Take a Chance by Annalisa Nicole Page A

anything.”
    “There is nothing to forgive, it was a misunderstanding. I would like to tell you about her, I don’t know the rules about talking about your late wife to your new girlfriend. Like I said, you’re the first person I’ve dated since then. But if it’s not weird or wrong, I do want to tell you.”
    “Girlfriend? Did you just call me your girlfriend?”
    “Um, well, yes I did, is it too soon for that?”
    “No , not at all, I’d love to be your girlfriend. And I don’t think it’s weird or wrong to talk about your wife. She was a big part of your life, and I would never expect you to want to forget about her. Actually before my run in, in the elevator I was going to ask you how you wanted to deal with co-workers. We have been having lunch every day now and people were bound to figure it out. I wanted to know how you wanted me to handle it.”
    “I have nev er dated anyone from the office. Olivia and I were high school sweethearts, married right out of college. I guess, not that it’s anyone’s business, but I’m not looking to hide my relationship with you. People will just have to deal with it.”
    “High school sweethearts , huh? So how long were you married?”
    “We were married for six years, s he was a nurse at Seattle Pres., and she worked the night shift. One night on her way home from work, she was hit by a drunk driver. She was killed instantly.”
    “Asher, I’m so sorry. Is it OK if I give you a hug?”
    “You never have to ask that . I know we are talking about my late wife, but you don’t have to feel weird being affectionate with me, because I don’t.”
    She leans over and gives me a t ight hug. Pulling slightly away, I kiss her on the lips. Soon the kiss turns hungry and heated. Our tongues dance together and it just feels right. Breaking apart I ask, “So, how about we go grab something to eat and hit the grocery store?”

Chapter 11
     
    Willow
    I feel like an idiot for even thinking that Asher was the type of man to cheat on his wife. I should have known better. He has never given me any reason to doubt him or his intentions. He is always a perfect gentleman. He’s a widower, he’s so young. How tragic of a loss for him and his family.
    We grab a quick bite to eat and head to the store. We walk up and down the aisles. He pushes the cart while I place items in t he basket. In the checkout line he holds my hand. He’s always nearby, touching me in some way or holding my hand. He’s just the sweetest man I have ever met. It makes me sad to think of a young woman’s life cut short, she had the perfect husband. He squeezes my hand, and I pull out of my thoughts and smile at him. The cashier totals everything up. I dig in my purse for my debit card, Asher hands her his.
    “Asher , you can’t do that, these are my groceries, and I can pay.”
    “Don’t worry about it and don’t argue either.”
    He insisted on unloading everything from his car . Asher hands me things out of the bags and I put them where they belong. It’s a relief to have groceries in the house. I do feel good health wise, but usually tire easily. Having Asher help me is a big weight lifted off my shoulders.
    “Asher , thank you for helping me with this. It is a huge relief getting this done.”
    “You’re welcome, Willow , if you need any help at all with anything please ask me. I’ll always be here to help you, no matter what it is.”
    “Thank you . Did you want something to drink, now that I have more than water?”
    “S ure, I’ll grab us some iced tea. Go ahead and sit down, you’ve had a long day. I’ll bring it out.” He gets some glasses out of the cupboard and pours us each some iced tea and sets it on the coffee table in front of me. He grabs his and takes a drink. I take the glass from him and set it back on the table. I slowly lean into him and kiss him. He opens his mouth for my tongue. I can tell he’s not sure what to do with his hands. I take each of his hands in mine and