Asher

Damn, I wish I could calm my nerves. Why are my hands shaking?

She has no problem what so ever wearing nearly nothing, and any red-blooded man would find her irresistible, but she still pisses me off when she speaks. How the hell does she know about Josie?"

"Is that the problem? Josie?"

"What? No she's not the problem. It's good you've found someone to share your life with, and Greer will have a stepmother. Asher, they'll need to bond, and believe me when I say my presence will hinder that process." She's fidgeting with her fingers and staring down at the floor.

"How long will you be gone?"

"Four weeks at the least. I have an opportunity to also shoot in Morocco and Argentina. Victoria will be with me, and I won't be alone. I have to go back to L.A. on Friday for an interview with Glamour magazine and I'll be back Sunday."

"Is this what you want, be honest with me?"

"I want what I can't have, Asher. She's your daughter, and being with you is what's right. I have to keep busy or I'll be lost in grief. I haven't mourned Diara, and if I don't do this, I'll fall apart."

Dammit, I hate her stubbornness.

"I guess there's no changing your mind?" I gave it one last try.

"No, it's made up."

"What are you doing today?" I asked.

"I have a hair appointment at noon, then dinner with some friends."

I stood. "I think you're making a mistake and not being fair, but whatever." I walked out of the room because she's making this pretty fucking hard.

I took Greer to the zoo and tried to enjoy the day, but I'm too upset with Maggie.

We returned home about five, and Greer ran upstairs to find Maggie. Greer is going to have a hard time when Maggie leaves.

I heard Greer's tiny feet round down the steps. "Daddy! Aunt Maggie looks like a princess!"

Maggie came walking down, and I couldn't believe what I saw. Stiletto heels cradled her feet while her long tan, slender legs went on forever. Her dress is too short, and her waist is so tiny. Her breasts aren't hidden well enough, and her hair is just a tad darker. She's looking into her clutch, then stops at a mirror to check her lipstick.

"I won't be home early, and if it gets too late I may not be home. Matthew is driving me, so if he returns, you'll know not to expect me by tomorrow. Help yourself to whatever, and make yourself at home." She stopped in front of me.

"What?" She asked.

"You look nice. Where are you going to be?"

"I'm meeting Amanda and Kate at a hotel for dinner, then we may hit a few clubs. I'll have my cell if Greer needs me."

"You'll be out drinking?" I asked.

"Yeah, and I might not be back tonight. I tend to rent a room if I drink too much. Oh, if Greer wants ice cream, you know where I keep it. Don't forget to remind her to brush her teeth."

"Well, be safe then." I walked away before I say something I'll regret.

I waited up that night, then when I did fall asleep, I'd wake and check her room. Each time I was disappointed to see she wasn't home.

Finally, at about 6:30 a.m. I heard something. I opened my door and there she was tiptoeing with her shoes in hand up the hall toward her room. It was obvious she had quite the evening.

I whispered. "What the hell are you doing?"

She furrowed her eyebrows. "What the hell does it look like? I'm going to take a shower then I'm going to bed."

I followed her to her room. "It's already morning and you're going to sleep? Haven't you been to sleep yet?"

She set her shoes down, and reached for the zipper on her dress. "No, as a matter of fact, I haven't, but plan to do that very soon."

I walked up and unzipped her dress. "You're like some college kid. We've got a kid here, Maggie."

"No, you have a kid here, not me."

Dammit, she just let her dress fall.

I watched as she walked to the bathroom in nothing but her undergarments. "Why do you do that? I swear it's like you're distracting me."

"Do what?"

"You know what, Maggie. Walk around practically nude."

"All you have to do is look me up online, I model in underwear, Asher. It's not a big deal, you act as if you've never seen a woman in her skivvies." She rolled her eyes.

"Not one that looks like you, and it's different in the flesh. You make things more awkward when I didn't think it could get more awkward."

She walked up to me and stopped right in front of me. "You didn't seem to mind watching me that night from the balcony."

She's way too damn close.

"I just..I was...I was just about to knock." I felt like an idiot.

She smirked.

"Can you put some clothes on?"

"I think you're forgetting it's my room, and I'm getting my shower."

She turned and walked into the bathroom. "Any luck finding a nanny?" She said from the bathroom, and I heard her turn on the shower.

"I have a few to interview."

"What?"

I stepped closer. "I have a few lined up to interview," I spoke louder, then heard the shower door open then shut.

"Is your fiancé helping you interview? She's going to have to live with the person too, and probably has an opinion."

I stepped closer, and steam had covered the shower door, but I can still see the outline of her body.

"No, she's busy with work. I'll need to head back as soon as possible too. Greer needs to get back to school tomorrow." I said.

"She has a field trip next month, and someone will need to help chaperone. If you can't, maybe your fiancé can, what's her name by the way?"

"Josie."

"Josie, that's a pretty name. What's she like?"

"Well, she was Diara's best friend before the night she took off. They were very close. She's an engineer, and is dedicated to her work."

"How long have you been together?"

"We've been friends for years, but only together a year."

I heard the shower turn off, so I quickly stepped away.

I went back and sat on the bed.

"Are you sure you want to spend your day sleeping? We could take Greer out, maybe to the amusement park. She's worried about you, Maggie. It'll do her some good."

She walked out in a towel once again, and my hands started shaking again.

She paused and thought about it, then smiled. "Only if you buy me cotton candy."