Page 28 of The Story We Wrote

“See, if I ever told my parents that, they would laugh at me or tell me that it wasn’t realistic. I love books. I love imaginingthe stories I could create. I lie to them every time they ask what my next steps are or where I see myself. I tell them I have it all handled when, in reality, I don’t. I’m so scared to write a book. I’m full of self-doubt and insecurities,” she said, and I toyed with the information in my head.

“Why not go for it? Why let your parents have that much control?” I asked, clearly prying.

“I don’t know. I don’t think I could write about something I haven’t experienced or something I don’t understand,” she replied.

“What do you want to write about?”

“Love. Romance.” She looked out in the distance. “I love when I read a story and it makes me feel like I’m a part of it. The emotions you get and the euphoria that comes along when you find a great book is indescribable. I want to create stories that people can relate to and feel the same way I do.” She took another sip of her drink, laying her head back on the edge of the swing. I knew it wasn’t intentional; her head was resting on my forearm. I was grateful when she didn’t pull away.

“What if I helped you?” I asked. I don’t know why I said that, although it worked to get a reaction out of her. Aspen began to laugh, like really laughing. Her body shook and she was covering her mouth with her hand.

“You? Help me write a romance novel?” Aspen inquired.

“Well, I’m not going to like, write the book, but what if I helped in another way?” This was a bad idea and I knew it. That didn’t stop me from shooting my shot. Aspen stopped laughing and gave me a funny look, her eyebrows pinching together. “What if I took you on dates? I could bring you flowers or whatever guys do to impress a woman. As friends of course. Then, maybe it’ll give you the inspiration you need to write and prove your parents wrong.” I held my breath, hoping she’d take me up on the offer. I saw my opportunity to spend more timewith Aspen one-on-one outside of our nightly porch visits, so I ran with it.

Internally, I reasoned with myself why I offered myself like that. It was to help a friend further their dream, not because I was catching feelings for a girl I’d known for such a short period of time. Plus, maybe it would help me change my image? Maybe I was ready to settle down and find someone? It could be beneficial for me to get practice. We’d both be gaining something here, it would totally work.

Aspen was quiet for what felt like forever before mumbling to herself and nodding. “Okay. But, I think it’ll be smart to lay out some ground rules.”

“I agree,” I said.

“First, no touching. After yesterday’s events, touching you is definitely not an option.” Even though I wished I could disagree, I nodded.

“Second, we keep this to ourselves. People might see us round town. We’ll remind everyone we’re strictly friends.” Again, a smart rule. I didn’t need the guys in my shit and share their opinions because I knew damn well they would. “And we only go on three dates. No more, so we keep it strictly platonic.”

“Is that it?” I asked, trying not to sound sarcastic.

“Yup,” she said, “I think so. If I think of anything else, I’ll make sure to run it by you. Shall I draft a contract?” Aspen held out her hand, and I firmly shook on it.

“I don’t think a contract is necessary, but whatever you need.”

“What do you want in return?” She asked.

I couldn’t think of a single thing she could do for me. Well, maybe one. “Just keep baking me those muffins, Darling.”

“Oh God!” She said, putting her face in her hands. “This sounds like a romance book.”

“So, we’re off to a good start,” I smirked, patting her leg with my hand. I looked at her, realizing it hadn’t been even five minutes before I broke our first rule. “I already fucked up.” I pulled my hand away.

“I mean, I think that’s okay,” she said. “Just don’t let it linger.”

Contract or not, I knew I just signed a deal with the devil. What was I thinking, signing up for more alone time with Aspen? Taking her on dates for experience? Life was about to get interesting.

Thirteen

Boone

Boone: I won’t be able to swing by the stand after work today…

Aspen: ?? you mean I have to clean up all by myself… rude ??

Boone: Meet me at the barn after you close up. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.

Aspen: …

Boone: And don’t forget my muffin.

Logan had texted me this morning saying he had to go out of town for a bit, leaving Rhodes and I to work a little extra. Logan wasn’t the type to up and leave, which made his text odd. With the extra tasks on my list today, I didn’t have the time to get to the stand, help Aspen close up, and do what I had planned for us. Tonight, I was starting my end of the deal; it would be our first “date.” Hearing her tell me about her family and their lack of support around what she does with her life made me feel sorry for her. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to know myfamily thought my dreams were pointless and to follow whatever they wanted me to do. My family was the opposite. If I didn’t want to be on the ranch, my dad never would’ve made me take on the role.

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