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“Conrad, what are you doing here?” I pull at the robe to make sure I’m covered. Not that it matters, he’s seen all of me.
My question seems to pull him out of his stupor, and he raises his eyes to mine and holds up a bag of Chinese. “I brought you dinner.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know, but you were tired, and you had to get up early, and I wanted to see you.” His hand holding the bag drops to his side as he waits for me to invite him in.
I shouldn’t. It’s only going to prolong this… whatever this is, and then my heart will be the collateral damage at the end of it all. “Come on in,” I say, ignoring my own mental pep talk. The grin he gives me is one of victory, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes. “I need to put some clothes on.”
“Not on my account.” He winks.
“I’ll be right back.” After scurrying down the hall to my room, I slam the door, and for the first time, I engage the lock. I’ve never needed to before, but my resistance when it comes to him is weak, and I think the barrier will help.
Luckily for me, he’s a gentleman, and by the time I’m dressed and have my hair brushed, hanging wet down my back, I find him in the small kitchen, at the tiny dining table with our dinner laid out for us.
“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I just bought a variety.” He motions toward the small table that is covered with Chinese takeout containers.
“Thank you. You really didn’t have to do this. You don’t need to feel guilty or obligated or whatever,” I ramble. I can feel my face heat from embarrassment, but I felt like the words needed to be said.
“Aspen.” The way he says my name affects me more than it should. “Babe?”
No longer able to resist, I look up at him. “Conrad.”
He grins. “I want to be here. I don’t feel obligated in any way to spend time with you. I wanted to bring you dinner, and I wanted to see you.”
I nod. I don’t have words. I’m glad he’s here, as I’ve missed him, which is crazy. However, there is still the fact that he’s Conrad Riggins. I’ve known him now for more than a year, and I’ve never seen him serious about dating. In fact, I’ve heard him give his brothers a hard time, so much so, I am convinced this isn’t what he wants. He’s still caught up in the adventure of being snowed in together for a few days. That’s all this is. We’ve been home what? Twenty-four hours? He’s still back in that cabin.
“Conrad—” I start, but when he places his hand over mine, I freeze.
“Eat, Aspen. You’ve had a long day, and you’re exhausted. Eat your dinner, let me enjoy your company, and I’ll get out of your hair so you can get some rest.” The look in his eyes is soft, and his tone gentle.
I’m starving, and it’s nice to not have to worry about dinner after the long day I’ve had. “Thank you,” I concede.
He nods, takes a bite, and I do the same. “So, how was your day?” he asks.
Holding up my index finger, asking him to give me a minute, I finish chewing. “Busy. But I missed it. Don’t get me wrong, it was nice to get some time away, but I really do love the bakery.”
“It was Aurora’s dream, though, right?” he asks before taking another bite.
“Yeah, she’s always wanted to own her own bakery. I was working at a dead-end job that I hated, and when she said she was moving to Nashville, I jumped at the chance to come with her.”
“She’s lucky to have you.”
“I’m lucky to have her. Her dream saved me too. Now I’m doing something I love and could never imagine doing anything else.” I take a bite of my food, and it’s delicious. It’s definitely hitting the spot. I watch him as he does the same while his eyes dart around the tiny apartment.
“What about living above the bakery? How’s that?”
“Fine.” I shrug. “The commute to and from work is nice.” I laugh.
“That helps with the crazy early hours you keep. Are you scared about living here alone?”
“No. The neighborhood is safe, and we have a security system.”
“Well, I don’t live far from here, so if you ever need me….” He lets the offer hang between us.
“Thank you, but I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’ve been staying here for months on my own.”
He nods. “I know, but I— Just know that you can call me for anything.” There’s something in his gaze that I can’t name.
“Got it. Call Conrad when the trash needs taking out,” I tease.
