Page 20 of Caden

Caden notices, not even bothering to pretend he doesn’t.

“I’d apologize for soaking you, but you had it coming,” he says, grinning. That familiar devilish gleam is in his eyes, promising that what happens next will be really enjoyable for both of us.

“Maybe you just wanted an excuse to get me out of my wet clothes.”

“I’llalwayswant an excuse to get you naked,” Caden admits, dragging my lips back to his. “Always.”

EPILOGUE

RUBY

“I’m reallygrateful for the experience,” Kelsey Mathers says, hands cupped around her coffee mug.

“But it’s time for you to move on to your next adventure?” I offer.

“Yeah.”

For the past three months, Kelsey has been my assistant. She’s been a lifesaver where all that cumbersome paperwork has been concerned—and my office has never been more organized. But the romance author warned me on day one that she was only temporary help.

“Do you know what you’ll try next?” I ask.

“Not yet. I’ve worked with dress sales, flowers, landscaping, and played hostess. All of it’s been great writing fodder. I’m just not sure what’s left in Daisy Hills for me. Might be time to move on.”

In the time I’ve gotten to know the semi famous romance author, she’s told me she moves to a new place every couple of years to gather book inspiration for her novels. She likes to work odd jobs to gain experience for the characters she creates. “I’ll be sad to see you leave.”

“Me too. I really love it here.”

“You could stay.”

“I can’t,” she says quickly, her gaze traveling once again out the window and across the street toward the new tattoo shop in town,Get Inked. Though the owner is a transplant—according to my husband—he’s doing a lot to be a part of this community. He’s a volunteer firefighter. He volunteers at the animal shelter. He recently opened a new business. He seems like an all-around stand-up guy.

“You thinking about getting one?”

“What?”

“A tattoo.”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe.”

“You could just go over there,” I suggest. “Ask questions.”

“It might be fun to write a heroine who gets her first tattoo.”

“Falls in love with the tattoo artist?”

She pulls out a notebook from her oversized purse and starts scribbling notes. “He’d have to be grumpy though. Nothing sexier than a grumpy tattooed man.”

“I think you have your next book idea.”

“I just might,” she says, a huge smile forming. She doesn’t look up from her notebook as she frantically writes.

I catch a glimpse of Caden’s truck pulling up to the curb, and my entire body tingles. He’s promised me a surprise today to celebrate the completion of Avery Erikson’s backyard photography garden, and I can’t wait to find out what he has planned. For a man I was so comfortable calling the Ice King, he sure has a warm, gooey center I can’t seem to get enough of.

“Good luck on your next book,” I say, scooting my chair back. “I can’t wait to read it.”

I think she saysthank you, but she’s so fully absorbed in her notes I can’t be sure.

The bells jingle overhead, announcing my husband’s entrance.My husband. Some days, I still have trouble believing this is real life. “You ready to go?” Caden asks, tugging me into his arms the second I stand. Our lips meet for a gentle, sweet kiss. But it takes less than three seconds for it to deepen.

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