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“Well, given how well me and Monica hit it off, I guess they have every reason to be.”
The laughter drifted away as Asher began to nod. “Yeah, I guess so. I think I will sign up for it.”
Smiling, Joe said, “Well, I hope you find someone. Best thing I ever did was go out with Monica.”
“Thanks, Joe. And, thank you for helping to make sure Marie Phillips will be comfortable during her stay.”
“It’s no problem.” Giving Asher a wave, Joe turned back into the bathroom, ready to finish his cleaning. Asher picked up his clipboard and headed for the door. He had a lot to think about.
* * *
“Have you had a busy day?”
Before he could answer, a huge yawn caught him by surprise, making Willow giggle.
“I guess so.”
“It’s always a little crazy when we’re expecting a huge number of guests. You know what it’s like.” Waving a hand, Asher smiled at her. “Which is why it’s even better that you’re making dinner.”
Willow laughed, her eyes sparkling as she flashed a look at him. “Very funny. It’s not like I’ve had a busy day, too, or anything.”
“Oh, come on. All you did was sit at a computer and press a few buttons, it’s not like that was tiring.” Asher loved the way her lips crooked to one side when she realized he was teasing her and she was trying not to react. A tiny dimple in her cheek flickered, and Asher grinned. “Or did you have to go spend some time outside today and press a few buttons on your camera instead?”
“I don’t think you deserve dinner.” Willow lifted her chin, put both hands on her hips, and tilted her head, her blue eyes spearing him. “For your information, I had a photoshoot with Mrs. Jackson and her granddaughter. Then I had a meeting with the owner of the new restaurant in town who wants me to be the photographer at their grand opening next month, and then, yeah, I guess I came home and tapped on the computer for a while. All of that has made me pretty famished, and I’m sure I could eat most of this by myself.” One eyebrow arched gently as her blue eyes narrowed. “Or perhaps you would like to retract that last comment?”
Asher shook his head. “Nah.” He grinned as Willow finally gave in to her laughter. “I’m just kidding. I know you work hard, and I really do appreciate that you’re cooking dinner for us both.”
Stepping forward, he pulled her into a hug, feeling her shake as she laughed, although her arms snaked around his back. When she flung her head back to look at him, her hair cascaded backward like a golden wave, and Asher quickly dropped his hands, stepping away from her.
“What is it you’re making? It smells amazing.”
“Pork tenderloin with salad on the side, just the way you like it.”
Asher grinned at her, trying to push away the lingering feelings that seemed to etch themselves stubbornly into his heart as he sat down at the table. “You sliced the carrots real thin?”
“Sure did.”
His smile softened as he tilted his head, watching her as she pushed her hair out of her eyes and tucked it behind her ear. “You’re one in a million.”
Darting a glance up at him, she smiled back. “You’re only saying that because you don’t want to cook for yourself.”
“I’m saying that because I mean it. Every word.” A slight tension flooded the air between them, and Asher shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Willow pressed her lips together and looked away, her shoulders rounding a little. “So, I was talking to Joe today.” Changing the subject seemed to help.
Willow’s shoulders dropped, and she threw him another glance, plating up the food as she went.
“Oh?”
“He’s met someone.”
“I’m glad.” Willow’s voice was filled with smiles. “Joe is a really great guy.
“He is. Turns out they met on a dating app.”
He didn’t have to wait for Willow’s reaction. Her head flew up, her eyes caught his, and a huge smile spread across her face.
“A dating app? Joe? That seems like it would be way outside of his comfort zone.”
“Yep.” Asher spread his hands. “He’s a little embarrassed about it, so please don’t ever tell him that I told you this.”
