Reverie’s eyes are practically bugging out of her face as she turns them on me, and I shrug. I have no idea what it is, and he refuses to say another word about it the entire drive.
When we arrive, I turn and snap the front blinds closed so the neighbors can’t see in. As soon as I turn around and unzip the bag, it becomes clear what that surprise is. What used to be an open space in front of the backyard windows is now full of houseplants—all sizes and variety, from a rack of trailing of pothos and scindapsus, to tiny African violets on the sill, to a full, leafy monstera and towering fiddle leaf fig in the corner.
Reverie shrieks with glee, diving into the mini-jungle and disappearing among the leaves.
“You…” I turn to him, heart in my throat and tears pricking behind my lids as I blink to hold them at bay.
“It smells so good in here!” Her tiny voice is muffled from the plants surrounding her as I stare into Asher’s fathomless eyes.
“Me?” he asks, quirking a brow while swiping a thumb under my lower lashes, collecting the tear before it falls, then pulling me into him.
“I love you,” I whisper.
His eyes widen and his fingers tighten where they rest on my waist. Asher leans down, crowding my space as his eyes search mine.
“Say it again.”
His voice is low, quiet. A timbre that would be threateningunder any other circumstances, and I suddenly wonder if he’s ever been told that he’s loved. I sincerely doubt his family was one for such sentiments, and I don’t know if any of his previous relationships got to that stage.
“Ash,” I cup his jaw between my palms as I continue. “My heart beats for you. My shifter yearns for you. I’m my best self because of you. I love you sofreakingmuch it’s unbelievable?—”
His lips crash to mine, cutting off my declaration, and I playfully smack him as I lean back.
“Hey, I wasn’t done!”
He touches his forehead to mine and closes his eyes for a moment as we breathe each other in.
“Raya,” his voice grates and he stops to clear his throat. “Raya, my sunshine.”
He stops again, throat bobbing, and my heart thrums when I realize—he may have never felt love from others before, but he might have never felt itforsomeone else either. I have no doubt he loves me; he shows me every single day. I don’t need the words if he’s not ready to say them.
“It’s okay,” I whisper, but he shakes his head with a muttered “no” before confirming the thoughts that are flying through my head.
“My little shifter. I’ve never felt this way before, and I don’t have all the words you deserve, but I do have these ones. I love you. I love you so much, Raya, and I’ll work on it. I’ll find all the words for you, but for now, this will have to do.”
Asher sweeps me into his arms and kisses me like his life depends on it. I melt into him. He says he doesn’t have the right words, but this is all I need. His words were perfect, and I’m full to bursting with joy.
“EW, you guys!” Reverie’s voice snaps through the air and we jump apart.
I’m not sure about Asher, but I was so wrapped up in himthat I completely forgot Reverie was here, in his house, in the same room as us.
She’s standing on the lip of a terracotta pot, the massive monstera a wall of green behind her, with her hip cocked, dainty arms crossed, and a scowl on her face.
“Sorry.” I realize I’m panting in an effort to try to catch my breath after that kiss. “These plants, though!”
Her face instantly lights up again. “Right? They’re so pretty, and lush, and perfect. And oh my gosh, they smell so good!”
Not sure what that means, maybe earthy? Regardless, I’m happy she’s happy, and I’m especially touched that he went and spent… stars above. This must have cost a fortune.
Asher likely reads on my face that I’m about to ask if I can pay him back, because he presses a finger to my lips and shakes his head before I speak a word. I narrow my eyes before nipping at it, relishing when his eyes darken in response.
“Careful, little shifter,” he murmurs, brushing past me as he walks over to the small jungle.
“You like it?” he asks.
“Iloveit. I love it, I love it, I love it!” Reverie shoots into the air for a birds-eye view, her hands clasped against her chest as her entire body vibrates, her special brand of glittery dust falling to the leaves below and coating them in a light shimmer.
“Good. I wasn’t sure what to get, so if there’s anything else you need or want that will help you feel more comfortable here, please let me know.”
