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I find my sister's eyes from across the room. “We’re uh… we’re not dating.”
“Well, why not?” she asks.
“Yeah, babe, why not?” I hear Conrad ask from behind me.
“Can we not do this right now?”
He sits on the floor in front of me, resting his back between my legs. His hand rests on my calf, and even through my leggings, the heat of his touch scorches my skin. “Take all the time you need,” he says once he’s settled.
“All the time she needs for what?” Stanley asks.
“I’m trying to convince Aspen to go out with me, Dad,” Conrad tells him. “She needs more time.”
“Make him work for it, sweetheart.” Stanley winks. “These boys need to know what it’s like to put in the work.”
“Hey, I put in work,” Royce objects.
“So did I,” Owen adds.
“I think we can all agree that I worked the hardest,” Grant chimes in.
“And you have wonderful wives because of it. If it’s not worth fighting for, it’s not worth it.”
“She’s worth it,” Conrad says. The conviction in his voice brings tears to my eyes.
“Enough of that,” Lena says. I have a feeling she can sense I’m on the verge of tears. “Sawyer, how have you been feeling?”
Conrad stays seated on the floor next to me, just as his brothers do with their wives the remainder of the night. And when I announce I need to head home, he’s on his feet, helping me into my coat and walking me to the door.
“Shit, I didn’t know it was snowing. I’ll follow you home,” he says as we make our way outside.
“I know how to drive in the snow.”
“I know, but I’d feel better if I drove you.”
“I can handle it.”
“Will you at least call me and let me know you made it home safely?”
“I can do that.”
“Thank you.” He reaches for my door, pulling it open. “Drive safe.”
“Night,” I say, climbing behind the wheel. As I pull out of the driveway, I try not to let the disappointment take over that he didn’t kiss me goodbye. I need to get my head on straight. I have to decide once and for all how I’m going to handle him and this thing between us. If I’m not willing to give him… give us a chance, then I need to keep my distance for a while.
Before I know it, I’m pulling into the back lot of the bakery. Thankfully, it’s well lit, something our father insisted on when we moved here. Still, I pull my keys from the ignition and place my finger on my mace, just to be safe.
Once I’m inside with the door locked, I call Conrad like I promised. “I made it home,” I say as soon as he answers.
“Thank you.”
“Night, Con.”
“Night, baby.”
I head straight to my room to change and climb into bed. I have to be up early tomorrow, and I’m exhausted. Luckily, exhaustion takes over, and I fall fast asleep.
Chapter 22
Conrad
This is the fourth Monday since we’ve been back from the cabin that I’ve started my week by stopping at Warm Delights. I now have Gloria, McKenzie, and Aurora on my side, and Aspen, well, I can see it in her eyes that she’s warming up to the idea of us. I can feel it.
Today is also the third Monday in a row that I’ve delivered flowers on my own. Sure, there’s something to be said for the florist delivering them, but then they’re the ones who get to see her smile and the way her eyes light up. I’m a selfish bastard when it comes to Aspen Steele, and I want it all. So I’ve arranged for early pick up of a different bouquet for the past three weeks, and it’s been more than worth it.
The bell chimes, alerting the staff that they have a customer. McKenzie is behind the counter this morning, and she smiles brightly. “Morning, Conrad.”
“McKenzie.” I nod. “She in the back?”
“Not today. She’s actually upstairs. She’s not feeling well.”
My steps falter. The thought of her not feeling well twists something inside me. “Thanks.” I push through the swinging kitchen door to find my brother and his wife's lips locked. Normally I would come off with a smart-aleck comment, but today, I have bigger issues. “Aspen’s sick?” I ask as they pull apart.
“Yeah. She was up all night with a head cold. She couldn’t sleep because she couldn’t breathe and she was coughing her head off. I had to force her to take the day off.”
“Why didn’t you call me?” I ask.
“Because she’s a grown woman who can take care of herself.”
“But what if she needs something?” She shouldn’t be alone if she’s sick.
“She’s fine, and I’m right downstairs if she needs something.”
“I’m going up,” I tell her. I don’t ask or wait for permission. My feet take the stairs two at a time until I reach their apartment door. Trying the handle, I find it unlocked, so I let myself in. As quiet as I can, I make my way to her bedroom and push open the door. She’s in bed with a mound of pillows propping up her head. Stepping into the room, I set her flowers down on top of her dresser and smile when I see the other two sitting there as well.
