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“And you never had any interest in attending university?” I asked Aspen, generally curious since the topic had never come up.
Brecken laughed, and Aspen flashed her chiding look, but it was purely playful.
“That's one thing that’s entirely different about the two of us,” Brecken said. “Aspen hates school. What was it, junior year?” she asked. “You were absent like a hundred and eighty days or something?”
Aspen chuckled. “A hundred and eighty-two, if we're trying to be precise. I still managed to pass all of my classes, which kind of sealed the deal for me on how pointless it was.”
“In your opinion,” Brecken said. “Some people love school. Some people see the value in education.”
“I see the value in education,” Aspen countered. “There’s no denying how important it is. But some of the classes that you're required to take are completely pointless when it comes to the real world. Now, had junior year in high school offered classes on budgeting, taxes, and basically being able to survive on your own as an adult, then I absolutely would have showed up. I'm not missing anything because I skipped out on a few gym classes.” She reached across the table and squeezed Brecken’s hand. “And of course I appreciate that there are universities with incredible professors who are dedicated to giving you the specific skills you need for your dream career as a family lawyer. I appreciate education, I'm just saying it's not for everybody.”
I studied the way the two spoke to each other, instantly being warmed by their connection and their love for each other. They accepted each other for who they were even though they were starkly different. And, as usual, I was happy to discover this new little detail about Aspen’s preferences, always gobbling up the information about what made herherlike a starved man.
“And how do you feel about my sister not going to college?” Brecken asked, bringing the attention back to me. “How do you feel about her working double shifts at a coffee shop?”
“Ohmigod,” Aspen muttered under her breath, cutting into her roast chicken a little harder than necessary.
“I'm of the mind that as long as you find joy in your work, then you're doing life right.”
“So it doesn't bother you that she's a barista and not some trust fund heiress or wealthy oil tycoon?”
Now that made me laugh, but I reeled it in because Aspen looked like she was literally trying to disappear behind her food.
“Aspen could be unemployed and I'd still adore her. You don't need me to list all the reasons why she's amazing, and while I am a huge fan of her flat whites, I'm not dating her for her job. I'm dating her because I feel better when I'm around her,” I said, the truth flying past my lips before I could even think to stop myself. “She makes me feel like the best version of myself, not to mention she's incredibly funny and I enjoy laughing almost as much as anything else in this world.”
I took a bite of my steak, needing to put something in my mouth that would stop me from waxing poetic. Especially sincewhen the fuckdo I do that? I wasn't a dishonest person, so it's not like I was going to make up some lie about the reason why I liked being around Aspen, but saying all that… fuck, I just hoped it didn't make Aspen uncomfortable.
I spared her a glance after another bite, and found her eyes on me, curious and questioning and maybe a little hopeful? I smiled at her, then continued to eat my dinner, answering more questions from Brecken as the night went on.
“Okay, then,” Brecken finally said after we'd finished dessert, and I hadn't shied away from even the boldest of questions—which included my questionable dating history.
Aspen had excused herself to go to the restroom, leaving Brecken and myself completely alone at the table in the restaurant, the hushed chatter flowing all around us from the crowded space.
“I’ve decided that I'm going to like you,” Brecken said, folding her arms over her chest. “But know that my opinion can change on a dime. Aspen is the kind of person who would literally give the shirt off her back to someone in need, and she has a habit of allowing people to take advantage of her good nature. I know that she’s outspoken and confident, but she’sstill vulnerable. We’ve both had a lot of growing to do, but she suffered through my parents ten years longer than I did, and so she has more trauma to heal from than I ever did.” Brecken sighed. “And yet, she’s still the one who feels responsible for me.” She leaned forward a little, her eyes unflinching as they met mine.
“If you’re only here for another one of your notorious flings that I’ve read so much about, you better make damn sure my sister knows that up front. I’ve never seen her act the way she has with you before, so if you’re not in this, be honest. I’d hate to have to bury a billionaire, especially one who donates to charities I like.”
Holy shit, I was actually a little intimidated by this nineteen-year-old blonde who couldn’t be over five foot four.
She held her ground and spoke her opinions better than some of the best business people I’d ever gone toe to toe with, and I had to give her credit for that.
“So, what you’re saying is, you like me?” I gave her my most charming smile and relished the pride that sliced through me when she laughed. A real laugh, one that I had earned all by myself.
There was a sense of accomplishment, coupled with just a hint of dread.
“I’ve never been anything but up front with your sister,” I said, making sure she knew that. It was the truth, even more than she understood. We had a contract for fuck’s sake, one that outlined everything to do with our relationship.
Everything except for every intimate moment we've had since. But we discussed that beforehand too. I wasn't taking any steps was Aspen that weren't crystal clear, unless you counted the feelings that I was no doubt catching for the woman, and had yet to tell her about.
But that had everything to do with me knowing that I needed to sort them out before spouting off at the mouth and not really knowing what I was saying. She deserved more than that.
When we discussed the parameters of our future beyond the contract, beyond the bet and the deal and the arrangement, she deserved to hear my side and my proposal whenIknew exactly what I had to offer. And as of right now, I had no clue. Everything was new with Aspen, and I wouldn't burden her with my thoughts until I could understand them myself.
“Also,” I continued. “I meant everything I said. I just like being around her. I like having her in my life. And I'm pretty sure she likes being in mine.”
Brecken nodded, smiling as Aspen returned to the table.
“All good here?” Aspen asked, eyes dancing between the two of us.
