Page 15 of The Story We Wrote

Thinking of Boone’s hands all over me sent a shiver down my spine. “Still, I don’t need my brother thinking I’m hooking up withyou.”

Boone recoiled, like what I said stung him.

“That’s not what I meant,” I said quickly, trying to recover. “What I meant was –”

“I get it. You don’t want your brother or your family thinking you’re sleeping around with someone likeme.” Boone cut me off, my attempts to fix what I said obviously not working. “Let’s just get going.”

“Wait, didn’t you need stuff to fix the fence?” I asked, remembering that was one of the reasons he offered to take me into town.

“Nah, it’s okay. I’ll see if there is anything left in the barn from the last time,” Boone voiced.

He started walking to his truck, and I immediately followed. Jogging a bit to catch up to Boone, he opened the passenger door for me to climb in. Placing the battery on the floor by my feet, I plopped down. When he shut the door, I let out a deep breath. I really needed to think before I spoke.

Boone and I headed to the opposite side of town to pick up some jars of fresh honey from a local beekeeper in Faircloud. I was so excited when I saw how cute the little mason jars looked with a honey dipper attached by a ribbon. They were going to fit in well at the stand next to the display of soy candles made by another local. I was planning to start a “locally sourced” table tohopefully bring in traffic and help other people grow their small businesses. I had a passion for shopping small, whether it be for my produce, clothes, or anything really. I grew up in Faircloud where the closest big box store was in the city about an hour away. I’ve come to know the people behind the businesses and the hard work they put into building something from scratch. If I could use the stand to help them grow, I would take that chance any day.

My belly growled, loud and proud, in the passenger seat of Boone’s truck. He definitely heard it because as I looked up in horror, he grinned like it was funny.

“You hungry?” Boone asked, one hand on the wheel the other lounging on the center console.

“I guess I can’t deny it now,” I muttered under my breath.

“Want to stop for an early lunch? We can grab Pizza,” Boone replied.

Pizza sounded fabulous right now. It was nearly noon, and I wouldn’t say no to a good meal. Plus, I can treat Boone to lunch for helping me with my car and driving my ass around. “That sounds great!” I exclaimed.

Boone and I weren’t far from the only pizza place in town, so we arrived shortly after making the spur of the moment decision. We got out of the car and Boone held the front door of the shop for me.

“Hi Aspen!” The hostess, Emily, greeted me. She was a cute girl, always bubbly and sweet. She would come into the shop most days before her shift and order an iced caramel latte with a scone.

Her eyes left mine and caught on Boone behind me, how she missed him to begin with was beyond me. He towered over my frame, nearly a foot taller than me.

“Hi, Emily,” Boone said, still remaining behind me. “Table for two.”

Emily smiled, grabbed our menus and walked us towards a table by the window.

Why did it feel like everyone else in the dining room was staring at me? I felt exposed, like an animal at the zoo. I crossed my hands in front of me, cowering slightly. I sat on one side of the booth and Boone on the other. Of course, our window seat was front and center to the sidewalk where people were walking. Not to make another animal comparison, but I felt like I was in a fishbowl.

Emily told us the specials and informed us our server would be over shortly. I didn’t say another word until Boone cleared his throat. I’d been hiding behind the menu and, when I brought it down slowly, Boone was staring at me.

“Can I help you?” I asked, blinking quickly.

“You look like you’re in pain,” Boone pointed out.

I checked my posture, I was tense and obviously uncomfortable. “Is it just me or does it feel like everyone is staring?” I whispered.

“Oh yeah, they totally are,” Boone replied.

I placed the menu down hard, a stern look on my face. “That’snothelping, Boone,” I snapped through my teeth.

“You’re acting weird because people are staring? Darling, get used to it. It’s me they’re staring at, because I’m out with a woman in public,” Boone theorized.

I stared at him,what the hell does that mean?

“I don’t take women out. I don’t do relationships.” Boone sounded confident sharing that piece of information.

“Does that bother you?” I asked.

“It used to. Not really anymore. If I wanted to date, I would, but I just haven’t found the right woman to settle down with.” Boone was so sure of himself, seemingly content with his choices and his future. “Does it bother you? We can leave and have lunch back at my place if you’d be more comfortable.” I felt thesincerity radiating off him as he started into my soul. He was serious about leaving ifIwanted to.

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