Chapter Nineteen

One week later, Aspen was returning from a walk on the beach when her agent rang.

She took a deep breath and answered. "Hi, Nic. How are you?"

"Good, darling. How's the beach? Are you still there basking in the sunshine?"

"Yes, and it's wonderful. I forgot what it was like to get out of my apartment and the city."

"I knew it would work—I'm glad I had such a brilliant idea." Aspen pressed her lips together to stop from laughing. She adored her agent, but Nic often forgot that most of Aspen's ideas weren't hers. "I wanted to get back to you on these pages you sent me."

Nic hesitated just enough to make Aspen's stomach drop. "Okay, I'm ready," she said, even though she wasn't. She despised hearing feedback unless it was to stroke her muse's ego and say everything she wrote was perfect and needed nothing. Aspen was sure most writers felt the same.

Nic began. "I think your fans will love it. As usual, the writing is tight and well-constructed. And I'm definitely invested in the story. I want to see what happens next." Her agent always started off with the positive because, under her sharklike mannerisms, she had a good heart. "But it seems...distant."

She closed her eyes. Exactly what she'd feared. "Can you explain?"

"In your first book, I was Mallory, falling in love, experiencing the suffering, all of it. But with this one, it's as if you're telling it from behind a safe wall, watching. I think you need to switch to first-person POV to get deeper. "

Aspen already sensed it but found she was fighting the instinct. Third person felt better telling this story. She could gain some space and not become the same character again, watching her life. As much as she loved Mallory, she also had no desire to be her again. She'd moved on, but her readers hadn't. And each time she sat and tried to write, it was a struggle.

Aspen wasn't happy writing this book.

But she had no choice.

"I understand," she said. "I may need a bit of time to sort things out. I have to get the story straight and then go back to layer."

"Of course. You know your process, and I know it will be wonderful. I'm thrilled with these chapters, Aspen. Just keep going. You know how tight our deadline is."

"I know. Thanks, Nic, we'll talk later."

She disconnected the call and stared down at the sandy path. Frustrated tears burned her eyes. The story wasn't working for some reason, and her muse knew it. Aspen had been taking these growing feelings for Brick and trying to translate them into words on the page. She'd skipped ahead to write one of the sex scenes, which came out blistering hot and made her extremely uncomfortable in her seat, but the other pieces fell apart. The plan sounded perfect in her head. Fall hard for Brick, get hurt, write a bestseller. It was the formula for Fifty Ways .

She was now falling hard for Brick. How could she not? Besides showering her body with endless pleasure, he was sweet and supportive. The things he'd told her after reading Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover haunted her. She kept imagining what it would be like for a man like Brick Babel to fall in love with her. He called himself unworthy, and though she'd normally suspect it was part of his pattern to charm women, his voice rang with truth.

Somehow, she believed him, which made this so much worse.

He made her laugh. He made her feel good about herself. She craved his company all the time. And when she was with him?

Aspen felt…complete. She'd been comfortable at his house, spending time with Dug, cuddling up to Brick in bed. They'd spent the next day and night together, and since Kane had returned, they were falling into a routine. Depending on his tours and her work schedule, they met for lunch or dinner. She spoke at the local library and another bookstore, which he and Marco attended, and she was glad it went okay, even when she wasn't high.

Sometimes, he'd take her out in the Jeep to see the horses. In the evenings, they'd walk on the beach or sip cocktails on his front porch. Sometimes, Kane or Marco's crew would join them for a meal.

Being with him was easy. Her normal isolation was such a deep part of who she was, Aspen never questioned it. Never even wanted to change it.

Until now.

Aspen resumed walking, thinking about what she had to do. She was fighting her feelings because she already knew the end. It made sense, but she needed to write a good book.. She had to lean in to the fear, open up, and let go. She needed to fall into another great heartbreak.

There was only one month left.

She may need that support group.

On cue, her phone lit again, and it was Brick. "Hi."

"You up for another all-nighter?"

Excitement bubbled inside. "Are the turtles ready to hatch?"

"Yep. Judy called. She has a group of volunteers but invited us to stay with them. There are no guarantees—they could hatch in the next few days, but I'm up for it if you are."

"I'd love to. I have two podcasts to do, so I'll need to skip dinner."

"No problem, I'll bring snacks. Pick you up later."

She clicked off with a smile. When she got back to the house, Sierra was there. "I'm going to see the turtles tonight!" Aspen burst out. "Have you ever done that?"

"No. I'm not a volunteer, though, and I know Brick is. Also, Judy loves him—big surprise."

Aspen laughed. "You're dressed up. Do you have a meeting?"

Sierra's face dropped. "No. A date."

"That's great! Why do you look so depressed?"

"Because I despise blind dates. Brooklyn's cousin's single friend just moved out here a few towns over. We're meeting for drinks."

Aspen tamped down her laughter. "Well, you look sexy as hell, but I'd advise you to smile and act like you want to be there."

"Ugh. I don't know why I keep trying."

"Because there's a man somewhere out there worthy of your greatness."

A smile twitched on her sister's lips. "Oh, yeah. Thanks for the reminder."

"I need to introduce you to Brick's friend, Kane. It's weird you still haven't met. You didn't see him at the opening?"

"No, he was out with a group when I came by. Why? He's cool?"

Aspen whistled. "Babe, he's a smoke show. Plus, he seems nice. I know he's from New York and living here now."

"I'll keep it in mind, but every single female in town will be clamoring for his attention. How are things going with Brick? You haven't talked about it lately."

"Progressing nicely."

Sierra sifted through her response. "What about the book?"

"A bit of a struggle."

"Hmm."

Aspen cocked her head. "What does that mean?"

"My gut says this whole thing is going to blow up on you."

"I don't want to hear that. You're supposed to be supportive!"

Sierra rolled her eyes. "I'm your sister. I'm here for the truth. I can get you all giddy and sappy when I mention his name. And I know you're having a million orgasms because you won't stop singing."

Caught between horror and laughter, she threw up her hands. "Just stop, okay? I don't need any more voices in my head, other than my damn muse so I can write this book. I'll see you tomorrow. Have fun on your date, but don't be a dirty slut."

Sierra cracked up, making Aspen giggle.

Then she got back to work.

Aspen was amazed by the number of people surrounding the nest when she arrived at the beach. Judy came up to greet them, introducing her to the various volunteers. "I'm sure Brick told you we're not sure about tonight, but it'll be this week."

"What if they hatch during the day?" Aspen asked.

"Sea turtles only hatch at night. It's their best chance to survive, but even with all the help we give them, only a small percentage will make it." Judy's face was creased with concern, but her eyes held a steady light that told Aspen she'd been through the highs and lows many times. "We put in a lot of work this summer and are hopeful with this nest."

Aspen studied the marked-off area where babies would emerge and try to survive. Worry flared. This was nature at its most beautiful and cruel. "So, we just watch? Anything we can do?"

Judy shook her head with a smile. "We've got it under control. Please step away if any activity happens and let us take care of it. Brick's always ready to step in and take the off-shifts, so he deserves a seat to witness."

Another facet of his kindness. Brick never spoke about the things he did in town to help. But just like when he interceded with the wild horse Duncan, he always seemed ready to take responsibility. He was a man who knew how to take care of his own, whether it be his business, family, or community.

"I'm grateful to be here," Aspen said to both of them.

They chatted with the volunteers, who shared their stories and information on the loggerhead sea turtles. They spoke in quiet voices in the darkness, gazes trained on the nest as an excited, nervous energy surged through the air. Brick fed her snacks, and they drank water, keeping watch for hours, bonding with the group, and waiting for the big moment.

Finally, the sun crept up, streaking the sky with vivid orange, yellow, and a hint of pink. The light caught the tips of the waves and danced with glee. The volunteers stretched, groaning, and began packing up.

"Guess we get a do-over," Judy said cheerfully. "You're welcome to come back again later tonight."

Aspen glanced at Brick and smiled. "We'll be here."

Judy tipped her chin, glancing back and forth between them with a curious gaze. Aspen wondered if the older woman was questioning Brick's new love interest or if she was surprised that Aspen was still around. The thought reminded her of Brick's notorious past and how badly she wanted to know the whole story. Especially the bit about Anastasia. But it was none of her business. Even though she'd shared her struggles, Aspen was positive he didn't want to open that Pandora's box. Probably afraid she'd turn in disgust once she knew all the gory details.

But the need to know more danced inside her, waiting for an opening to question him.

Brick interrupted her thoughts and took her hand. "Ready for another workday?"

She snorted. "I'm so tired. I like my sleep."

His eyes danced with amusement. "I heard writers really like naps."

"Cute."

He swung her arm back and forth as they walked down the beach. "I'm good with five hours, so I can push through. But I have a better idea."

"Breakfast?"

"Sure. We'll stop at Duck Donuts, grab a box, and go back to my house. Catch a little more sleep before our days start. I don't have a tour until eleven, and I'm sure you can't string two words together after being up all night."

Her tummy dropped, and her body blazed to life. His gaze seemed to register her sudden excitement, and those blue eyes darkened. "Sleep, huh?" she asked suspiciously.

"Yep. Sound good?"

His face looked so innocent, Aspen couldn't help the laugh that bubbled from her lips. "Liar. You and me in bed hasn't equaled much sleep."

"I'll be a total gentleman. Won't touch you or do anything you don't ask for."

The idea of snuggling with him for a few hours was too tempting to decline. "Okay. But we're just sleeping."

"Absolutely."

Hours later, Aspen had to admit he'd kept his promise.

She was the one who'd asked. Begged. Screamed.

Loudly.