Page 109 of Addiction

“That’s tonight’s agenda,” Grayson pipes up, handing me the salad.

“No, it is not. I’ve told you, wedding first then we can make more babies. I want to enjoy time with Ava before we make our lives any more chaotic than it already is.”

“You know I’m more than happy to look after my grandbabies should you decide to have another one before the wedding.”

“Thanks, Fiona, but Nora is adamant,” Grayson says. “I don’t know how to change her mind either.”

“Bring her down by the back of her knees,” Asher responds, causing us all to laugh.

“You know, it shouldn’t be down to us to provide all the grandbabies! There are others in the family,” Grayson says.

His words send a tingle down my spine. Asher and I have not talked about what our future will look like, much less about kids and starting a family as this is all so new. I’d like nothing more than to be a dad and fill my kids’ lives with love and stability, something I never felt I had.

I’m brought out of my daze when his hand rests on my knee. “You, okay? You’re in a world of your own.”

I scan my eyes over his face, and even now I’m surprised at how fucking sexy he is. How happy he looks.

“I’m fine. I was just thinking.”

He raises a brow and lowers his voice. “Was it dirty?”

A wicked grin spreads across my face. “It may have been. I’ll let you know when I take you home later.”

“Can’t wait.” He leans in, placing his lips on mine and cupping my jaw before he whispers, “Thank you.”

I pull back to look at him. “What are you thanking me for?”

“For making me the happiest I’ve ever been. I’m a lucky guy.”

Be still my beating heart.

God, this man.

I don’t think he realizes that I’m the lucky one. Asher may have turned his life around, but he’s filling a void in my life. I have many friends here in Virginia, but I’ve longed to have someone to share my life with, someone to hold close when times get tough and someone to wake up beside. Asher has ticked all those boxes for me, so I’m the lucky one. I will do anything to keep that smile on his face and the light in his eyes because I love seeing it more than anything. I’m falling in love with him, and I will do anything to protect him.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Asher

“Where are we going?” I ask Wade as he locks the door to his house. I’ve had strict orders this morning to get up and ready for the day. I’d become inquisitive when he’d told me to wear shorts.

“Why do you ask so many questions?” He chuckles. “It’s like you don’t trust me.”

“I do. I’m just not that good with surprises. The anxiety is heightened.”

“Don’t stress.”

“That’s easy for you to say.”

“I know right?” He grins. We are standing at the top of his drive, and he leans in close, resting his hands on my hips. “You’ll be fine.”

“I’m not so sure, and do you want to know why?”

“Enlighten me.”

“Because not only am I not good with surprises, I’m also feeling ridiculously turned on with the fact you are wearing my T-shirt.”

“So today is going to be a struggle for lots of reasons, huh?” he murmurs against my mouth.