Chapter 14 #2
He smiles warmly as he corrects, “Strength and power.”
“Hmm, I like it. Maybe one day you can tell me about all your tattoos?” I’m not sure what makes me ask that, but it’s hard to picture him as my boss when we’re lying in bed together in our pajamas.
“One day.” He nods then points beside me. “The remote is on your nightstand.”
I roll over and grab it then pass it to him before getting comfortable on my side facing him but also at an angle where I can see the TV.
He switches on Netflix and starts to browse through the options before settling on A Christmas Carol, one of the old versions. I’m surprised by his choice, but the fact that it was one of my mom’s favorite movies has me holding my tongue as I try to get my emotions under control.
“Is this okay?” he asks, and I nod, not wanting him to hear the emotion in my voice. To prevent him from seeing my face, I angle it slightly down so he can only see the top of my head, and I take slow, deep breaths as the opening scene starts.
I haven’t watched any Christmas movies since she passed, and it’s a weird sort of nostalgia watching them now. It’s a mix of happiness from the good memories with her and sadness for what I’ve lost.
Ten minutes into the movie, Asher’s hand starts to gently stroke through my hair, and a minute later he whispers softly, “Clara?”
“Hmm?” I ask, not turning around.
“I won’t ask if you’re okay; I know you’re not. But I’m here if you want to talk about it.”
I don’t answer him for a few minutes as I consider what to tell him. It wasn’t something I needed to hide, and it might actually feel good to tell someone about it. Someone who actually cared.
His fingers feel reassuring enough to make me speak. “This was my mom’s favorite Christmas movie.”
He’s quiet for a minute, and when he realizes I’m not going to say anymore he asks, “Where is she now?”
“She’s been gone a little over a year ago. Cancer.”
“I’m so sorry; this must be a hard time of year for you.”
I nod. “Yeah, we loved Christmas. We’d do it all, the movies, the music, the baking, the car tours of holiday lights, the town tree lighting.
My dad died the year before, and I have no siblings.
So now she’s gone, I’m the only one left.
How can I enjoy a holiday that used to bring me so much happiness when all I can think about is the people I used to celebrate it with?
” I sniffle as a few tears escape and roll down my cheek.
“Baby, come here.” That name hits me right in the chest, and I tilt my head back and see Asher’s anguished face as he reaches both arms towards me. I decide that at this moment, he isn’t my boss; he’s my friend, and that’s something I haven’t had in a long time. Something I need right now.
So, I crawl to his side and rest my head against his chest as he holds me tight. I feel his lips press to the top of my head and close my eyes.
I think about how he burst into my room like my own personal G.I. Joe. I was glad not to be in that scary place anymore. Being here, in his home and his arms, I finally feel safe. But the question remains, how did he hear my scream?
After a moment, the burning question bursts from my lips. “What were you doing in my building?”
His breath seems to catch for a second as his body grows ridged, but he quickly answers, “I was worried about you.”
“So you what? Were camping outside my door?”
“Basically. The first few days, I stayed outside. But the weather drove me in, and when I saw the type of people hanging out in the hall, I parked myself in front of your door.”
Holy shit! I can’t believe he’s been right outside my door every night. “You’ve been sleeping against my door every night?” He shrugs, and I grab his hand, giving it a firm squeeze. “If you told me you were out there, I would have let you in. You didn’t have to do that, Asher.”
“I wanted to, Clara. And I need you to know that you’re not alone anymore. You have me and the other two. I know we haven’t known you for long, but the more I get to know you, the more I know I need you in my life.”
My breath hitches at his last statement. “Y-you mean Iron Oaks needs me?” I ask for clarification.
“No, baby. I need you. Not as an employee, and not even as just a friend.”
I lift my head to finally look at him and I swallow heavily as I try to absorb his words.
“Asher, what are you—”
“Shh…” he presses his finger against my lips to silence my question. “You are going through something right now, and it’s not just about your mom. Just know that I’m here when you’re ready to open up about it. Now, lie back down.”
He gives me a slight tug, and I let my body relax, leaning my head back against his chest as I watch the TV.
I can’t believe what just happened. He likes me.
And he’s going to wait for me? I wasn’t even sure exactly what he meant, but he was right.
I didn’t feel ready for anything with Scott still looming over me.
But as my body melts against Asher’s, I can’t help but notice how comfortable this feels.
I could definitely get used to going to sleep like this every night.
But what about Leo and Grant? Could I really date Asher and continue to see them every day? My mind runs in circles as the movie plays on until I finally drift off to sleep.