Chapter 4
CHAPTER FOUR
Jolene
That night, Aster and I feasted on scrumptious meatloaf and mashed potatoes. “Wow, I never knew you were such a good cook.”
“I don’t know if I should take that as a compliment or not.” His hazel eyes twinkled.
“It’s a great compliment. I know you didn’t learn it from Cash or Caden.”
I nearly choked on my beer. “Damn straight. One of the foster homes I went to for a little while had an older woman, the grandmother of the house so to speak, and she showed me a lot of things in the kitchen. I liked her attention, so I ate it up.”
“Aw, Aster. That’s so sweet. I’m glad she got to be a part of your life.”
“Her buttermilk biscuits melt in your mouth. The secret? Using lard as your fat.”
“Lard?” I made a face.
“It’s just pork fat. Believe me, the flavor is irreplaceable.”
“You’ll have to show me sometime.”
“Sure will.”
“Oh! Before I forget, Cash and Leighton are having a get-together this weekend. They wanted me to spread the word.”
“Really? What’s the occasion?”
“Leighton’s birthday.”
“Nice. Never did I expect to see Cash settle down.”
“Me neither. Nor Caden. What’s going on around here?” I laughed.
“Glad I found my person already,” Aster said beneath his breath, but I heard every syllable. My heart leaped into my throat, and I felt as if I couldn’t breathe.
“What?” I choked out.
“I asked if you wanted to stay for dessert, maybe watch a movie?”
He could pretend all he wanted, but I knew what I heard. And while I should politely decline and head home to my cat, the word yes fell from my lips anyway.
“Great. I need to do my night chores on the farm, but then I’m all yours.” Aster winked and stood from the table. He began clearing the dishes and carrying them over to the sink.
“I’ll take care of those. You go do your chores.”
“I can’t have you cleaning up around here.”
“That’s silly. You cooked for me. The least I could do is clean up.”
“Okay, okay, you’ve convinced me. I’ll be back in a bit.” Aster disappeared into the mudroom and out the back door, all three dogs trailing him.
I finished cleaning off the table and loaded the dishwasher. It was like we were playing house, and while most of me loved it, a big part of me was confused.
Caden wouldn’t change his mind, and I doubted Aster would do anything to sacrifice his friendship. Where did we even go from here?
Maybe I should just admit my feelings and go for it. We could figure the Caden stuff out later.
But then I remembered how Aster said we were only friends.
Shit! Why was everything so damn complicated?
I did what I always did when I was stressed. I grabbed my camera and headed outside. I flicked on the night vision and began snapping pictures of Aster hard at work.
He invested so much of himself into his work.
It showed in how dedicated he was, how much love and attention he poured into his animals, and how he never made excuses, getting his shit done instead.
I captured it all, grabbing amazing shot after amazing shot, and the best part? Aster didn’t have a clue.
At least not until he spotted me peeking into the chicken coop.
“Boo!”
I lowered my camera and grinned, his face inches from the mesh lining of the coop. “You caught me.”
“What are you doing?” he asked as he backed away and finished cleaning the coop.
“Getting some shots of you without you knowing.”
“Oh, I knew.”
I laughed. “No, you didn’t. Nice try.”
His eyes narrowed, but not in an angry way, more passionate and intense than anything else. The undercurrent between us rose higher to the surface. “Believe me, sweetie, I always know when you’re around me.”
His words stole my breath, and I backed away slowly, needing some air. “I’ll…I’ll be inside.”
“I won’t be long,” Aster called after me.
I slipped through the back door, closed it behind me, and leaned against it, trying to catch my breath.
The closer we got, the more inevitable it became. The line of resistance between us was all but gone at this point. Maybe I should give in, consequences be damned.
Yet the moment was gone, and the night continued like it had never happened. Yet when I left a few hours later, my heart was torn.
Maybe it was time to just forget about this thing with Aster. My brother would never go for it, and every time Aster gave me an opening, I pulled away, afraid. Afraid that once I kissed him, I’d never stop. Or that once my brother knew, he’d stop speaking to us.
All I was doing was hurting us by hanging on. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t let go.
I didn’t hang out with Aster the next day or the following one, telling him I was busy with work, which wasn’t entirely untrue. I could’ve found the time, but I figured the couple of days apart might do us good.
When Saturday rolled around, nervous energy followed me all day. I scrubbed the hell out of my place, hoping to work some of it off, but it was no use.
Seeing Aster tonight at Leighton’s birthday get-together was all I could think about.
I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect as I pulled up to their orchard. Aster’s truck wasn’t there yet, and I hurried inside, wanting to down some liquid courage before he showed up.
“Auntie Jo Jo!” Sammy ran into my legs as soon as I walked through the door.
I scooped him into my arms and hoisted him on my hip. “Hi, Sammy. How’s my little buddy doing?” I tickled his belly and pointed at his pajama top. “Is that Elmo?”
“Yes, me love Elmo.” Sammy grabbed my cheeks with his pudgy hands and kissed my lips. I couldn’t help but laugh at his sweet adorableness.
“Sammy, are you loving on your favorite auntie?” Cash came up behind us and held out his arms for Sammy.
“Yes! Me love Auntie Jo Jo!” Sammy clapped before jumping into his dad’s arms. “Me love Unciee A!” He pointed behind me, and I moved out of the way as Aster walked through the door, his tall frame filling the doorway.
So much for my drink before seeing him.
“I’m going to go say hi to the girls,” I said and scampered away to the kitchen without one look at Aster. I couldn’t. Not yet.
After saying hi to Leighton and Veda and grabbing myself a drink, I made my way to the backyard to find a comfy seat.
“Hey, stranger.” Aster’s voice washed over me. “Is this seat next to you taken?”
I looked up at him and melted, his handsome face calming my worries. He looked like a snack in his button-down shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his inked arms, along with tight dark jeans and boots. “It’s all yours.”
Like I’d ever deny him a seat next to me.
“I’ve missed you, Jo.”
“Aster…I…”
“I can’t ignore this anymore. I know you feel the same way I do. Who cares what Caden thinks? We’re so much more than friends.” He leaned in, his lips so close to mine, when Caden’s voice drifted over us, his distinct tone calling my name.
“Jo? Is that you over there? With Aster?”
Aster stood quickly and grabbed my hand, leading me deeper into the yard, away from the party.
We stumbled into the darkness of the outdoor shed together, both of us giggling and out of breath at having almost been spotted.
I was tired of my brother’s endless questions. He was relentless.
Why are you and Aster hanging out so much?
Is something going on?
Were you with Aster last night?
I noticed you two sneaking off together. What’s going on?
I reached out in front of me, trying to get my bearings, when suddenly I tripped on a bucket and lurched forward. I closed my eyes and braced for the fall I knew was coming.
But instead, strong arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me back upright and into his chest. I quickly spun around and fumbled for his arms as I tried to regain my balance.
His hot skin sizzled under my fingertips, and I pictured his sexy, inked arms since I couldn’t see them, my brain short-circuiting at the realization I was actually touching his bare skin.
Something I’d craved for so long…
And then his hands were in my hair, and he was kissing me.
This was a dream.
It must be a dream.
There was no way the man I’d always wanted was finally kissing me.