girlfriend. I push off and stand at attention, meeting the cold eyes of a tall gray-haired man.
“Dad, what are you doing home?” Aspen asks, her voice jumping a couple octaves. She joins me by my side. The man’s glare bores into me for a couple more seconds before turning to her.
“I didn’t feel well, so I cut my fishing day short. What are you doing?”
I step forward, holding my hand out. “Hi, Mr.…”
Fuck! I don’t even know her last name.
His jaw tightens, and he shakes his head, knowingly. “Mr. Foley,” he chides, ignoring my outstretched hand. I drop it, shoving both my hands in my shorts pockets.
“Dad, don’t be rude.”
He lets out a humorless laugh. “I just walked in on my daughter making out with a stranger.”
“He’s not a stranger.” She pops her hip out, her tone hardens and he stands taller, not about to let her win this.
“Aspen, he doesn’t even know your last name. What are you doing? I thought you were over this stage.”
My spine stiffens in her defense at his insinuation that I’m just another affair, and I'm pissed that he’s being an asshole to his daughter. She shoots me a quick look of apology before throwing him daggers with her eyes.
“I am an adult and I would appreciate it if you treated me like one. This is my house and I would like you to leave.” The carefree girl I’ve become addicted to becomes hard and cold. Her body radiates next to me.
I keep quiet during their war of wills, knowing my voice will only aggravate things. But this is awkward. The old man turns his icy glare to me. It screams death. My death.
“Whisk—” I stop. Not the best time for nicknames. “Aspen, I should go.”
“That’s an excellent idea. We’ll leave.”
She grabs the white box and my arm and drags me out the door, past her fuming dad. So much for good first impressions. She keeps hold of me until we reach the canoe. If I didn’t need her help to get back to my hotel, I would tell her to stay.
I give her the time she needs as we row in silence. As much as that was uncomfortable for me, I’m sure it wasn’t a cakewalk for her.
When we pull up to my hut, she remains seated. I sigh, wondering if this is it. “Whiskey, I’m sorry.” I stand and pull myself up to the platform.
Glancing up at me through tears, she says, “Why are you apologizing? My father is the one out of line. You did nothing wrong.”
I shrug. I’m partly responsible for their fight. “Do you have to leave?”
She blows out a deep exhale. “I’d rather not. But I need to deliver this and talk to my dad.” Those are tears of guilt. She has a way better attitude about forgiveness than I do because if that was my dad, there would’ve been blows.
“Well… Aspen Foley, it was nice to meet you,” I say with a lightened tone, flashing a smile. It works. She softly laughs, biting her lip and a slight growl from my throat escapes. I want to be biting her lip.
“You too, Ryker Dallas.”
As I watch her canoe until it disappears, I wonder if I’ll ever see her again. I’d be stupid to think I’m worth fighting with her dad. It’s not like we can explore these feelings we’re having for each other. Whatever this is, it’s always been temporary. I would be just an affair.
I drop into the chair on my deck, not wanting to do anything. My last week here will suck if I don’t see her again. The words from my coach blast through my mind. Train. Stay focused. Stay away from women.
Should have fucking listened.
Chapter Nine
Aspen
The moonlight reflects in the quiet water, rippling as I slice through it. My arms freeze mid-row, slowing my canoe. “What am I doing?” I’m the adventurous girl, up for anything, until you add a man in the mix. I’ve spent the last four years building my company, focusing on the prize. My ticket out of here. And I was fine without the need of a man ruffling my feathers. Until, Ryker.
The pull between us is irrational.
Undeniable.
Unforgiving.
We’re both digging our feet into the ground, but the force grows stronger whenever we’re together. At what point do we give in, let destiny run its course? It’s like we were meant to meet. But why?