking on her door, she doesn’t answer. Her car is on the street; she has to be here. Oh God, if she’s not here, maybe she needed to go to the hospital. Frantically knocking now, I shout, “Willow, are you there?”
Please God, let her be here.
“Willow, please open the door,” I say, banging louder.
“Go away, Asher,” she says from the other side of the door.
“Oh, thank God you’re here, sweetheart, what’s wrong? Please let me in. Amelia said you went home sick. Are you OK? Please let me in.”
“Go away, Asher, I’m fine.”
But I can hear she’s not fine. She sounds like she’s been crying.
“Sweetheart, you’re scaring me. You don’t sound like you’re fine. What’s wrong?”
She throws the door open; wrapped in her afghan, with tissu
es in both hands and tears are streaming down her face.
“Go away, Asher. Haven’t you done enough? I don’t want to see you ever again,” she says.
She tries to throw the door closed, but I put my foot in the jamb.
“Willow, what’s going on? Talk to me, please?” I beg her.
I walk in the foyer as she turns around to walk away.
“Willow sweetheart, talk to me,” I say, grabbing her arm to stop her from walking away.
She turns around, drops the tissue, and slaps me across the face.
“You’re married, you son of a bitch. I can’t believe I was so gullible. Everyone in the office knows. Well, everyone except me. I’m such an idiot! How long did you think it would take me to find out?” she says, then wipes her nose on the blanket.
I stare at her with disbelief; I knew I should have told her about Olivia. Now she has the wrong idea. She plops down on the couch and starts to sob.
I close the front door, walk over to the couch, sit next to her and say, “Willow sweetheart . . .”
“Don’t call me that. Is that what you call your wife?”
“Willow, I had a wife, she died three years ago. I know I should’ve told you sooner. I was planning on telling you tonight, if the right time presented itself.”
“What?” she asks, looking at me, sniffling.
Tears are still streaming down her face, but she stops crying. I touch her face and wipe her tears. Thankfully, she doesn’t pull away, so I take both hands and gently wipe them away while holding her face.
Looking into her eyes, I explain, “Willow, my wife was killed in a car accident three years ago by a drunk driver. That’s why I told you I don’t really drink. I haven’t had a drink for the past two and half years. I only just now started to have a drink now and then.”
“Asher, I’m so sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion. The woman in the elevator after lunch made a comment about your wife and I just assumed the worst. Oh my gosh, I’m such an idiot! Asher, I’m so sorry about your wife.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I was afraid something like this would happen. I wanted to tell you. You’re actually the first woman I have dated since she passed away. It’s the first time I felt that it was right. Willow, I’m so sorry you had the wrong impression. I never meant to hurt you.”
“Oh Asher, I’m the one to be sorry. I wanted to believe deep down that that’s not the type of man you are. Please forgive me. It’s completely up to you, but if you want to talk about it, about her, I want you to know I would love to listen. You’ve been my rock these past few weeks. You can tell me anything.”
“There is nothing to forgive; it was a misunderstanding. I’d like to tell you about her. I don’t know the rules about talking about your late wife to your new girlfriend. Like I said, you’re the first person I’ve dated since then. But, if it’s not weird or wrong, I do want to tell you.”
“Girlfriend? Did you just call me your girlfriend?”
“Um, well, yes I did. Is it too soon for that?”
“No, not at all, I’d love to be your girlfriend. And, I don’t think it’s weird or wrong to talk about your wife. She was a big part of your life and I would never expect you to want to forget about her. Actually, before my run in on the elevator, I was going to ask you how you wanted to deal with co-workers. We’ve had lunch every day now and people were bound to figure it out. I wanted to know how you wanted me to handle it.”
“I’ve never dated anyone from the office. Olivia and I were high school sweethearts, married right out of college. I guess not that it’s anyone’s business, but I’m not looking to hide my relationship with you. People will just have to deal with it.”
“High school sweethearts, huh? So how long were you married?” she asks.
“We were married for six years. She was a nurse at Seattle Presbyterian, she worked the night shift. One night on her way home from work, she was hit by a drunk driver. She was killed instantly.”
“Asher, I’m so sorry. Is it OK if I give you a hug?” she asks.
“You never have to ask that. I know we’re talking about my late wife, but you don’t have to feel weird being affectionate with me, because I don’t.”
She leans over and gives me a tight hug. Pulling slightly away, I kiss her on the lips. Soon the kiss turns hungry and heated. Our tongues dance together and it just feels right.
Breaking apart, I ask, “So, how about we grab something to eat and hit the grocery store?”
Chapter 11
Willow
I feel like an idiot for even thinking that Asher was the type of man to cheat on his wife. I should have known better. He’s never given me any reason to doubt him or his intentions. He’s always a perfect gentleman. I can’t believe he’s a widower; he’s so young. How tragic of a loss for him and his family.
We grab a quick bite to eat and head to the store. We walk up and down the aisles. He pushes the cart, while I place items in the basket. In the checkout line, he holds my hand. He’s always nearby, touching me in some way or holding my hand. He’s just the sweetest man I’ve ever met. It makes me sad to think of a young woman’s life cut short. She had the perfect husband. He squeezes my hand, and I pull out of my thoughts and smile at him. The cashier totals everything up. I dig in my purse for my debit card, but Asher hands her his.
“Asher, you can’t do that, these are my groceries and I can pay.”
“Don’t worry about it and don’t argue either.”
He insists on unloading everything from his car. Asher hands me things out of the bags and I put them where they belong. It’s a relief to have groceries in the house. I do feel good health-wise, but usually tire easily. Having Asher help me is a big weight lifted off my shoulders.
“Asher, thank you for helping me with this. It is a huge relief getting this done.”
“You’re welcome. If you need any help at all with anything, please ask me. I’ll always be here to help you, no matter what it is.”
“Thank you. Did you want something to drink, now that I have more than water in my house?”
“Sure, I’ll grab us some iced tea. Go ahead and sit down, you’ve had a long day. I’ll bring it out.”
He takes two glasses out of the cupboard and pours us each some iced tea, and then sets it on the coffee table in front of me. He grabs his and takes a drink. I take the glass from him and set it back on the table. I slowly lean into him and kiss him. He opens his mouth for my tongue. I can tell he’s not sure what to do with his hands. I take each of his hands in mine and place them on either side of my neck.
“Asher, it’s OK.”
Very gently, he holds my neck while we kiss. Moving his hands to either of my shoulders, he then slowly eases one down my side and around my waist. He pulls me closer. A soft moan comes from deep in his throat that vibrates on my lips. I slip my hands under his untucked dress shirt. His skin is warm and smooth. He softly cups my face with his other hand. Pulling away, he places one more closed mouth kiss on my lips.
“It’s late. You’ve had a long day. I should go.”
“OK, thank you for today, for the flowers, although I threw them away, sorry. Thank you for dinner and taking me grocery shopping. Especially, thank you for telling me about Olivia. I want you to know, I never want you to think twice about telling me about her. She was, and still is, a part of you and I never want to take that away from you. Any memories you want to share, I would be honored to hear them.”
“I knew there was something special about you. Thank you for being so understanding. I’ll see you tomorrow, same time same place for lunch?”
“Sure, sounds great.”
Walking him to the door, he wraps me in a tight hug and kisses me. Shutting the door, I walk to my bedroom and get ready for bed. Then I hear the chirp of my cell phone.
10:07 PM Thank you for spending your evening with me. I’ll see you tomorrow at work sweetheart. A
10:08 PM Thank you for everything today.
You’ve been my rock these past weeks. W
Asher
Laying in bed with a smile on my face, I wonder if Olivia will come to me in my dreams again. It seems strange, but I can‘t wait to tell her about Willow. As I fall asleep, I begin to hear the familiar crashing waves and the smell of the salty air. Olivia is sitting in the sand with yellow roses in her hand. She sees me and smiles. She stands, walk over to me, and places a kiss on my cheek.
“Olivia, I missed you last night. Why didn’t you come to me?” I ask.
“Ash, this is the last time I can come to you,” she answers.
“What? No, Olivia, I need you. You can’t go.”
“Ash, you’re ready, you’ve been ready. Your heart is complete again. You don’t need me anymore. Everything you have ever needed is right here in your heart. I know you will never forget me or our memories. There’s enough room in your heart for those and the new ones you’ll make with Willow. You’re a beautiful man inside and out. You have so much to offer Willow. You’re kind and patient. Be there for Willow, she needs you to be everything I know you are. I know you’re still scared, but she’ll be there for you too. Let her. You both need to be there for each other.
“Be gentle and patient with her. I know the man you are, and I know you’ll be just fine. I love you and I always will. It’s time for you to let me go. Know that I’m at peace. And that I will always be there in your heart, as you are in mine.”
She takes a single yellow rose from the bunch, and then places it in my hand.
“Ash, go and start your life with Willow. It’s time for me to go. Know that you’ve never let me down. Our life together was a memory I will always cherish.”
With a kiss on the cheek, she turns around and walks down the beach. I watch with tears streaming down my face, until I can’t see her any longer. I look up at a white dove flying over my head, with a yellow rose in its mouth. The bird drops the rose, I catch it and add it to the one I’m already holding.
I raise both to my nose and take in a deep breath to smell them. The sun starts to warm my face as it rises. When I open my eyes, I’m in my own bed, clenching my sheets in my fists, instead of two yellow roses. I sit up and open my nightstand, pull out the photo of Olivia and cry, letting go of deeply buried grief.
Running Into Love - The Complete Box Set Page 7
