13. Aspen
13
ASPEN
I saw tonight going differently. Specifically, I saw myself falling asleep on the couch alone, with the television softly playing every version of big city character falls in love with a small-town love interest .
Instead, I’m leaning into Phoenix’s touch, the warmth of his hand seeping into my back as I try and unlock the front door. It takes two attempts, and like the gentleman he apparently is now, Phoenix keeps his comments to himself as we step inside the foyer.
It’s quiet and my heart starts racing as I realize I’ve never actually been alone with him…not really.
“We don’t have to do anything,” I hear him say as I kick off my boots and place them carefully on the mat.
“I was just thinking this is the first time we’ve really been alone together. It’s weird,” I say with a shrug. “I really liked you, and after what happened at Mug Life that night, I just figured we’d exist in the same space rather than interact.”
“We’ve already established I was a douche canoe.” His tone is light but I can tell he’s bothered by it too. “And you said liked. ”
“What?”
Phoenix takes a step forward, lifting me up, the tattoo on his forearm flexing as he sets me on the counter and steps between my legs.
“You said liked as in past tense.”
“And?” I reply, intentionally acting oblivious as his fingers dig into my hips. “You’re awfully handsy.”
“Just tryin’ to keep your attention.”
“I’d say you have it.”
“Then answer the question.”
“You didn’t ask me one.”
Tugging me to the edge of the counter, Phoenix rocks his hips against my core, my legs wrapping around his waist automatically.
“Is it only past tense?”
“Do you really think an elf story and a roll in the sand is enough to impress me?”
“I hope not,” he quips before picking me up and spinning us toward the living room. I squeal, wrapping my arms around his neck and laughing.
“Wait! The popcorn!”
“I’ll come back for it,” he promises as he carries me, making it seem effortless, and dammit if that doesn’t have me wishing I could break my own first-date rule.
Phoenix dumps me unceremoniously onto the couch before heading back to the kitchen and retrieving drinks and the forgotten bowl. He hands them to me, and I can’t stop grinning as he tucks a pillow behind his head and situates himself on the far side of the couch, remote in hand. Holding his arm up, he winks as I crawl up his body and nestle myself against him before flipping through the movies until I find one I like.
He doesn’t complain about the cheesy opening or the subpar acting, just feeds me a piece of popcorn before grabbing some for himself. It shouldn’t be sexy but I’ve never seen him so relaxed—or maybe he’s just never been this relaxed around me.
But now, I’m watching him more than I’m watching the movie, so when he goes to feed me again, I suck his finger into my mouth. His whole body stills as I swirl my tongue and gently move the popcorn bowl to the coffee table.
“Did you decide if you’re a make-out-on-the-couch girl?” he asks, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat as I release his finger with a pop and crawl up his body.
“I think I’m definitely that kind of girl,” I say as seductively as I can being sandwiched between him and the back of the couch.
“Yeah?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Show me.”
ASPEN: I know you’re on vacation but I made out with Phoenix
CORA: YOU DID WHAT?
ASPEN: That was really quick for someone who is supposed to be naked on the beach having sex with their fiancé
CORA: You caught me between sexcapades
ASPEN: Sexcapades?
CORA: Do NOT change the subject
ASPEN: I got distracted by your word choice
CORA: Okay well now that we’ve enhanced your vocabulary, I need details so spill!
ASPEN: It was an accident
CORA: Like you tripped and he fell?
ASPEN: Something like that
CORA: (gif of woman face palming)
CORA: Talon is giving me dirty looks because I growled at my phone
ASPEN: We were walking and some kids ran by—one knocked into me and I lost my balance.
CORA: And…
ASPEN: And Phoenix tried to grab me but we both fell but I ended up on top of him and he kissed me then I invited him back to the house to make out
CORA: Before I get excited about this—because I am—was this hate making out or between adults who have finally acknowledged their feelings for each other
ASPEN: I’m offended by your insinuation
CORA: Good. You’re both exhausting.
ASPEN: Like you have room to talk!
CORA: At least I learned from my mistakes
ASPEN: Uh-huh
CORA: Can I be excited now?
ASPEN: Tentatively
CORA: yay!
ASPEN: The exclamation point isn’t very tentative…
CORA: That’s why it was lowercase.
CORA: Balance
CORA: Okay, I have to go—I’m being offered a naked massage, highly recommend (wink face emoji)
Chuckling, I drop my phone on the table and drag my hands over my face, my cheeks heating at the memory of the way Phoenix had kissed me, our bodies pressed together. I’d wanted him to cross that line last night, but a bigger part of me was thankful he hadn’t.
We’d been at an impasse since that night at Mug Life, and while I’d attempted to flirt my way into his good graces, Phoenix wasn’t having it.
And now, neither was I.
Especially after I’d been stranded this past summer in the food truck on the side of the road, and had to call Talon to come tow me back to Lowcountry Automotive. Phoenix had been at the garage when we arrived back, and while I had been flirty, he’d doubled down on being a douche and wouldn’t give me a ride. Talon had won all kinds of points in my book when he’d thrown me the keys to his truck so I could escape with some kind of dignity after the night I’d had.
That had truly marked the end with Phoenix, and I’d backed off completely.
Until recently, and especially last night, I didn’t think Phoenix would have even noticed if I’d left Magnolia Point for good. But suddenly he was buying me hot chocolate and walking around town telling me about elves and exes and why he thought he had to stay away.
Cora is excited, but is this something that could last?
Do I want it to?
Knowing the answer and saying it out loud are two different things entirely, so instead of giving it any more thought, I grab the presents and wrapping paper I stuffed in my closet and get to work.