On this morning, I’m out walking before sunrise because my sleepless nights have returned. As I turn to head inside the house, my phone rings. I smile, it’s Dad FaceTiming me.
I answer. “Hey, Dad, what’s up?”
“Just wanted to check and see how you’re doing.”
“So-so. I’ve been walking a lot. The beach is beautiful. You and Nancy will have to come out as soon as you can. And the house is great.”
“Sounds amazing. So listen, just thought I’d tell you that Aspen came by with the pies and quiche today.
My heartbeat picks up at the mention of her name.
“Yeah? How is she?”
“She didn’t seem happy, Ryker, and she asked for you. She was gonna go see you in your office, but I told her you’d left for Hawaii.” He pauses a moment. “Anyway, just thought you should know.”
“OK, thanks,” I say, and I’m about to end the call, but I stop. “Dad, what do I do?”
“I’m surprised you even have to ask, Ryker.”
I stare at him, waiting.
“Go get your juice, son.”
My eyes widen as his words hit me. I didn’t expect him to say that. He was so matter-of-fact about it. No thinking needed.
I narrow my eyes and look at him through the screen on my phone. I take a deep breath, and for the first time, I feel I’m actually breathing oxygen.
“I gotta go, Dad.”
“I’ll bet you do. See you soon, and good luck!”
We end the call, and I walk back to the beach.
To plan.
It’s clear now.
I’m going after her.
After my juice.
I text Patrick and have him charter me a private jet back to Michigan as soon as I can get to Kauai’s airport, which is an hour’s drive from here. I suddenly realize why billionaires have helicopters… I’ll have to get Patrick on that.
As for what happens when I arrive in Michigan, I have an idea.
I’m going to need Popster’s and Gabby’s help.
It’s a bold plan, audacious as Aspen’s cherry-red lips. But I’m determined to get my woman back at all costs. I know we’re meant to be together.
Excited—and ready—I head back into the house. My phone buzzes with a text message.
Patrick: Your plane is waiting, sir.
33
Aspen
I grab some cherries from the box and start pulling off the stems. My Sunday morning will be busy with baking pies at the bistro, which is my favorite way to relieve stress, but I’ve already learned that it does nothing to help mend a broken heart.
I pluck one of the stems, and the memory of Ryker kissing me plays in my mind. Our first kiss… when I challenged him to tie the stem into a knot with his tongue. I even tried to go slow, giving him a sporting chance, but then my competitive nature pulled rank. And then, that kiss…
My face flushes warm.
Dammit. I put down the cherries and walk over to the refrigerator, holding the door open to cool me down. This is not helping me.
I call out to the dining room, where Mom and Popster are getting ready to head over to The Rose to work for the rest of the day. “Mom? Popster? Please open all the boxes that Amazon delivered, and check them against the inventory list. And maybe open all the windows to air out the place more.”
Mom peeks her head around the corner. “Sure thing, honey.” She shoots me a big smile. Too big. She must be trying to cheer me up. She adds, “Isn’t this exciting? Things are moving along, and with the fire damage so minimal, the contractors are really moving fast. In fact, it’s going to be nicer in many ways than before the fire. And we’re not even that far behind schedule.”
For the first time, my giant goal… the one I thought was the only thing that mattered in the world, isn’t as fulfilling to me as it once was. I force a smile and nod anyway. “Yeah, Mom. It’s going to be great.”
Popster barges into the kitchen. “Aspen, uh, Gabby and I gotta go.” He turns to Mom and says, “Come on, Gabby.” Just before they turn to leave, a thought hits Popster, and he asks me, “Hey, did the fire chief ever get back to you about the cause of the fire?”
My body freezes. Shit. Not ready to tell him.
Thankfully, Mom interjects. “Come on, Dad, we don’t have time for chitchat!” She nudges him, and I don’t understand their big rush, but I’m grateful she distracted him. I holler, “I’ll see you two at The Rose after I’m done here.”
“Okay, see ya,” Mom calls out as they open the door to the bistro and exit.
I go back to pitting my cherries, and I decide some music will help. As I’m about to put in my ear buds, I hear the bells jingle above the door, and I call out, “Whadya guys forget?”
No answer.
A second later, I hear my name. “Aspen.”
My hands freeze, and electricity overwhelms my body. I think I’m hearing things, but I know I’m not. I look up.
It’s Ryker.
I stare at him, partly in shock, and partly wanting to smile, but my face remains impassive. Then a slight frown tugs at my mouth. Why is he here?
Dread punches me in the gut. It hurts so much to see him.
He steps cautiously into the kitchen. He continues, slowly, and steps in front of me. He’s close, but not close enough to touch. Like he’s keeping his distance.
I sigh then. He’s probably here to talk about the terms for paying back the money to repair the fire damage. I turn back to the counter and resume pitting the cherries. “What do you want, Ryker?”
“I miss you.”
I don’t look at him, but I close my eyes as his words wash over
