10. Boone
10
BOONE
I wake up that morning with Rosalie in my arms, her pink hair splayed out on the pillow as she sleeps. My heart aches as I watch her, listening to her slow breathing, watching the rise and fall of her naked chest.
Fuck, I must be the luckiest son-of-a-bitch in the whole damn world.
Memories of last night flit through my mind, and I let out a contented sigh, running a hand over Rosalie’s bare shoulder. I could lie here all day just watching her sleep, but I figure I should get up and cook her some breakfast.
Quietly, I slip out of bed and pull on a fresh pair of boxers, struggling to tear my gaze away from my sleeping beauty. I can’t help myself. I lean down and kiss her soft lips, my touch gentle so I won’t wake her up. Then, with several more glances, I finally leave the bedroom and head for the kitchen.
I raid the cupboards, looking for something to cook for Rosalie. My girl has a sweet tooth, so I settle on pancakes, but before I can grab the ingredients I need, my phone starts to buzz. It’s still on the coffee table where I left it last night, and I grab it, scowling.
I hate these damn things.
When I see the name on the screen, I soften slightly. It’s my younger sister. Like most of my family, she lives in Idaho, but unlike the rest of them, I actually like talking to Abigail. She’s the only family member I keep in touch with regularly, besides Grandpa, and I quickly accept the call.
“Hey, Abi.”
I can hear kids yelling in the background as Abi says, “Boone! Hi. I have some questions for you.”
“Sounds ominous.”
She laughs. “You’re such a pessimist. Maybe they’re nice questions.”
“Are they?” I ask, leaving the kitchen and heading to an empty bedroom at the end of the hall, where my voice won’t disturb Rosalie.
“Yeah!” my sister says. “Basically, Grandpa called. He told me you’re seeing somebody, and I was so dang shocked that I had to call to confirm. I have so many questions, Boone, and you’re not ending this call until you answer every last one.”
“Jeez, Abi…”
“First off, how did you meet her?”
I consider maintaining the charade and telling Abigail the same lies I told Grandpa. But I know I can be honest with my sister. She’ll get it.
“It’s not a real relationship,” I tell her.
“But Grandpa said it was serious?”
“Yeah, that’s what he’s meant to think. But it’s not real. She’s just some girl I met on the street…” I run a hand over my beard, my jaw tight. “At least, that’s how it started. We made a deal. If she pretended to be my girlfriend, I’d be able to claim my inheritance and give her enough money to keep her candy store open.”
“Her candy store?” Abi sounds baffled. “Okay, hold up, start from the beginning. Tell me everything.”
I do as she asks. I tell her about my meeting with Rosalie, her mission to save Peak Sweets, the deal we struck in the coffee shop. She listens without a word as I explain how we fooled Grandpa, pretending to move in together, acting like a couple in front of him.
“None of it was supposed to be real, but fuck…it feels real, Abi.”
My sister lets out a whoosh of breath. “Well, damn. That’s quite a story. So you’re telling me you’re fake dating this girl called Rosalie just to claim the inheritance, but now you’ve fallen for her for real?”
“Yes.” The answer falls decisively from my lips. “I’m fucking crazy about her.”
“Well, it serves you right, you lying asshole!” Abi laughs.
“I know. Fuck, this wasn’t supposed to happen. I don’t even believe in love, so why the hell do I feel so…” I taper off, unable to find the words.
“So in love?” Abi suggests.
My heart flips, the word echoing around my mind.
Love.
Abi’s right. I love Rosalie. Hell, I think I had feelings for her the moment we met. It might not have been while opening a jar of jawbreakers, but the love at first sight part was always true.
“Yes.” I swallow hard. “I’m in love with her, Abi. Fuck, it doesn’t make sense. How can I be in love if I don’t think love is real?”
“Sounds like you need to update your dumb old beliefs, Boone. Love is real, and it’s about time you realized that.” I can hear the smile in Abi’s voice as she continues, “And if Rosalie feels the same way, then you don’t need to pretend anymore. You get your inheritance, she gets her candy store, and you both get each other. It’s a triple win!”
“I don’t know if she feels the same. I haven’t asked her.”
Fuck, I hope she does.
She’s an angel and I’m a grumpy old lumberjack.
She’s sweet as hell and I’m a miserable cynic.
But goddammit, if she loves me back, I’ll be the happiest man on earth.
“Well then, what are you still doing on the phone with me?” Abi asks. “Go tell her how you feel, you big dumb idiot!”
I nod even though she can’t see me, adrenaline buzzing through my veins. “On it. Bye, Abi.”
I end the call and hurry down the hall, heading straight for the bedroom. But the bed is empty. I check the bathroom, the living room, the kitchen—but the woman I love is nowhere to be found.
“Rosalie?” I call, scanning every room until I end up back in the bedroom where I started. My heart lurches unpleasantly as I peer out of the window. Her car is gone.
Did she leave to open the candy store?
But if so, why didn’t she say goodbye?
I grab a flannel shirt and jeans from the closet, pulling them on before heading back into the living room. Something on the coffee table catches my eye—something that wasn’t there when I grabbed my phone earlier. It glints, catching the light, glowing like a miniature sun.
Grandma’s diamond ring.
It’s sitting on top of a note, and I pick it up, my hands shaking.
Boone
I can’t do this anymore.
I’m sorry.
Rosalie
I read the note over and over, the nine words imprinting themselves on my brain until my head hurts. I grab the ring, the cold weight of it turning my stomach, and I bury it deep in my pocket, breathing hard.
I don’t know why Rosalie left this note.
I don’t know what changed
But I know one thing—there’s no way I’m letting her go that easy.
The thought strengthens me, and I grab my keys, racing out to my truck. I start the engine, gripping the wheel like a vise as I barrel toward Peak Sweets.
Toward Rosalie.
I need to see her. I need to understand why she left that note, and I’ll tear this whole town apart until I find her. She’s the only woman I’ve ever loved, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine—for real this time.
For real and forever.