“Why would David have my address?”
“Because you’re of interest to me,” I reply as her eyes narrow. “And that means my security looked into you.”
“Not sure I like that.”
“That I’m interested, or that they looked?”
“Both?”
I smile, and to my surprise, she smiles back.
“Well, it’s just an address. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to bring you these.” I point to the roses.
She glances at the flowers. “And wouldn’t that have been a shame?”
“Indeed.”
She laughs, and the sound washes over me. Aspen has a laugh designed to seduce.
“Well, thanks. Really. I guess I should get in the shower and pull myself together. The girls are coming over later for dinner.”
“Ellie mentioned it,” I reply. “She’s looking forward to it. I’m planning to spend my evening on the water.”
“You like to boat?” she asks, surprise in her voice.
“Very much. You?”
She shakes her head. “No. I’m not a fan. But I hope you have a good time. Thanks again for the flowers.”
I turn to leave but then face her again. “Does this mean I’m really forgiven? Or are you just being polite?”
She smiles. “It’s okay, Callum.”
“It’s not okay.” I shake my head. “And it’s a mistake I regret very much.”
“Thank you,” she says. “You’re forgiven. Truly.”
“Brilliant. Enjoy your evening.”
I walk out the back door so I can take in Aspen’s property before I leave. The red barn is in excellent condition, and there are several other outbuildings. Her yard is large but well-maintained. I can see now that she has, in fact, cleaned out her gardening beds to ready them for winter.
I walk around the house and find David still standing by the car.
“I trust it went well?” he asks.
“Finally, yes. It went well.”Chapter 3~Aspen~I have plenty of time, and I need to get out of the house. Because every time I walk into the kitchen, all I can see is Callum standing there, looking tall and sexy and smiling at me as if he can’t get enough of me.
He brought me flowers. And it may sound silly, but fresh flowers are my weakness. If a man’s willing to keep coming back to apologize, he deserves some grace.
It doesn’t mean any more than that.
I was restless after my shower, and with a couple of hours to spare before the girls arrive, I decided to spend a little time at the farmer’s market in Frontier Park. It’s my favorite part of the week, and the summer is winding down, meaning the farmer’s market won’t be happening for much longer this year.
I have my large tote bag slung over my shoulder so I can carry all of my finds, and my sunglasses are perched on my nose. My hair is up in a bun, out of my face.
When you have naturally curly hair, it constantly gets in the way. I can’t even count how many times I’ve wanted to shave my head over the years, but then I hear Emma’s little voice.
I love your hair, Mama. When will mine be long like yours?
I can’t cut it.
The market is busy, as usual, with a live country band in the center of the park on a stage. Vendor tables and tents circle the perimeter and offer everything from farm-fresh produce to baked goods and artwork. The food trucks at the edge of the park serve any kind of cuisine a person might crave.
I’ll grab a taco on my way out and conveniently forget to tell the girls later.
I’m not the kind of monster who passes up a taco.
I pay for a bunch of fresh mint and tuck it into my bag. When I turn to wander to the next table, I hear him.
“Anything you come up with will be perfect.”
I glance to my left, and sure enough, Callum is standing next to a pretty blonde in a blue hat. David, Callum’s security, stands a few feet back from them, scanning the crowd.
“I just absolutely adore these strawberries,” the woman says, choosing four baskets full of the fruit. “This should be enough. I’ll put them in the pancakes in the morning.”
“I can’t wait,” Callum says and tugs playfully on her hat.
Holy shit.
Of course, he’s with someone. That shouldn’t surprise me. Callum’s a handsome man. A single, handsome prince. He can date anyone he wants.
I’ve repeatedly brushed him off and told him no.
I don’t want him.
I sigh as I look down at a table full of homemade greeting cards for sale.
Then why am I jealous?
It’s absolutely ridiculous. I’m not jealous. I’m surprised, that’s all.
Not wanting to be noticed by Callum and his new girlfriend, I turn to walk in the other direction.
“Aspen?”
Fuck. Didn’t make it.
I paste a smile on my lips and turn around.
“Oh, hi there.”
“What a lovely surprise,” Callum says. “You remember David.”
“Of course.” I nod at the other man. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“Don’t be silly. This lovely woman is Alice, David’s new wife.”