“I’ll talk to him. We’re going to get to the bottom of this.”

“There is nothing to get to the bottom of.” It’s a lie, and we both know it. After another round of hugs and the promise to see them tomorrow, I head back to my place above the bakery. The entire drive home, I’m thinking about what they said. Is there a chance that Conrad really does want more?

Once in my apartment, I kick off my shoes and plop down on the couch. I am exhausted. I haven’t been sleeping well. In fact, that last full night’s sleep I got was that night I spent in his arms.

My phone rings, and it’s Conrad. Taking a deep breath, I place the phone next to my ear. “Hello.”

“It’s good to hear your voice,” Conrad greets me.

“Hey.” I don’t know what to say to that. His words have my heart tripping over in my chest.

“What are you doing?”

“I actually just got home. I went to see Aurora and Grant.”

“How are the newlyweds?”

“Definitely in the honeymoon phase.” I laugh softly.

“I love that sound.”

“What sound?”

“Your laugh.”

What do I say to that? I ignore him instead of trying to find a reply. “What are you getting into tonight?”

“Holding down the couch.”

“Really?” I’m surprised he’s not at a club.

“Yep. My girl has a job where she gets up really early, and she’s been blowing me off a lot lately. So, it’s just me tonight.”

“You’re dating?” My heart feels as though it’s stuck in my throat.

“Depends.”

“O-On what?” I croak. I don’t want to know, but I need to hear him say it. To confirm that I was right.

“Are you ready to say yes?”

“Wh-What?” I’m a stuttering fool when it comes to this conversation.

“You’re the only one I want, Aspen.” His voice is low and deep.

“Conrad.” I sigh.

“I know I need to prove it to you, and I’m going to. I told myself that I would give you more time before I told you about my plan, but I can’t wait anymore. I’m going to prove to you that I want you. That you’re the only one I want.”

“Say you do. Then what?”

“Come on, baby, you know how the story ends. Then we live happily ever after.”

I clamp my hand over my mouth to stop the sob. I want that. I want him and all he’s offering, but it’s only been a week. He’s still caught up in our time at the cabin. He needs more time to make sure this is what he wants. Without a doubt, he is who I want. I know that. We have led two very different lives up to this point. He’s been wild and carefree. That’s a big deal to give that up.

“Will you come to Sunday dinner with me tomorrow?” he asks.

“Your mom called me earlier and invited me.”

“Did you tell her you’d be there?”

“I did.”

“Can I pick you up?”

“I’ll be there.”

“I’ll take it. You sound exhausted. Get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Night, Con,” I whisper.

“Night, beautiful.”

The line goes dead, and I’m both giddy and fearful at the same time. Every interaction with him, I fall a little harder. That only confirms what I already knew. I would never survive losing him if he was mine.

Chapter 20

Conrad

When I was in high school, there was this girl, Lucy Anderson, new to our high school, and all the guys wanted her. Even me. She agreed to sit with me at the basketball game, and the night before, I didn’t sleep well. It took forever to fall asleep, and I woke up hours before I needed to. I was excited that she picked me.

That was my past.

My present looks similar. Only this time, it’s more than just excitement to have the new, prettiest girl in my grade choose me. This is deeper. This is Aspen agreeing to come to Sunday dinner. This is Aspen not telling me we can’t be together when I told her I would prove to her that I know without a doubt she’s it for me.

Aspen is different.

She’s my future.

The clock reads 6:00 a.m. on the dot. I don’t have to be at my parents' until five this afternoon. That’s when we eat. I have all damn day to occupy my time, and all I want to do is lie here and think about her. No, what I want to do is go to her place and hold her. I just need to touch her soft skin. Fuck, but do I miss the feel of her skin pressed to mine.

I debate on calling Marshall, asking him to go to the gym with me, but I know he went out last night. He’s not going to be interested in the gym. Not today. Instead, I grab my phone and scroll through social media. An advertisement for a local realtor pops up, and it’s for a house I recognize. It’s not far from Grant’s. Clicking on the ad, I look through the pictures. This place has been completely renovated, and it’s nice. Really nice.

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