Page 9 of The Story We Wrote

I was able to hear Boone outside with a few of his friends. The sun was gone, stars poking out in the night sky. I took a deep breath and gave myself one last look in the mirror. My hair was curled, and light pink lipstick tinted my full lips.

Tucking my hair behind my ears, I turned off the bathroom light and made my way out to the living room. In the kitchen, I grabbed my Yeti mug and filled it with ice, topping it off with red wine. I needed all the courage I could get. With one deep breath and a long chug, I swore to myself that little by little I would be who I wanted to be, starting with a bonfire and a little liquid courage.

Six

Boone

When I was younger, my parties were wild and often couldn’t be kept under control. I was known for throwing an insane get together, which would typically result in people I’d never met in my life showing up. Friends would bring friends, who would then bring another friend. I didn’t mind back then because it kept my social life exciting and constant. The more girls, the better the party always was. I’d indulge in a few different ones a night, earning the “bad boy player” badge and wearing it proud. It earned me a reputation in town when a girl would run home or tell their friends about us, and I’d end up breaking their heart. I was interested in a good time, nothing else.

Now that I was in my mid-twenties, I cared less about impressing people or being a part of a large social circle. I wasn’t focused on how many women I could get with a night. Today, I cared more about having my close friends together so we didn’t grow apart. A grown-up Cassidy get together looked more like a chill bonfire with some drinking, storytelling, loud music, and lots of singing.

“Boone!” Rhodes yelled from inside my cabin. “Where did you move the tequila?” Rhodes was my best friend from school and one of the other ranch hands. My other ranch hand, Logan, stood at the fire, poking it to ignite. Logan was a few years younger than the rest of us and was my ranch prodigy. I took him under my wing and showed him the ropes of ranching. Mac, my other friend from school, stood with him.

“The same spot it’s always been! Cabinet above the fridge!” I yelled back, jogging towards my front door. I went inside and opened the cabinet where I kept my shot glasses. Lining up four, I waited for Rhodes to pour tequila in each one. When each glass was filled, we each grabbed two and went to the guys outside. Handing off the shots, I held mine in the air as each person followed suit.

“To friendship and a good time!” I declared before knocking back the liquor. I let the warm tequila flow down my throat, burning as it went.

I placed my shot glass on the table next to my chair. I’d be needing it for later. Five chairs were placed around the fire, one more than our typical four.

“Is your new neighbor coming?” Logan asked, taking his seat between Mac and Rhodes, leaving the fifth open for Aspen, who happened to be next to me.

“I invited her, so we’ll see.” I laid back, my eyes landing on Aspen’s cabin.

Aspen Westgrove had been consuming my thoughts over the last week. I’d spent many nights laying in bed recounting how she climbed up on the ATV. The way her dress rode up her legs, her body pressed up against my back. If I thought about it long enough, I’d be sporting a hard-on in front of all my friends. Her scent still lingered in my nose. She smelled like blueberries. In that moment, I wondered if I had gotten close enough, would I have been able to taste the blueberries on her skin?

“When does she start working the stand?” Mac chimed in, taking a swig of his beer. “Monday morning,” I replied.

“She’s a sweet girl,” Rhodes replied. “My mom used to go to The Coffee Cup every morning. Always tried to get me to go in and ask her on a date.”

My blood pressure spiked, my heart beating in my throat. I felt possessive thinking about Rhodes and Aspen on a date, not that I had any right.

Spending time with her over the last week was nice. I helped her move out of her apartment and into the cabin. Stopping in frequently over the last week to make sure she had everything she needed, I wanted her to feel welcomed.

The Aspen I knew growing up was reserved and quiet, always with a book in her hand. Talking to her earlier today, I felt there was more underneath than she let people see.

I was attracted to her. I wanted to be the one to push her buttons and draw her out of the safe zone she created. Inviting her tonight was my first step towards that goal.

The universe must’ve been listening to my thoughts because Aspen’sed, cabin door open and it felt like time slowed down.

Aspen walked out and her change in outfit took me by surprise. She ditched her typical sundress for a pair of worn jeans and a green top that tied around her neck. The way the jeans fit her full hips made my mouth water.

I haven’t seen her in anything besides a dress or that sad excuse for “pajamas.” The same pajamas I can’t seem to get out of my mind. I burned the image of her nipples poking through the nearly sheer t-shirt fabric into my mind. That picture and some tequila shots may be all I needed to entertain myself tonight.

“Speak of the devil,” I mumbled, mostly to myself. Aspen was clearly nervous walking over to the empty chair next to me.When she sat, her feet were tucked under her as she clutched a pink Yeti cup.

Aspen spoke sweetly, “Hi everyone.” Her eyes moved around the circle to each person. The guys introduced themselves one at a time and offered Aspen a smile. She returned them all, taking a swig of whatever was in that cup. My money was on red wine.

The group sat around the fire, talking and telling stories. I could tell Aspen felt out of place at first; however as she sipped from her cup, she began to loosen up. Her demeanor changed and she spoke freely, seeming to lose her filter. I found out she loved animals, farmers markets, and stargazing. I tucked all of that information into my mental box.

With time, she fit in like she was meant to be here, volleying with the guys and making everyone laugh.

After about an hour of chatting, Rhodes stood up. “I’m going to get the tequila. We need another glass for our new friend.” Aspen’s cheeks were rosy from the wine, and the smile she wore was breathtaking.

“I’ve never had tequila before,” she confessed, looking at me.

“It isn’t that bad.” I leaned closer, whispering, “it burns, but you’ll get used to it.” Our faces were inches apart as she leaned towards me. Her eyes dropped to my mouth and mine to hers. I felt a pull, electricity bouncing between us.

Interrupting the moment, Rhodes came out with the handle of tequila and another shot glass for Aspen. We both sat straight up, acting guilty for no reason. Rhodes made his rounds to fill every glass. Aspen stared at the liquor in her hand, looking unsure what to do.

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