Page 45 of The Story We Wrote

“No, not at all.” I let out a sigh, “I do like her a lot.” They were going to either find out one way or another. “We haven’t talked about any potential of being more than friends. I don’t know how to start the conversation, so I decided to just go with the flow.”

“Coming from someone who has felt like that before and lost it, don’t let it go,” Rhodes said. “Having someone you feel a connection with is special, and not acting on it because you’re not sure how to handle it, is stupid.” I haven’t heard Rhodes talk about him and Jess like that before; he’s been closed off and quiet about that part of his life since it happened. He wasn’t the kind of guy to share his feelings or let many people in so hearing all this from him was catching me off guard.

“I don’t even know how she feels about me. I know we’re attracted to each other. Beyond that, it’s a big fucking question mark,” I said, taking off my hat and running my hands through my hair. Having to be front and center with these feelings for Aspen stresses me out.

“It doesn’t have to be hard. Just go for it and do what you feel is right in the moment. Life’s too short to let it eat you alive,” Rhodes replied.

I could tell he was thinking back on his experience; the change in his face said it all. His jaw tightened, and he directed his eye contact to the ground, pulling at the grass. He was shutting down and climbing back into the hole. I’d tried to approach the subject with him before, but he’d never been open to sharing. I hoped one day he’d find someone who he could confide in.

Logan didn’t say a word, keeping quiet for the whole conversation. Who would’ve thought a day on the ranch between three men would turn into a therapy session?

* * *

Break time was over, and Rhodes’ words stuck with me for the rest of our day. I needed to talk about how I was feeling for Aspen and see where it got me. If she was willing to take the relationship somewhere else, so was I. I haven’t even thoughtabout another woman since Aspen came into my life and honestly, it didn’t affect me one bit.

“Hey, Logan. Wait up!” I said, jogging to catch up to him before he got into his truck to head home at the end of the day. I knew he was tired and beat from the sun, but I needed to talk to him to find out what the hell was going on.

“What’s going on with you?” I asked, stopping in front of him as he stood at the open door of his pickup truck.

“Nothing, man, I’m all good.” He brushed it off. It was obvious by his tone that something was bothering him.

“Something set you off. If it’s the whole Aspen thing, I’m sorry for making you feel like –” Logan cut me off with a laugh that sounded downright harsh.

“You think I’m all bent over you and Aspen? If anything, I’m happy for you,” Logan said.

“Then fucking spill it. You’re acting like a prick, leaving town on a moment’s notice. Don’t think I let that one go,” I spat, getting angrier by the second.

“I’m fine. It doesn’t concern you,” Logan replied, deflecting.

“You’re my best friend, man, of course, it does.” I had to calm myself down, and matching anger with anger didn’t go well. I’ve learned from experience.

Logan took a deep breath, obviously trying to calm himself too. “I’m just worried about Ellie. I’ve been trying to reach out and make sure she’s okay, but I don’t get a reply.”

“You’re all fired up because of my sister?” I asked, making sure I heard him correctly.

“She – I mean, it’s Ellie,” Logan said, stumbling on his words. “She’s like a sister to me too.”

We all grew up together. Logan and Rhodes pretty much lived on the ranch. I was completely in the wrong for not telling them both about her phone call. They’re family, too, and theydeserve to know that she was okay. “You’re right,” I said. “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you about it sooner.”

“It’s okay. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did,” Logan said. I patted him on the shoulder and took a step back. “Can we just forget it and move on?” Logan was my sister’s age. The kid has been through a lot and I’d give him a pass this time. He was young and still learning.

“Sure, kid. I’ll see you tomorrow. We still got work to do.” I gave him a mock salute and I walked backwards from his truck. Logan hopped in, the engine roaring to life before he backed out and dust was flying behind him down the driveway.

Twenty One

Boone

I couldn’t understand why I was in my head about the date with Aspen. We had been on two already and both were amazing. I felt like more was weighing on this date compared to the others because of what Rhodes said.

Flattening out my shirt in the mirror, I tucked it into my dark-washed jeans. Tonight, I’d leave the hat behind. I dressed up the outfit with my favorite belt and buckle instead.

The dates were planned strategically. First, I taught her something new. That’s why I hoped she’d never been horseback riding before. It worked perfectly. Then a place she already loved to go. The farmers market was another homerun. Last but not least, I tapped into the romantic bone that was so deep in my body I didn’t know I had it.

I wet my fingers under the sink, running them through my hair to tame some of the wild pieces from sticking out. While shaving my face, I left the mustache because I knew she liked it, whether she wanted to admit it or not. After giving myself a once over, I picked my favorite pair of square-toed cowboy boots. Ididn’t give Aspen any clues about what we were doing tonight, just to wear something comfortable. Of course, her first question was, “Can I wear a dress?” I would never deny her the chance to wear one.

I left my cabin, not needing to lock up because I knew no one was coming down here, and headed to Aspen’s door. The nerves set in when I raised my hand to knock. I tapped three times with my knuckles, and a quiet “come in” came from the other side. Walking in, I admired the living room and kitchen area. She’d done so much to the place since moving in. It was clear she was getting comfortable. Bookshelves were lining the back wall, not an inch left for a new addition to her collection. Her couch was in the center of the living room space, facing the front door.

“I’ll be ready in a second! I lost track of time while I was writing. Now I’m behind!” she shouted from down the hall, I assumed she was in the bathroom. Instead of yelling to reply, I walked down towards the voice. Aspen was in the bathroom already dressed and her hair was done. Leaning close to the mirror as she applied her mascara, she said, “This is new for me; I’ll adapt, I promise.” She caught my eyes through the mirror. I leaned against the door frame, one boot over the other.

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