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“Way ahead of you, Kay Cat, but I like the way you think. Why do you think I said to bring your hiking boots? We’re going to World’s End this weekend.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Dakota
She pulled into the parking lot of World’s End.
The only reason she’d taken Barney there was because it was their favorite trail. That’s it. There was no ulterior motive. If Aiden happened to be there, it would be a happy coincidence. But that’s not why she was there.
Nope. Not at all.
It was early in the evening and the lot was full of people getting a walk in after work, so it took her a minute to scrutinize every vehicle. Disappointment washed over her when she didn’t see Aiden’s white Audi.
If he’d been there, that would have definitely been a sign she couldn’t ignore.
But he wasn’t, so that was that.
“Come on, Barney,” she said in a far more chipper voice than she felt. Fortunately, her pit bull was too excited to hit the trails to notice.
As she and her pup hiked through nature, she found herself daydreaming about what dating Aiden might look like. What would Chloe think about him? How would he be with Asher?
His two daughters were in their prime teenage years. They might not like the idea of their dad seeing someone who wasn’t their mom. So, maybe they’d only be together when he didn’t have them. That might make for some lonely holidays and weekends.
“It doesn’t matter. I have my family and career and don’t have time for that anyway.”
Still, Dakota had to admit, they’d had a great time together over the Fourth. Spending another weekend with him wouldn’t be terrible. Far from it. If the Universe wanted them together, it just meant there was unfinished business with getting Aiden ready for the next great love of his life.
I could keep things casual,she reminded herself for what felt like the umpteenth time. Then the devil on her shoulder whispered,maybe.
She shook her head, trying to release the thought from her brain. There was no maybe about it—that’s all it could be.
Maybe the Universe wouldn’t even bring them together again and she was worrying about nothing.
They got back to her Highlander, but instead of jumping in the SUV, she pulled Barney’s water bowl and a bottle of water from her backpack. As she gave him another drink, she surveyed the parking lot again, but still no Audi.
Barney took a quick drink, then looked up at her like he was confused why they weren’t leaving.
“Just didn’t want you to be thirsty, boy,” she said out loud when she reached down to pick up his dish.
I’ve reached a point that I’m lying to my dog now?
Maybe it was to herself.
“We’ll come back again, soon,” she promised as she opened up the passenger door to let him in, then walked to the driver’s side.
With one last look around, she got in and drove away.
****
Aiden
“I think we should get ice cream after this,” Brianna declared as they hiked their favorite trail at World’s End.
“We need to eat lunch first.”
He wanted to be the fun dad, but he was too responsible for that.
“I’m sorry she wasn’t here,” Kailey murmured from behind him.
