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She stopped herself from frowning at his comment. She didn’t like that he thought she’d worry about himbotheringher. That never would have crossed her mind. But she didn’t want him to think she was frowning at his offer. An offer that, well, if the way her breathing eased and her heart lifted told her anything, was what she wanted. She’d have space. But wouldn’t be alone. And being near Asher would be anythingbutsomething to worry about.
“It’s too much to ask,” she said, even though she desperately wanted to say yes.
“I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t sincere. Like I said, it’s above the garage, but it’s attached to the house through a hall that runs over the breezeway. You’d have space, but I’d be there if needed. When I’m not working, that is. It also has a separate entrance through a stairwell in the garage. You’d be able to come and go as you please without having to walk through the house if you don’t want to.”
Again, she fought a frown. He seemed to be putting a lot of effort into making sure she knew that they didn’t have to be in the same space unless she wanted them to be. That he wouldn’t encroach on her life. Most of the time, she wished people were as circumspect. But with Asher, it was, well, the opposite of what she’d like.
The sudden realization that shewantedhim to encroach on her life gave her pause. The feeling was new. Not something she’d experienced with anyone in a long time. But aside from that, how would it be living in the same house with a man who seemed intent on giving her space when that’s not what she wanted?
She sifted through his words as she studied him. His expression was as open and honest as she’d ever seen. Which led her to believe both that he was sincere in his offer of the studio and also that he believed he needed to reassure her that he wouldn’t be a bother to her. What he didn’t convey, in words or expression, was that he had any concerns aboutherbotheringhim.
She smiled. She didn’t know if living with Asher would be the best decision she’d ever made or the worst. But she wanted to find out.
“If you truly don’t mind, I think I’d like that,” she said.
CHAPTER TEN
Asher shut down his computer and leaned back in his chair. The end of his workday had finallyarrived. Not that he didn’t have more work, because there was always work. But right now, he was choosing to wrap up for the day and head home.
To dinner with Ellie.
He smiled as he packed his bag. She’d moved into the studio four days ago. They’d shared a meal together every day since. Sometimes two. And today, she’d texted and asked if she could make him dinner. He’d never been one to turn down a home-cooked meal that he didn’t have to make. And he was more than looking forward to whatever awaited him when he arrived home.
Exiting the building, the cold hit him with a sharp blast, and he hunched his shoulders as he made his way to his truck. Farther down the aisle, he spotted Dr. Garcia climbing into her ancient Land Rover. He lifted a hand in greeting, and she returned it but didn’t make a move to stop and chat. He was curious what JJ thought about Ellie’s situation—the two had been meeting daily all week. But he’d never ask. Not only was it a violation of law, but more to the point, he’d never go behind Ellie’s back.
While JJ’s insights would remain a mystery, he did know Ellie’s. She’d been open with him about all her sessions. She hadn’t shied away from telling him what she thought or what she’d taken away. Most importantly, though, he was happy that she seemed pleased with her progress.
As he drove down Main Street, he observed the hustle and bustle of a busy Thursday night. Restaurants filled with people visible through the picture windows. Families, bundled up against the cold, walking along the sidewalks. Kids excitedly pointing out the candy shops. He smiled at a little boy animatedly gesturing to something in the window as he spoke to an older man—maybe his grandfather. Idly, Asher pictured his parents as grandparents. With Ethan and Kara expecting, it wouldn’t be long. No doubt, the baby would be spoiled beyond all measure.
The familiarity of the town and its rhythms wrapped around him like a cozy blanket. Yeah, he may not love his job, but his life was pretty damn good.
After passing through town, he turned west onto his road, then a few minutes later, pulled onto his driveway. Parking his truck in the garage beside Ellie’s SUV, he made his way to the mudroom. Music poured through the house—Ellie must have turned it on while cooking—and he smiled at the selection as he hung his jacket and took off his shoes. He really wouldn’t have expected her to be a fan of early rap and hip-hop music, but sure enough, “Poison” by Bell Biv DeVoe was blasting.
“Ellie?” he called, stepping into the house. When no one answered, he made his way down the hall toward the kitchen and called her name a second time. He hesitated when again, no one replied. The music was loud, but it wasn’tthatloud.
When she still didn’t answer, his hesitation morphed into fear. Had something happened to her? Was she hurt?
“Ellie!” he shouted, rushing into the kitchen. Frantically, he searched the space. But all he saw were signs of dinner—a few dishes in the sink, plates on the counter, and the convection oven whirring. Her phone sat in the docking station, and he quickly shut it off.
A deafening silence filled the house, but he didn’t pause to consider what that might mean. Ellie had to be there. Her car was in the garage. He could smell something cooking in the oven. And there was no way she’d take off for a walk at this time of night. Not in these temperatures.
He moved into the living room and scanned the area. As in the kitchen, he saw no sign of her.
He called her name again as he started toward the stairs. Pausing at the bottom, he gathered himself for whatever he might find upstairs. Then, with a deep breath, he took a step. But as he set his foot on the first riser, a tiny sound caught his attention. One that slid over his skin, sparking a wave of goosebumps.
But no sooner did the chill begin than the room fell silent.
Stepping off the riser and back onto the floor, he stilled and listened. “Ellie?” he said, keeping his voice low and calm.
Again, he heard it! A whimper, maybe. Or perhaps a low wail.
He glanced around, trying to identify the origin. His eyes fell on the closet door, and his heart plummeted. Another cry filtered through the door, confirming his suspicions.
In two strides he was in front of the closet. “Ellie, it’s me, Asher. I’m going to open the door, okay?”
She didn’t respond. He wrapped his hand around the knob and turned. He heard the latch give and braced himself. He wanted to throw the door open and rush to her. He wanted to pull her out and ensure she wasn’t harmed. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and tell her he’d make it better. But he didn’t want to scare her any more than she already was. And the adrenaline coursing through his body wasn’t helping.
Taking a deep breath, he reminded himself that what he wanted was secondary. All that mattered was Ellie. So, fighting against everything his body was telling him, he forced himself to inch the door open.
