Take A Chance (Running Into Love)

by Nicole, Annalisa

  He stumbles again and slurs, “Maan I didn’t knoww this wuz brring a cancer patient date night. Whered yyou gett her? Ssshe’s a pretty one. Is there a cancer farmmm round here? Wwhere can I gget mee one of them?”

  Without even thinking, my hand balls into a fist, and I punch him in the nose. Blood squirts out all over and onto Willow’s pink gown, she jumps and gasps. She’s trying to wipe the blood off her dress, smearing it in in the process. The man falls to the floor holding his nose, “Wwhaat the hell wuz that for?”

  Reaching down I pick him up off the floor, so I can hit him again, but Willow touches my shoulder and in a soft voice, she says, “Asher, no it’s ok.”

  Anger is pouring off of me in waves, visions of the drunk driver in court that killed Olivia plays in my mind and I just want to beat the shit out of this man. But at Willow’s touch I stop. Looking in her eyes, she shakes her head. I take her hand and lead her out of the ballroom.

  “Willow, are you OK? I’m so sorry about that, did he hurt you?”

  “Honey, I’m fine. Your hand, let me see your hand.”

  “My hand is fine. Did he hurt you? The blood?”

  “Honey, it’s not mine, it’s all his. I’m fine. I’m worried about you though.”

  “You’re sure it’s not yours, he bumped into you pretty good.”

  “Asher, I am completely fine. I think we should just go home now.”

  Taking her hand in mine, I call Simon and ask him to pull the car around. Waiting at the front of the hotel, Willow lets go of my hand and wraps her arm around my waist. I put my arm around her shoulder and hug her tight.

  Getting in the car, I apologize for ruining the night. “I’m sorry for ruining this evening.”

  “Don’t be silly it was one of the best days of my life.”

  “But that man and your dress, it’s ruined.”

  “I’m not worried about that man. In fact, thank you for protecting me, it was noble. And the dress can be taken to the cleaners, it’s not ruined. I’m a little concerned about you though.”

  “My hand is fine.”

  “I’m not just talking about your hand. The man was drunk. I saw the look in your eyes. This was more than just what he said about me. This was about Olivia, wasn’t it?”

  “For a few seconds, yes it was. Those days in court seeing the man that took Olivia’s life, I was helpless and I just wanted to kill him. I wanted him to hurt as much as I was. Seeing this guy drunk, thinking he hurt you, just sent me over the edge. I’m sorry if I scared you.”

  She takes my hand in hers. “Thank you for sharing that with me. You didn’t scare me either.”

  Looking at her beautiful face, the moment is right. “Willow, I love you.”

  A smile forms on her perfect lips, and a single tear rolls down her cheek. She leans in and places her hand on my cheek. “I love you too.” Closing the distance, she kisses me with love and passion.

  Chapter 16

  Willow

  Asher telling me he loves me is the happiest moment in my life. All these years I have never found a man that loves me. Now when I thought my life couldn’t get any worse, out of nowhere Asher shows up and puts the pieces all back together. I have the kindest, sweetest, honest man ever. And he loves me.

  Taking his hand, I lead him into his bedroom. Slipping off his jacket, letting it fall to the floor. I un-hook his bow tie and un-clip his cuff links. Dropping them by his feet, I lean in and kiss his lips. I slowly un-tuck his shirt, and then unbutton each button of his dress shirt, slipping it off his shoulders, I let it fall on top of his jacket. He takes off his shoes, deepening the kiss opening, I open mouth to allow his tongue to sweep in.

  Breaking the kiss he whispers, “Willow, are you sure about this?”

  “I’ve never been surer.” Turning me around, he slowly unzips my gown letting it fall, pooling around my feet, revealing my pink lace panties and strapless bra. Turning around I face him.

  “Willow, you are so beautiful.”

  Unbuckling his belt, I unzip his pants and push them to the floor. Reaching behind his head, he grabs his T-shirt with one hand and pulls it over his head. He’s standing only in his boxer briefs and socks. Stepping closer he trails sweet kisses down my neck to my chest. Reaching around my back, he unclasps my bra, slowly removing it. Standing before him in just my panties and shoes, I feel too exposed. His eyes slowly move from mine down my neck to my port, he places a soft kiss next to it murmuring, “So beautiful.” Trailing further, he kisses the scars on my left breast. “Just beautiful.” Finding each one and kissing them softly. Never would I have thought it would be like this. He’s so gentle, making me feel loved and cherished.

  Taking my nipple in his mouth, I gasp at the feeling. He moves over to the other breast and delivers the same loving treatment. Walking me back further toward the bed, the back of my legs hit the mattress and he gently lowers me, kissing down my stomach. Removing his socks and his boxers, he returns to bed and lays down beside me holding the back of my head while slowly, tenderly kissing my lips.

  “Willow, you are so beautiful, I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  Rolling on top of him, my hair cascades down either side of his face. His hands go to my hips, removing my panties then my shoes. Reaching over in the night stand, he finds a condom and tears it open with his teeth. Rolling it onto his erection, he slowly and lovingly enters me. Giving me a minute to adjust, and get comfortable with his size, he begins to slowly move in and out. Wrapping my legs around him, he lays me on my back while he kisses me with such love, tears roll down me temples.

  “Don’t cry, sweetheart, I love you.”

  Our bodies move in perfect rhythm, so in tune with each other’s needs. I can feel the tingle low in my belly as a powerful orgasm shudders through my body. Riding out my orgasm, he thrusts two more times so tenderly, then he stills rooted deep, he comes with his own release, whispering my name.

  “Willow, I love you.”

  “I love you too, Asher.”

  Removing the condom, he kisses my forehead and goes into the bathroom. Coming back with a warm washcloth, he gently cleans me. With a kiss on the cheek, he takes the washcloth back to the bathroom. Returning to bed, he wraps me tight in his arms. Lucy jumps on the bed curling into a ball at my feet. Falling asleep in Asher’s arms I am feeling completely loved, scars and all.

  Waking the next morning the warm sun shining on my face, lying in our usual ‘morning position,’ I gently kiss his chest and breathe in the scent that is all Asher. Smiling, I trace small circles on his belly with my finger. He squeezes me tight.

  “Good morning, sweetheart,” he says.

  “Sorry, did I wake you? I just couldn’t help myself.”

  “Yes, but what a way to wake up holding you in my arms.” Looking up at him, he bends down and kisses me sweetly on the lips.

  “Asher, can I ask you something?”

  “You can ask me anything, I will always answer honestly.”

  “Last night, were you, well did it…”

  “Look at me, the answer is no, it didn’t. You are beautiful, every part of you. Scars and all. There is not one part of your body that I don’t love. Don’t ever be embarrassed about any part of your body in front of me. Nothing could ever change how much I love you.”

  Putting my head back down on his chest so he can’t see the tears forming in my eyes, I squeeze him and tell him, “I love you too, Asher. Thank you for making me feel safe and comfortable.”

  Asher

  She wasn’t pulling anything over on me because I could feel the wet tears on my chest. I knew she was crying, but I knew they were just overwhelming emotions of love. Not sad tears, so I let her cry on my chest, stroking her beautiful red hair. After I knew she was done, I kissed the top of her head, and went in the bathroom and started the shower. Without a word, I grabbed her hand and led her into the steaming shower. Grabbing her shampoo, I gently massaged her head, washing her hair. I lather up her body
wash in my hands and I gently wash her, letting the warm water rinse her clean. Placing the softest kisses on her scars on her left breast, she runs her fingers through my hair. Her head falls back in the water, as I trail kisses up her throat to her lips. She moans softly sending goose bumps down my arms.

  “I don’t have any condoms in the shower sweetheart.”

  “It’s alright, I’m on the pill. I don’t even know why I still take it. I can’t get pregnant anyway because of the chemo.”

  Pulling away to look in her eyes, I search her face. What does she mean she can’t get pregnant? She’s never said anything about this before, she’s so young. I need to talk more about this with her, but this isn’t the right time. Placing my hands on either side of her face, I kiss her on the lips. Positioning her against the tiled wall of the shower, gently wrapping her legs around my hips, I slowly enter her.

  The feeling of being bare inside her is amazing. Speeding up the motion, I feel her insides clenching around me with her release, sending me into my own release moments later. Placing her feet back down I wash her again, then myself.

  Wrapping her in a warm towel, she heads to her bag and gets dressed. Walking in the closet, I get dressed myself. Kissing her on the top of her head, I say, “Take your time, I’ll feed Lucy and make us breakfast.”

  Twenty minutes later she comes down in jeans and a pink cashmere sweater, wearing her necklace and bracelet. “You look beautiful sweetheart, is that an outfit you picked out with the girls?”

  “Why yes it is, and thank you again for the shopping spree. Although, I think the girls went a little crazy and bought more than just last night’s outfit and this one for dinner with your parents.”

  “I told them to, I knew you wouldn’t have left here without arguing about it, so I just asked them to get anything you wanted,” I say, tossing her a wink and a smile.

  “You’re probably right. I haven’t looked through all the bags yet, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t buy the perfume and the other outfits I saw in there.”

  “Good, I love to spoil you,” I say, kissing her on top of her head. “Breakfast is ready, I made pancakes and sausage.” Setting the plate in front of her, I take my seat and watch as she digs in.

  “What time is dinner at your parents?” she asks.

  “Six, I thought we could go to Pike Place Market first. You said you haven’t been anywhere in town. How does that sound?”

  “Oh, fun I read the original Starbucks is there, and they do some sort of fish throwing thing.”

  “Yes, that’s the Pike Place Fish Market. They toss customer’s fish purchases over your head. It’s actually fun to watch.”

  Finishing up breakfast, I have Simon take us to the Market, thinking it’s easier to drop us off and pick us up as we need. We spend hours exploring and shopping, it was fun to spend a carefree day with Willow, now it’s time to head over to my parent’s house for dinner.

  Sitting in the driveway of my parent’s house, I take Willow’s hand and kiss her knuckles.

  “They’re going to love you, just like I do.” Simon opens the door. I step out, and then offer her my hand, helping her from the car. She grabs the pie we purchased at the market and insisted we bring to dinner. Walking up to the porch, with one last reassuring squeeze, I say, “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” Before my knuckles land on the door, my mother pulls the door open, pushing me out of the way and wraps Willow in a hug. I guess my brothers and sisters are already here and have been doing some talking. Taking the pie from Willow, Mom takes her hand and hauls her in the house leaving me standing in the doorway.

  “Good to see you too, Mom.”

  “Oh hush, close the door, its cold outside.”

  Walking over to Willow, I take her hand and take back possession of my girlfriend, I say, “Willow this is my mom Samantha and my dad Samuel.” Her hand flies to her mouth covering a giggle.

  “You’re Sam and Sam,” she giggles.

  “I like her son, not afraid to speak her mind, this one.” Dad winks at me.

  Aiden, Adrian, Amelia and Ava are all standing in the kitchen and welcome Willow into their conversation. Dinner is wonderful and everyone is laughing and having a good time, talking about old times. Aiden starts to tell a story, “Remember the time Asher and Olivia …”

  Instantly, his face falls, snapping his head to Willow. Everyone stops mid conversation and stares between Willow and me. Willow smiles and says, “Please go ahead, I love hearing stories about Asher and Olivia, he’s told me so much about her. Memories of Olivia should be shared, not hidden because of me.”

  Looking at Willow, I didn’t think it was possible to love her any more than I already do, but she keeps proving time and time again that she’s the woman I can see spending the rest of my life with. My mom smiles warmly at Willow then at me, with tears in her eyes, she excuses herself from the table.

  Excusing myself from the table, I follow her into the kitchen. She is standing at the sink looking out the window with her back turned to me.

  “Mom, are you OK?” Turning around, she has tears running down her face. Wrapping her in a hug, I say, “Mom, what’s wrong?”

  “Asher, I know you told me about her, and your brothers and sisters have said the most wonderful things about Willow, now I see it with my own eyes. I was so worried after Olivia died, that it destroyed you. I have prayed and prayed that God would send someone into your life. Seeing the two of you together, I know my prayers have been answered, I’m just so happy for you, that’s all.”

  “Mom, I am happy, truly happy. I love her.”

  “She’s alright though, right?”

  “Everything is pointing in the right direction. She has some testing coming up this week, but everything is looking good.”

  “We better get back out there before they all come in here, let’s get this pie dished up and get back to our family,” she says with a teary smile.

  The comment about it being our family didn’t escape me, and I’m sure my mom said it like she meant it. She just met Willow, but she already thinks of her like a daughter.

  Chapter 17

  Willow

  Meeting Asher’s parents was nothing like I feared, and I don’t even know why I was so scared. I already know his brothers and sisters. I know what type of people they are. Obviously, they were raised by amazing parents. His mom and dad made me feel like I was already a part of their family. All of them gave me hugs as we were heading out the door with an open invitation to every Sunday dinner. Simon was waiting for us at the curb.

  I settle into the back seat of the car, holding Asher’s hand. On the drive back to his house I have the biggest smile plastered on my face. I went from having only a mother who barely spent any time with me to having a big loving family welcoming me with open arms. It makes me think of my own mother, and how I really should try and find her. Will she even want to talk to me? What if I call her, and she hangs up on me, never wanting me to contact her again. It’s thoughts like those that keep me from even beginning to try. Asher squeezes my hand, I look over and smile.

  Getting back to his house, I feed Lucy then make my way to Asher’s room. I’m exhausted. I plop face first long ways on his bed.

  “You’ve had quite a few busy days, how about I draw you a bath, and then we get some sleep.”

  With my face still in the bed, I say, “Yaa oww a wiisser.”

  Straddling my body on the bed, he tickles my sides, “You want to say that again, sweetheart?”

  Giggling, turning my face to the side I say again, “You are a lifesaver.”

  Getting off of me, he heads into the bathroom and runs the bath water. The smell of vanilla invites me off the bed and into the bathroom. The lights are dimmed, and several candles are lit and placed around the room. Millions of bubbles fill the tub. Placing his hands on either side of my arms, he rubs them up and down. Reaching for the hem of my sweater, he pulls it gently over my head. He unbuttons and unzips my jeans and
peels them along with my panties down my legs. Stepping out of them, he unhooks my bra and slowly eases it down my arms. Lastly he removes my socks one at a time, while my hands rest on his shoulders. Grabbing a hair tie, I throw my hair in a messy knot on the top of my head. Taking my hand he helps me into the tub.

  Stripping down himself, he eases in the tub behind me. Leaning back into his strong arms, he massages my shoulders softly. Kissing my neck, shivers run down my entire body. Turning around I straddle his hips while kissing him. Reaching down in the bubbles, I grab his erection, and guide him ever so slowly inside me. I begin to move slowly up and down, as he kisses my chest. Holding his head tight to my chest the water sloshes over the sides of the tub. Feeling the familiar tingle taking over, I let go while whispering his name. Grabbing my hips, he stills me with his own release saying, “I love you, I love you.”

  Keeping our connection, he stands, wraps a towel around my back and carries me to bed. Only then pulling out and laying me down, covering me with the warm comforter. Removing my hair tie, he climbs in bed behind me, wrapping me in his strong arms. Lucy jumps onto the bed, curling in a tight ball just below our feet. I am just about to fall into a peaceful sleep when Asher whispers, “I love you sweetheart, goodnight.” Too tired even to respond I fall asleep.

  The next morning leaving Lucy at Asher’s, we head to work. It was a good thing his sisters bought extra stuff, I had a few outfits to choose from this morning for work. Following our usual ritual, holding hands until I get off on my floor, with a kiss and a lunch date set for noon, I get to work.

  Asher

  The entire weekend was just one wonderful memory after another. My whole family loves Willow. She should be getting her test results back Friday and hopefully getting her port out that same day. Glancing at the files on the corner of my desk, Willow’s mom’s file catches my eye. She’s told me she wants to try and get in contact with her mom, that she misses her. I think only her pride is standing in the way of contacting her. Picking up the phone, I dial the number written in the file. A woman answers on the second ring, “Hello?”