Page 120 of Asher's Assignment
Coming home was no exception. She’d given him a death glare when he asked if she wanted him to carry her into the house. He’d backed down, but had wrapped her hand around his arm before she could tell him she could walk by herself.
They reached the stairs going up to the porch. Esther raised a foot.
“Easy.”
“Asher.” She paused, foot on the step, and turned her head to shoot a glare at him. “Shut up.”
Wisely, he stopped talking.
Esther navigated the steps, then pulled away from him to get through the front door. On her own, she headed for the couch. Sweat had already popped out on her brow. Just because she could do things on her own didn’t mean she didn’t tire quickly.
“Are you sure this is where you want to be? Wouldn’t you be more comfortable upstairs in bed?”
The death glare came back out. “I’m fine. I’ve been in a bed for nearly a week. I don’t want to sit upstairs by myself. The couch is fine.”
Audra walked in from the kitchen, then, and flapped her hands at Asher. “Give her some space. Can’t you see she’s done with you lot hovering like a thick fog?” Her gaze took in Edie as well. “She has a voice. I’m sure if she needs something, she’ll use it and ask. Right?” Her eyes flicked to Esther.
“Yes.” Thank goodness someone in this house had some sense of reason.
Asher sat down next to her and took her hand. “Sorry, babe. I know I’m verging on smothering you.”
Esther sighed and squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry too. I’m not trying to be a bitch. I just don’t want to be treated like a little kid. I know my limits, and like Audra said, if I need help, I’ll ask.”
“Deal.” Asher leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Do you need anything now?”
“A drink would be nice.”
He hopped up. “Cold or hot?”
“Hot. Coffee, please.”
“On it.”
When he left, Audra took his place. Edie sat down across from her.
“Where are Annabeth and Brooke?”
“Grocery shopping,” Audra said. “They should be back soon. How are you really holding up? And don’t give me the answer that would please Asher.”
Esther wrinkled her nose. Audra was too perceptive. “I’m sore and tired. And annoyed that I can’t do the things I’m used to doing. Like showering. Having everyone hovering and constantly asking me if I’m okay and what I need is exhausting.” She glanced at her sister only to see a sheepish look cross Edie’s face. Esther lifted a hand briefly. “I appreciate everyone wanting to take care of me, but I’m sorry. It’s tiring.”
“You’re right, it is. And of all people, I should know that. I do know that. I also know that telling you the hovering comes from a good place doesn’t make it any better. From here on out, I promise to do my best not to ask a million times a day if you’re all right or if you need something.”
Esther gave Edie a tired but genuine smile. “Thank you. Can you run interference with Asher too? He’s the worst one of you all.”
Edie chuckled. “That’s because he loves you and hasn’t figured out how to handle that yet. With all that’s happened, he hasn’t had time to process. Asher is a man who definitely has to process stuff and file everything in all the right corners of his mind. Give him some time. He’ll get there.”
Esther stared, her mind caught on one word: love. Asher loved her? That would be wonderful, because she loved him too.
They really needed to talk. But this past week hadn’t lent itself to a lot of alone time. If it wasn’t one of her family or a friend coming and going from her room, it was a nurse or a patient care assistant. There was never a good time to start a conversation.
But she was home now. They could lock themselves in her bedroom and keep the world away. Tonight, that’s what they’d do. Even if she had to play the sympathy card to get him to stay—because she had a feeling he’d balk at sleeping with her. He’d been treating her like spun glass, and would probably think he’d squish her or something if they shared a bed. She didn’t care. She wanted to feel him next to her while she slept. She’d missed him. Missed the connection sharing a bed brought.
She wouldn’t accept any excuses tonight.
Mind made up, she changed the subject. “So, do you have any new leads on Lennox’s whereabouts?”
Audra’s nose wrinkled in disgust. “No. He’s a bloody ghost. Don’t let your guard down. The working theory is he’s a narcissistic knob and will come back and try again.”
