We feel like a couple getting ready in the morning, standing side-by-side, brushing our teeth and washing up. It’s like I’ve fallen through some wormhole to another dimension. Asher’s even being kind of sweet this morning, at least compared to yesterday.
As I try to untangle my hair with my fingertips, he gently pushes my hand away. “Would you like me to do your hair?” He holds up the elastic I must have lost in the bed and pulls a hairbrush out of a drawer in the vanity.
“It’s all knotty. Are you sure you want to deal with it?”
“Mine gets the same way. The only reason it’s not right now is that I dried it after my shower last night. I can even braid it if you’d like.”
Knowing I can’t do it myself, or at least not without arguing with him over it, I nod. “As long as you don’t mind. Thank you.”
“I wouldn’t have offered if I did. I rarely do anything I don’t want to. Just ask my brothers.” His toothy smile turns my insides to goo, and I think I melt a little on the counter.
I watch our reflection in the mirror as he brushes my hair into sections. Once it’s smooth, he pulls it into a ponytail. It reminds me of when I was little and my mom would brush my hair before school. The memory brings tears to my eyes, but I don’t let them fall. I miss my parents so much. There have been so many times over the last year that I have picked up the phone to call them, only to realize they aren’t here anymore.
“Now your hair won’t keep falling into your face. I have a surprise for you.”
His voice pulls me out of my memories. “A surprise? Do you have a wand that will miraculously heal me so I can get back to work?”
“Nope, sorry. Not that kind of a surprise.” He picks me up and carries me back into the bedroom and sets me on the bed.
“You got my stuff? Wait, how?”
“Aaron and Aaric went and packed up your camp. They loaded it into your car and drove it over here. Not that you’ll be driving anytime soon. But I figured you’d appreciate having your own clothes.”
“They packed it all up? What about my research?”
“You’ll still be able to do it. I’ll just bring you to the plants. But not for the next four, at least. We’ll see how your ankle looks after that. Remember, you’re not on a two-week limit anymore.”
“Well, yes and no. I am scheduled to defend my dissertation just under three weeks from now. I have it mostly ready except for my on-site research.”
“I’ll help you. You’ll get it all done, I promise. Let me worry about getting you there and back. All you need to think about is collecting your data.”
I want to believe him, but so far nothing is going right. And now I need to rely on him until I can walk again. Using crutches to traipse through the forest is no one’s idea of a good time.
“I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be ungrateful. I really do appreciate them taking the time to get my stuff, and everything you’re doing. But this isn’t how it’s supposed to be. I’ve waited a year to get permission for this trip, and now it’s turned into a total mess.” Ducking my head, I blink away my tears. I’m not a crier usually. Why am I so emotional?
He lifts my chin with his finger. “Emma, look at me.” Dang it. He’s so dominant when he uses that deep voice.
When I meet his piercing gaze, I get lost in his chocolate-brown eyes. The grumpy bear from yesterday has changed into a big teddy bear today.
Asher sits on the bed and pulls me onto his lap. It’s the most natural thing in the world for me to rest my head on his shoulder. I relax and inhale his woodsy scent. It’s sinful that he smells so good.
“Listen to me, Raindrop. I promise you, you’ll have whatever you need. I can’t apologize enough for what happened yesterday. So let me make it up to you. By the way, this is me groveling. Okay?”
I smile at the thought of him groveling. “Okay. Thank you.”
“Good, now let’s get you dressed. Then it’s breakfast and relaxing today. Although I’m sure we’ll have company, whether we want it or not.”
When his soft lips press against my forehead, I can’t help but wonder how they’d feel against my mouth. And as our eyes meet, I wonder if he’s thinking the same thing.
nine
Asher
Holding Emma in my arms is now one of my favorite things. If you’d told me a week ago that I’d not only have a woman staying in my house but I’d be taking care of her, I’d have told you that you’d lost your mind. When I thought about my future, it never included a woman or a family—until now.
“I bet you’re hungry. Do you like pancakes, Raindrop?”
“You can cook? Oh wait, I forgot all of you take turns cooking, right?”
