hapter 25
All for her, she realized, touched by his thoughtfulness.
“Did everything arrive?” Asher appeared at the stairs.
“Yes, thank you.”
Their eyes met, creating an odd moment. He wasn’t just her childhood neighbor anymore, but her fiancé.
He approached. “The milk’s for you.”
“Oh?” she looked up, surprised. “I thought it was yours.”
“Not my habit. Please, have it.”
He opened the door to his waiting assistant.
“Get this tested,” he handed over the suspect bottle.
“Right away, sir.”
Turning back, he caught Jessica watching him.
Her clear, bright eyes held such curiosity, like a small woodland creature.
Something fluttered in his chest, light as a feather.
He couldn’t resist ruffling her hair gently, just as he had when they were younger. “Early night? What time should I wake you?”
“Ten AM.” She looked up from the sofa.
A drop of milk lingered on her lip, the sight affecting him more than it should.
His eyes darkened slightly, throat working as he looked away. “Sleep well then. Goodnight.”
He left quickly, not waiting for her response.
Oblivious to his reaction, she continued sipping her milk.
The next morning, Asher knocked just before her alarm.
“Time to wake up, Lia.”
She checked her phone: 9:59 AM.
Perfect timing.
After washing up, she found breakfast laid out.
A plate of eggs Benedict with perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
Chapter 25
She sat down, unwrapped the silverware, and took a bite. Her eyes widened. This tastes exactly like the cafe hear my firm!”
Across the table, Asher merely hummed noncommittally.
Jessica wasn’t sure what to make of that response.
She tried another bite. The taste was identical to her favorite breakfast spot–the hollandaise had that same subtle hint of lemon, the eggs were poached to the same perfect consistency.
She eyed him suspiciously. “Did you get this from The Morning Room behind my office?”
“Yes.” His expression remained neutral.
“How did you know about that place?“.
It was at least six miles from the hotel, and certainly not a spot tourists would know about.
Seeing no point in hiding it, he admitted, “I’ve… visited New York before. To check on you.”
Jessica froze.
He’d come to see her?
Without her knowing?
“When?” she choked out.
“The first year after you left. And the second. This year too.” His tone was matter–of–fact.
Jessica felt her head spin.
He’d come every year to watch over her, secretly.
The suite’s lived–in feel suddenly made sense. He must have stayed frequently.
Something stirred in her chest, her heart racing.
Too afraid to examine the feeling, she changed the subject. “Thank you for the wontons. They’re really good.”
Seeing her ear tips turn scarlet, he smiled.
Playing along, he said, “By the way, I know an exceptional restoration expert. She’s worked on Museum. She might be able to help.”
“Really?” Jessica’s head shot up, eyes bright with hope.
He nodded, “When we’re back in London, I’ll take you to meet her.”
“Okay.”
es for the British
Chapter 25
His words were like a balm to her aching heart. She couldn’t explain why, but she trusted him complect
If he said this expert was skilled, she knew her Beagle could be saved.
What a morning of revelations. After all Asher’s “surprises” today, she wondered what else she didn’t know about
him.
Chapter 26
