“Don’t even think about lying. I can feel your eyes on me.”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I try to act nonchalant, even if my bright pink face gives me away. “I wasn’t going to lie. Just not volunteer the information.”
He laughs so infrequently, it always takes me by surprise when he does. So that when he lets out a loud guffaw, I melt even more. I love the deep, joyful sound. Who am I kidding? It’s not just his laugh, but every part of this amazing grumpy man. I’m falling hard for him, and I don’t know what to do about it.
“All right. I think this will do,” Ash says as he steps back to survey his work.
He’s laid out the tarp and several pillows, set-up my camera, and placed my notebook where I can reach it easily, along with water and snacks.
“Wow, Ashbear, thank you. It’s perfect and then some.”
“You need to be comfortable. I’m not happy about you lying on the ground. A chair would have been better for your ankle.”
“I can’t get close enough to the plants in a chair. We’ve talked about this.”
“Didn’t say I don’t understand, just don’t like it.”
Yup, my grump is back, in full force. He draws his lips into a tight line, and I worry he’s going to change his mind about staying out here today.
“It’ll be fine, I promise.”
“Damn straight it will be. I’ll be right here the whole time. When I say it’s time to move so you don’t get too stiff or to take a break, you’ll listen, or we’ll go home.”
Shiitake mushrooms. He’s going all Daddy on me, and my panties are soaked. It’s crazy how I react to him.
“I wouldn’t dream of arguing with you. Can I get started now? I have a lot of work to do.”
Without another word, he lifts me up and carefully puts me on the tarp, then props my ankle on a pillow. He hands me another to put under my elbows to lean on.
After that, the rest of the day passes quickly. I burn through my camera battery again, and take copious notes, even sketching some details in my notebook. It’s a perfect day, made even better by Asher. I don’t even care that he stops me every hour to drink some water and eat a snack. At lunchtime, he pulls sandwiches, cut-up fruit, and chips from his pack. When did he have time to get this ready? Does the man not sleep?
As the sky darkens, Asher packs everything away again. I’m relegated to leaning against another nearby tree. By the time he’s finished, you’d never know anyone had been here all day.
My heart is full and I can’t stop smiling as he picks me up to go home.
seventeen
Asher
These few days with Emma have been amazing. Every day, I wake her up with a cup of coffee. While she showers alone—Andrew would be proud of me for not demanding I wash her—I make breakfast and pack up what we’ll need for the day. Some days we do a little exploring once she’s done with the plants. But most days, she’s focused on her data.
She didn’t tell me she’d finished with her research she needs, but we both know it. Last night, when we packed up, she spent a few moments saying goodbye to the plants. The time has come for her to return to civilization. Just the thought of her not in my home, my bed, my arms—is killing me. I can’t allow her to walk out of my life. Somehow, I need to ensure she comes back to me.
Sure, I could take her to defend her dissertation, so I can make sure she returns, but that feels wrong. I’ve let Andrew’s words bury themselves in my brain, and I don’t like it one bit.
If I don’t do something, Emma will leave tomorrow. Our time has run out, but while she’s been relaxing in the evenings, I’ve been plotting. Everything is in place now. She just has to agree. To say I’m a wreck about laying it all on the line would be an understatement.
These next few minutes might break me for good this time, but Emma—my Raindrop—is totally worth the risk. She’ll always be worth it, no matter what it takes. So here I stand, coffee cup in my hand, ring box tucked in the pocket of my jeans, and heart on a platter.
“Raindrop, time to wake up.”
“Mmm, your coffee is the best. I’m going to miss—” Her words drop off, and her eyes meet mine, realizing what she just admitted. “Asher…”
“No, baby, it’s okay. I know your research is complete. No use trying to hide it. Your presentation is next week, right?”
Emma nods and sits up. I stack pillows against the headboard, then hand her the mug. Lowering myself onto the bed, I turn toward her and suck in a deep breath. She’s so adorable with her blonde hair tangled and messy around her face. She smiles at me as she takes a sip, those blue-green eyes bright. Eyes I want to gaze into forever.
I suppose I should get down on one knee, but it doesn’t feel right. For this one thing, at least, I’ll follow my instincts.
