Chapter 2
two
Aspen
I’m not sure how much longer I can keep being only Wilder’s friend. I know it’s not one-sided, and I’m the only one who feels the attraction. But I can’t figure out why Wilder isn’t making his move. I’ve given him so many hints that he’s either not interested in me or I’m being too subtle.
The short skirt I’m wearing swishes from side to side as I step up to the designated throwing spot.
I lift the axe over my head and feel the skirt ride higher on my thighs.
I glance over my shoulder and find Wilder staring at my backside and the exposed skin of my legs.
I’m a curvy girl with wide hips, a big chest, and a small waist. I’ve often wondered if I’m not Wilder’s type, but by the look on his face, I’m definitely his type.
“Close your mouth. You’re attracting flies,” I hear Wayan say to Wilder as I turn back to my target, wiggle my hips, stick out my chest, and toss the axe into the center for a bullseye.
I bite back a giggle as I walk to our table and find Wilder’s eyes eating me up with his desire.
Mission accomplished.
“My turn.” Fern slides off the barstool, giving Wayan a quick peck on the lips before selecting her axe and taking her position in front of the target.
Just like me, she’s a curvy girl wearing a short skirt, but hers is tight, hugging her ass for everyone to see as she lifts her arms above her head, pushing her breasts up and out, and then throws the axe.
Unlike me, she doesn’t hit a bull’s-eye.
With a fake pout, she walks back to Wayan, who looks ready to throw her over his shoulder and go for round two in Dean’s office.
Just then, Dean walks by, taking in the scene before him. “Nope, my office is off-limits for the rest of the night. I need to get some work done. Besides, you were already in there once tonight.” He walks off, mumbling about getting a lock for his office to keep out all the horny mountain men.
Axe throwing is definitely going to be a big hit for my date night customers.
“Fine.” Now it’s Wayan’s turn to pout. “I guess I’ll just have to take you home and have my way with you.” With that, Wayan stands, grabs Fern, and swings her onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
“Put me down,” she laughs, tugging at her skirt. “Or everyone will see my bare ass.”
“Good.” He playfully slaps her on the butt. “Then everyone will know how lucky I am to have you in my bed.” Wayan muscles his way through the crowd, Fern still laughing and slung over his shoulder.
Envy hits me hard when I watch how cute they are together. It’s time to make my move. I need to find out whether Wilder has feelings for me or if it’s time for me to move on, because I want what Fern and Wayan have. Right now, how things stand, I only have half of that with Wilder.
“I suppose we should call it a night, too.” Wilder tucks a lock of hair behind my ear, making me want to scream. Are these truly just innocent touches from a friend? Or is it that he can’t help but touch me?
“Right,” I say, my heart still racing from his touch. “We have dates two and six tomorrow—a chocolate tasting at The Sweet Spot candy shop, then pottery class at Kiln Time.”
Tomorrow is Saturday, so we decided to cross off two dates from our list in one day. If my plan works out the way I want it to, we’ll spend all day in bed together on Sunday, not worrying about a date-night list.
“So, a day spent getting dirty with clay and filling up on sweets.” Wilder lifts my coat from the back of my chair, and like the gentleman he is, he helps me put it on. “I couldn’t ask for a better day.”
I want to tell him I could think of the perfect way to end the day, but instead I set my plan in motion.
“Don’t forget to bring an extra set of clothes to my house tomorrow.
As you said, it can get really dirty playing with clay.
You’ll probably want to take a shower before we go to the candy shop.
” My voice is light and casual, unlike the turmoil raging inside me.
It won’t be the first time Wilder has taken a shower at my place, what with his cabin being so far up in the mountains. He’s also spent a few nights in my guest bedroom, so nothing about this should tip him off and ruin my plan.
“Sounds like a plan.” He slips on his jacket, takes my hand, and leads me into the chilly night, with no clue what the plan really is.