Page 85 of Shadow

Before Daphne could respond, the front door opened. Asher appeared.

“Morning, Ruthie.”

“Morning! Could you help me move some boxes? I’m trying to clean out a room for the holidays.”

“Glad to help.” He glanced at Daphne. “Okay?”

“Have at it, hero.”

He smiled and it was like sunlight poured into her soul.

“Perfect.” Ruthie stood.

Asher stepped off the porch, headed across the lawn.

“My goodness, Daphne.” She fanned herself. “Handsome doesn’t quite cover it.”

Heat flooded Daphne’s face.

She looked back at him. At the man who’d kept them safe for three weeks. Who’d proven himself over and over. “Hey, Ash!”

He stopped, turning in the grass, walking backward. She glanced at Ruthie, back to him. Cleared her throat. “Will you go to the dance with me tonight?”

His expression shifted. Surprise. Then something warmer. “Yeah. I’d really like that.”

“Aw, you two are so cute,” Ruthie said.

Ruthie followed Asher to her house as Daphne headed inside.

Closed the door.

Leaned against it. Sheesh, her heart was pounding.

True love like that only happens once.

Don’t waste it.

Hold on to it.

Calm down. She wasn’t in love with Asher Morrison. This was an operation. A partnership. A cover story that would end in six days.

This wasn’t real.

But standing there with her heart pounding and the memory of Asher’s smile burned into her brain—Daphne couldn’t finish the thought.

Couldn’t lie to herself anymore.

She just might be falling for her fake husband.

So, maybe this wasn’t a terrible idea.

Asher scanned the community center. Fine, as expected—he’d checked it the morning they’d moved in, and once more after helping Ruthie with boxes.

Sweet lady. Had quizzed him about Daphne, told him that he’d found a “real sweetheart” in his wife.

That might be going a little far, but, yes, even in a world that wasn’t real, she was kind. Thoughtful.

And like Ruthie said, a good match for him.