Chapter 12 Brooks
Brooks
“Hey, how’s Aspen?” Harper floats into my office and takes a seat across from me. It’s been two days since Aspen moved into the cabin next to mine, and honestly, I haven’t seen much of her. She’s been at work, but she’s mostly kept to herself.
“She seems alright.” I’ve been trying to give her space. I imagine it’s a little uncomfortable for her that she’s still tied to her ex-boyfriend’s dad. “Why? Have you heard something?”
“No. Just wanted to check on her. She seemed ok yesterday, but I was wondering if you’ve heard any breakup songs blasting from the cabin or anything.”
I chuckle. “Not that I’ve noticed.”
“That’s good. Have you checked on Zach?”
“Actually, he’s texted me every day since Aspen moved out. I don’t think he knows that she’s staying here, though. He’s just asked me if I’ve seen her and if she’s alright. I think he plans on getting her back.”
Harper winces. “Is that a good idea?”
“Probably not, but I’ve interfered enough. I’m not going to stop him from doing what he feels like he needs to do. Honestly, I’m just glad he’s talking to me at this point, even if it is just checking on someone else.”
“It’s so annoying that Lacey turned him against you,” she says. We’ve talked about this so many times. It frustrates the hell out of all of us, but I can’t change the past. The damage is done.
“Well, I was a shitty boyfriend, I guess.”
“You were sixteen! It’s ridiculous that she’s still holding a grudge, twenty years later. She’s moved on. Just because you didn’t want to be with her doesn’t mean you’re a shitty dad.”
I put my hands up in defense. “You don’t need to tell me.”
“I know, sorry. It always just makes me so mad.”
Harper has such a big heart. Sometimes I hate that she spends so much of her time on the ranch and not out making a family of her own.
But she insists she loves it here, so who am I to tell her otherwise?
“I appreciate it. I hope that Zach and I can work things out eventually. I think he’s still got some growing up to do.
Maybe this fiasco will help him realize there are two sides to every story. ”
“Yeah, maybe.” She doesn’t believe that one bit, and I’m not sure I do either, but I’ve got to hold out hope. “I still can’t believe he did that to Aspen. She’s so great. He really fumbled.”
“I know. I agree. I’m glad I was able to convince her to stay with us. She mentioned leaving Blue Haven.”
Harper lets out a big exhale. “Yeah, that would’ve sucked. She’s a great part of the team. Beck said she’s doing great with her riding, too.”
“Oh yeah? That’s good. I’ve been meaning to take her out on the trails. Maybe now will be a good time. It’ll get her mind off things.”
“Yeah, you should do that.” She stands from her chair. “Alright, I’ve gotta go make a schedule. Let me know if you need anything.”
I mock-salute her. “Will do, boss.”
She rolls her eyes before she leaves my office. She’s right, though. I should probably check in on Aspen this afternoon. Maybe I’ll make dinner and offer her some to make sure she’s eating. I start mentally coming up with what I’m going to make and what I need to grab from the store later.
I can’t tell you what I was expecting to see outside of Aspen’s cabin when I got home from the store, but I can tell you what I was not expecting. And that is Aspen sitting out front in a tiny bikini with a can of something in her hand.
She waves in my direction when she sees me. It’d be rude to not go say hello, wouldn’t it?
I walk the short distance to her cabin. When I get closer, I notice that her bikini is even smaller than it looked from my truck.
Her breasts are barely contained in the small triangles.
Is this the universe’s way of testing me?
By throwing a beautiful woman in my face, who I absolutely should not be looking at?
“Hey, how’s it goin’?” I ask her, trying my best to look anywhere other than her body. While I can’t deny my attraction to her, I’m painfully aware of our age difference and our circumstances.
“Good. Just trying to soak up some afternoon sun. The sun is better on this side of the house.”
I nod. “All good. How’s the cabin working out? You need anything?”
She smiles up at me, squinting slightly from the sun. “It’s perfect, Brooks. I can’t thank you enough for letting me stay here.”
“It’s nothing. It’s nice to see it being lived in again,” I tell her, checking out my craftsmanship on the cabin. I’ve looked at it a thousand times, but now seems like a good time since I’m avoiding looking directly in front of me. “So, have you talked to Zach at all?”
“Nope,” she says proudly, popping the P. “He’s texted me a few times, but I’m done with him. I’m sure that’s not what you want to hear, but I refuse to let someone do that to me, no matter how much it hurts.”
“No, I’m glad you’re doing what you need to do for you. Zach made a huge mistake. He needs to understand the consequences.”
Her smile gets even wider. I must’ve said the right thing. “Thanks, Brooks. Jazz has been checking in on me, too. I think her ‘give no fucks’ attitude is rubbing off on me.”
I laugh because I can totally see Jazz being that way. “Well, good. I’m glad you guys have become friends.” I lift up my grocery bag. “I gotta get this in the house. Let me know if you need anything.”
She nods, and I walk away feeling pretty proud of myself that I didn’t let my eyes linger too long on her body. Her very, very nice body. I sigh and shake my head. I’m going to hell for even thinking that.