Outside, the landscaper installed lights to shine on the house when it grew dark. The stonework along the base of the columns shimmered in the glow.
“Wow. Owen, this is beautiful.”
“Thanks. I hope you like it.”
I exited the car and jogged around the car to get her door. I still couldn’t believe she wore the dress that nearly brought me to my knees when she first wore it.
“Baby, I’m not sure I’ll be able to give you a tour tonight. I’ve missed you for too long.”
“That’s okay,” she added as we stepped over the threshold. “The only thing I expect tonight is to be with you.”
I brushed my lips across hers as I slammed the front door closed behind me. “That can definitely be arranged.”
My hands worked quickly at peeling her dress off, though finding the zipper was a challenge. Just as it fell into a pool of material at her feet, her stomach rumbled.
“Did you eat? Are you hungry? Let me feed you.”
I started to pull away, but Aspen reached out and gripped my wrist like a vice. “Don’t you dare move, Owen Ramsey. I did not fly across the country to surprise you and have you feed me rather than make love to your girlfriend.”
“Well, now. What is it you’d like me to do?”
“Carry me up to your bedroom, and make sure I can’t walk for the rest of the week.”
“Jesus,” I murmured as I lifted her into my arms and carried her down the hall to the master suite.
“See? Good-luck charm,” I said, showing her the tattoo when she peeled my shirt over my head after I set her on my bed. And then she launched herself at me, and I made her come four different times before the clock struck midnight.
In the early-morning California sun, I sat at the small kitchen table, watching as Aspen cooked up some eggs and bacon, wearing nothing more than my baseball jersey. I’d already taken a dozen pictures I was sure would have her swapping my shampoo for glue if she ever found out, but she was the sexiest thing I’d ever seen.
“What’s your family up to today?” I was still amazed almost her entire family traveled to LA for the week and that my mother had plotted with my coach to get Aspen to the game.
“I think they’re going to do some touristy things. See the Hollywood sign. Do a celebrity bus tour. Things like that. Nate is playing tour guide.”
I knew her brother-in-law lived in California before moving to Ashfield, but he didn’t come across as the tour-guide type. When I mentioned it, Aspen agreed and said Alex had a backup on speed dial in the form of one of her dancer friends from school.
“And what are you doing today?” I asked as she spun around with two plates of food. She sashayed toward me, and instead of taking the seat across from me, she planted herself right on my lap, exactly where I wanted her.
“I plan on watching my boyfriend play baseball.”
“Good answer,” I mumbled around a delicious piece of bacon. “I could get used to this.”
Watching her move around my kitchen was something I’d only fantasized about.
“I know it’s probably a touchy subject, but who is watching the farm?”
“Well, funny you should ask that.” Aspen set her fork down on her plate with a clink and spun around until her legs were on either side of my hips as she faced me. “Andrew is watching the farm while I’m gone.”
“Well, that’s nice of him.”
“He’s actually moving back to Ashfield to help more. And we’ve hired two more managers for Sunny Brook Farms.”
“Okay.” Her tone was suspicious. Almost like there was a “but” coming, yet not exactly.
“And I made a decision. If you’re up for it.”
I tried not to get my hopes up, but my heart was beating so erratically in my chest that it sounded like a marching band was playing outside my door. “What’s that, cricket?”
“I was hoping that maybe I could move here… with you.”
I swallowed, trying to keep my voice calm, even though my insides were jumping around like a cheerleader. “Really? Is that what you want?”
Her fingers twirled the lower part of my hair around my neckline as I slid my hands up and down her bare thighs.
“I want to be with you. And during our time together, you taught me to have more confidence and courage. I’m taking the leap.”
“I didn’t do that, cricket. You did it. I just gave you a little extra strength. Remember?”
It was the same thing I’d said to her when I helped her during the camp. Aspen always had the strength; she just needed that extra push from someone who believed in her.
“That doesn’t answer my question, Owen. I don’t want to overstep or anything.”
“Baby, I’d move your stuff in today. I’ll pay for a moving company to bring it all by the weekend.”
She laughed so lightheartedly, with her head tilted backward, that I couldn’t help but press a kiss against her exposed neck.
This woman was giving me everything I ever wanted. A friend. A companion. Love.
“So, we’re doing this?” she asked as she took a few calming breaths.
