Fiji weeks ago, as you well know.”
Her eyes narrow, and I keep talking.
“Now that you’re fully staffed at the café, I thought it was a good time for our holiday. Monica assured me that if Gretchen needs anything while you’re gone, she or Natasha can step in to help. I just asked them for advice, and they ran with it. I didn’t ask them to pack your suitcase.”
“She’s not going to wear many clothes,” we hear Natasha say loudly. “They’re just going to have sex the whole time. Why does she need such a big bag?”
“Because, you nitwit, they’re going to go out to dinner and stuff. You’re the only one who thinks about sex twenty-four-seven.”
“No, I’m not. Everyone thinks about sex twenty-four-seven.”
“Did you tell them that we’re going on vacation to have sex?” Her lips twitch with humor now, and I think the worst of the storm is over.
“I might have implied it.” I shove my hands into my pockets. “But, no. Of course, not. But if that’s what they want to think, who am I to tell them otherwise?”
“Hmm.” She laughs and walks to me to wrap her arms around my waist and press a kiss to my chest. “When is this fabulous holiday happening?”
“In three days.”
“Three days.” She steps back and shakes her head at me. “Callum, that hardly gives me time to make sure Drips is okay and pack my bags and—”
“No need to worry about your bags.” I cup her face and brush my thumb over the apple of her cheek. “Apparently, they have it handled.”
“Right.”
“I need this with you.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. I just do.”
“How long will we be gone?”
“Two weeks.”
She pales and swallows hard. “I’ve never left Drips alone for that long.”
“I’m not going to say something stupid like how hard can it be because I know it’s hard, and that it’s very important to you. But it’s all going to be okay.”
“I’m so far outside my comfort zone, I don’t even know where it is anymore.”
“You can say no.”
I can propose in Montana. I don’t mind readjusting my plans in the least if that will make her more comfortable.
Aspen bites her lip as she seems to think it over.
“Oh, and I should mention that we won’t be using the commercial airfare that came with the package. We’ll be taking a private jet.”
Her jaw drops. “I guess I should have realized that.”
“What do you say? Are you ready for a holiday?”
“I shouldn’t. But yes, I’m ready for some time away with you.”
“Excellent.” I kiss her lips softly. Just as I lean in to deepen the connection, someone clears her throat.
“Sorry to interrupt. You’re all packed, Aspen. You might want to swing by Willa’s for a few things, but you’re good to go.” Monica waves as she and Natasha walk past us and out the front door. “Call me later!”
“You have lovely friends.”
“I know.” She hugs me again, and I rock her back and forth. “I have the best people in my life. And I’m going to Fiji. I hope they packed my bathing suit.”
“I thought you didn’t like the water?”
“I can’t go to Fiji and not snorkel. I think that might be against the law there.”
I laugh and kiss the top of her head. “Well, we are law-abiding people.”
“Exactly.”
Chapter 13
~Aspen~
I have no idea what’s happening back home. Drips & Sips could have burned down at this point, and I would have no clue. And right this second, I don’t think I care.
It’s our last day in paradise. And that’s exactly what Fiji is. I’m pretty sure if there’s a heaven, I’ll see Fiji when I walk through the pearly gates. With the bluest and warmest water ever, warm temperatures, and wonderful people, it might be the best place I’ve ever been.
We’ve snorkeled, walked the beach, gone hiking, and had so much sex, my muscles are tired and sore.
I’m not complaining in the least.
Callum is out on a boat, fishing, and I stayed back to spend our last day here in the spa. I’ve been rubbed and polished, fed, and now I’m soaking in a tub, looking out at the water. I’m loose and relaxed for the first time in maybe my whole life.
Callum brings serenity to my life. Security. He calms me and makes me feel safe. And not because of his wealth or his status but because of who he is. When he says everything will be okay, I believe him because he says it with so much conviction, I know he’s right.
This