Chapter Twenty-One

The hot, lazy days of August rolled by.

Aspen fell into a pattern and stopped being aware of time. She worked on her book during the day and fought for every word. She mourned the joy her writing had previously brought and grabbed her happiness with her comfort characters from Zany Zoo .

After bringing Brick another notebook to peek at, she was stunned to find how hard he laughed when he read her stories. She began to bring her new work to him to share and enjoyed his enthusiastic reaction. It was a needed break from the seriousness of crafting the sequel amid pressure from her agent and editor.

She went to the beach every day for a walk and sometimes sat with Sierra to watch the sunset if she was home from the shop. They grew closer as they shared the mundane parts of their days, and Aspen admitted that she'd missed the connection. Sure, they saw each other regularly, but visits didn't allow for the deeper relationship she was beginning to find with Sierra.

They went out with Brooklyn and Inez a few times. When asked about Brick, Aspen just said they were having fun and enjoying the summer, ignoring Sierra's worried, disapproving look.

Ziggy's Tours began to grow steadily even amid Maleficent's attempts at sabotage. The pirate chest and targeted marketing paid off, and Brick began booking more families, which filled up the vehicles and extra time slots. Aspen liked to visit during quiet times, checking in on Marco and the gang and helping them with their sales schemes. She even did a video with them and posted it on her socials, giving them a shoutout that led to more foot traffic.

Marco also said he got a few DMs sliding in from the publicity and scored a date.

Aspen tried to push off her worries for the end of the summer, refusing to think about how it could end. All she knew was that every time she was with Brick, there were no empty spaces inside her. He filled her up. He pushed boundaries and gave her endless pleasure in bed. He made her laugh and was an amazing conversationalist when he wasn't grumpy, diving into subjects with deft experience and actually listening to her without the goal of changing her mind or swaying her opinion.

She panicked each time she thought about the contract. They'd agreed to the ending, but the process of falling for Brick Babel was changing her every day.

Depending on their roommates' plans, they bounced back and forth between Sierra's place and his. Aspen still felt awkward regarding other people in the house. She was used to her isolation and privacy and preferred them to have the place to themselves.

Also, Brick said she was a screamer. Oh, he uttered it with pure wicked satisfaction, but she'd almost died of embarrassment. No way did she want anyone to hear her.

Sierra was out with her girlfriends and crashing at Inez's house, so they had dinner at the Oceanfront Grill as the evening stretched ahead of them. She giggled as Brick squeezed her knee under the table, knowing it was her ticklish spot. Relaxed from the wine, amazing sole francese, and the heated look in Brick's eyes, they hurriedly asked for the bill. The waitress dropped it off, and Aspen swatted Brick's hand away, shaking her head.

"Excuse me?"

Aspen looked up. A woman with bright-red hair, a pretty, freckled face, and lush curves wrapped in an apple-green maxi dress paused beside their table. Her gaze flicked back and forth between them. Cold judgment beamed from her amber eyes.

"Yes?" Aspen asked.

"I'm Riley. I've heard about you in town, visiting your sister. I don't mean to be rude, but it's important to speak up and do what's right, even though it would be easier to watch another woman make the same mistake."

Brick remained silent, his face tightening. Her heart pounded crazily as she braced herself for what was coming. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth, but she managed to push through. "What is it? "

Ignoring Brick, Riley leaned over and whispered in an urgent tone. "Leave him before it's too late. He's a liar and a manipulator. What he did to Anastasia was tragic."

Brick's voice flicked like a whiplash. "Really, Riley? You're going to do this now, on my date?"

Her head whipped around. "Yes, because you've hurt too many of us. She should know the truth."

"What's the truth? That we never dated? That you know nothing about me?"

The woman made a low noise of distress in her throat. "You think it's a game, but one day, you'll realize what you did. We all know this act now. Pretending to care while you play games with good women who trusted you. It's disgusting."

Brick's jaw tightened, but he remained silent. Aspen stared at him in shock as a wall slammed down around him, closing him off. It was as if he'd retreated emotionally and was no longer there. In fact, he reminded Aspen of the man she'd first met at the bar at the beginning of summer.

Riley straightened and smoothed her dress. "You deserve better. We all do."

With a quick turn on her heel, she disappeared farther into the restaurant.

Aspen looked at Brick questioningly, but he ignored her. "We'd better go." He got up and walked out. There hadn't been a time when he didn't pull out her chair and escort her out, so she grabbed her card and receipt, popped up, and hurried to follow him.

His moody expression and stubborn silence stopped her from asking about Riley or Anastasia. Brick drove with jerky movements, obviously bothered by the whole encounter. Aspen took her time gathering her thoughts as they pulled into her driveway.

Usually, she'd have waved off the exchange as another of his famous heartbreaks that weren't her business, but things had changed between them. Worry niggled at her. She'd heard the story, and yes, it sounded terrible. Leaving his fiancée without a word and ignoring her while he dated other women was simply cruel. Also, very unlike the Brick she knew. But what if there was more she hadn't been told?

Had he gotten her pregnant and abandoned her? Lost his temper and hurt her? She couldn't see the man she'd gotten to know doing any of those things, but it was time to find out.

She finally needed answers, whether he wanted to share or not.

They walked into the house, and he went straight to the kitchen, pulling out a bottle of whiskey. Pouring two fingers into a glass, he raised it to his lips and shot it back.

Aspen winced. Yeah. This would be bad.

"Can I get you something?" he asked.

"Just seltzer, please. I think I've had enough wine for now."

He nodded, filling the cup and handing it to her. The air between them hummed with the growing tension. Aspen took a few sips, then crossed her arms in front of her chest to ward off the ache. "Brick?"

"What?"

"Will you tell me what happened with Anastasia?" she asked softly.

His jaw clenched. Those ocean-blue eyes turned cold and distant, and a shiver ran down her spine. "Do you really want to know the truth?" he asked in a clipped voice. "Don't you think it's easier with this relationship to believe what you want?"

She flinched and tried to ignore the hurtful remark. "Don't you think we've come too far to lie to each other now?" she challenged.

He spit out a curse and shook his head, pacing. Frustration clung to him, seeping from his pores, but Aspen couldn't tell if it was because he didn't want to confess his sins, or if he was ashamed of what he'd done. "What Riley told you at the restaurant? Do you believe it? Believe I've lived my life bedding and dropping women to deliberately hurt them?"

Aspen waited to answer, letting the silence stretch as she gave his question some deep thought. "No. But all the signs show she's telling the truth. There's an actual support group your exes attend. The entire town talks about you, Brick. And my sister told me you abandoned your fiancée and humiliated her in public by dating other women in front of her while she begged for closure or explanation. My sister, her friends, and random strangers warned me you would do the same to me."

"Which is exactly what you paid me for, isn't it?"

The pain crawled inside her and buried itself deep. He was right, but she hated it. Because Aspen knew it had become so much more than a deal for this fake relationship. That she was falling in love with him for real, and time was running out. Aspen lifted her chin, refusing to back down. "Yes, it is."

"Then it's best to let it go. Believe what everyone says, and we'll move forward. You set those rules, Aspen, and I agreed."

Aspen realized the right thing to do would be to honor his request. Back off and give Brick his privacy, knowing she'd be gone in a few weeks, and this thing they were doing would end.

But her heart wouldn't let her. Aspen wanted the true ending, not a fake. She wanted Brick's words, even though she may hate hearing how he'd hurt someone so brutally. It was time to rip down the last of the barriers and face each other, knowing there was no holding back.

"I can't." The words dropped from her lips like stones. "I need to know what happened. I'm asking, Brick."

He spun away, raking his fingers through his hair. A sense of desperation clung to him as if he knew nothing would ever be the same once he told her.

"Don't be a coward."

His shoulders bunched. He turned slowly, his gaze locked on hers. Ocean-blue eyes glittered with a shocking array of pain, regret, and fury. "I've never broken anyone's heart, Aspen." A bitter laugh ripped from his lips. "Anastasia Wallace destroyed my reputation, my home, and my soul while the town watched."

Her head spun, and the ground shifted beneath her feet. Aspen stared at him, recognizing that the story he was about to share had never been told before. And once she heard it, she'd never be able to view him the same.

So, she kept quiet. Gave an encouraging nod. And listened.

"We dated in New York. Got serious. I was crazy about her. She worked for a corporate recruiter and was ambitious. She was a fireball, wanting to go to all the parties, stay out all night, and network with the powerful to create connections. Everyone adored her. Anastasia was larger than life and wicked smart. After six months together, I decided to ask her to marry me, and we got engaged."

Shock barreled through Aspen. They'd moved fast. He must've been madly in love. The knowledge caused a heavy weight to sink into her gut, but she remained still and refused to interrupt.

"I was so fucking happy. I thought I had the world at my feet. I'd have the fat job, the perfect girl, and the wedding of our dreams." He shook his head, and she noticed his fingers trembling around the empty glass. "But I was stupid. One day, I came home from the office early because I'd spilled coffee on my suit. It was going to be a quick change since her place was close. I walked in and found her fucking her boss, wearing my ring."

Aspen closed her eyes in shared pain. God, she knew that feeling well. Nothing prepared someone for their life to be suddenly ripped to shreds along with their dreams. A lump stuck in her throat. "I'm so sorry, Brick."

He refilled his glass and slowly sipped. "I used to wonder over and over what would have happened if I hadn't spilled that coffee. Would we have been happily married? Would she have kept cheating right under my nose? Would I have eventually found out? I was sick to my stomach. I confronted them right there and left. She came after me, begged for my forgiveness, saying it was a mistake and would never happen again. But it was too late for me. I couldn't go back and forgive that type of betrayal."

He dragged in a breath. "A week later, I found out my grandfather passed. I left my job and moved out here. I was still in shock and wanted to focus on rebuilding the business. But one day, she suddenly appeared at my door. Told me she was intent on making it up to me. Said she'd settle in OBX so we could be together and start a new life."

Aspen's jaw almost dropped as his words hit home. She'd shown up after cheating on her fiancé? Brick must've seen her face because his humorless laugh echoed in the air. "Yeah, do you believe it? When I freaked out and sent her away, she had a total breakdown. Said she'd given up everything to come after me and wouldn't leave until we were back together. At first, I thought it'd blow over, and she'd leave once she knew I was serious. I was focused on Ziggy's Tours, moving into the house, and settling into the community. I hadn't been here for years."

Her voice trembled. "What happened, Brick?"

He rubbed his head, obviously fighting the memory. Weariness threaded his tone. "I found out Anastasia had rented a place here. She was going all over town, talking to everyone she could, saying she'd moved because we were engaged and she wanted to support me. Said I'd kicked her out of the house because I changed my mind and dumped her. She spun so many lies about our relationship. I have no fucking clue. I was in my head and had no idea my reputation was being created and destroyed by her. She told people I'd cheated on her back in New York, but she loved me and always took me back. She showed up at my house and the business, stalking me. After trying to reason with Anastasia didn't work, I began ignoring her. Unfortunately, that made things worse. So, I did something I should never have done."

"What?"

"I began casually dating. Started going out to bars on dates so Anastasia would see I was moving on without her."

"It didn't go well, I assume."

"She started having meltdowns in public. Crying and begging me not to hurt her. Saying she loved me and couldn't take the way I was treating her. Soon, those casual dates I'd had began talking about how I'd led them on. Before I knew it, things had gotten out of control. Riley became close with Anastasia and started spreading more rumors about how I was sleeping around, and then I became a local legend both in and out of the bedroom."

Horror washed over Aspen. This was a story out of a television movie, absolutely ridiculous but completely believable. "Did you sleep with any of the women?"

"One. I told her about Anastasia and that I wasn't interested in any type of relationship. She said she didn't care and spent the night. The next day, I heard she was weeping about falling hard for me and being rejected. I stopped then and just pulled back, but it was too late."

"What happened with Anastasia?"

"She stayed for four months and finally moved back to New York. But it was too late. Everyone believed her story."

"No one listened to your side?"

"I had no one to tell the truth to. My grandfather was gone. Kane was back in New York. I had no friends or other relatives here. So, for the next year, I leaned into my reputation. I became what they expected and let the stories grow. I dated here and there, but even if I didn't sleep with anyone, I heard about my exploits later."

"I can't believe they lied." She breathed out. "It's like playing the game of telephone. It's easier to keep adding and embellishing than work hard to get to a truth that's not as dramatic or gossip-worthy."

"Maybe. All I know is Anastasia will always haunt me. Riley started that support group in a show of solidarity and won't let anyone forget. It's tiring, but I've learned to live with it."

He emptied his glass and lifted his head to face her. His face was expressionless, but those piercing blue eyes shone with echoes of a deep pain. "Now, you know my side. I gave you what you wanted. But the bigger question is the one that really matters."

"Which is?"

Brick stiffened as if preparing himself for her answer. "Do you believe me? Saying it out loud makes the story sound far-fetched to me." His lips curved into a humorless grin. "Hell, I wouldn't blame you for having doubts. I guess it's up to you what happens next."

The man before her stood tall, hips braced, chin up. She expected rebellion, pride, or even anger. Instead, Aspen only connected to an inner hurt he'd never been able to truly heal from because no one knew. Writing her book had helped her work through the agony. Telling her sister and crying on her shoulder helped her heal. But Brick had been trapped by the lies, forced not to just accept them but build a life based on a man who never existed.

He never had a chance.

Aspen watched him and sensed the wall between them. He'd given her power no one had had: the power to know the truth and hurt him. It was what he expected. It was what he knew.

The trembling started deep inside her, moving throughout her body until her entire being was filled with an empty ache.

"I think there's only one thing left to do," she managed to choke out.

He was carved stone, unyielding, unfeeling, alone. "You want me to leave?"

"No, Brick. I want to take you to bed and show you all night how much you mean to me."

He jerked back, his gaze narrowed in suspicion. Aspen crossed the room to him, reaching out to curl her arms around his shoulders, raising her chin to look him in the eye. "You believe me?" he gritted out.

"Of course, I believe you. What happened wasn't fair or right, but it doesn't matter anymore. You're stronger. You carved out a life you love here, on your terms, and you know who you really are." She paused, dragging his head down so she could rest her forehead against his. " I know who you really are, Brick Babel."

His breath broke her lips, and then he was kissing her, hands thrusting into her hair to hold her still for the sweet thrusts of his tongue. She opened and gave him what he asked for, refusing to hold back. The kiss deepened, his animalistic groan vibrating from his chest and sending a thrill down her spine. The taste of whiskey and spice swarmed her senses. In moments, their hands became frantic, desperate for naked skin and the intimate connection Aspen found in his arms.

Clothes spilled to the floor in a tumble. They fell onto the couch, his hands cupping her breasts, her mouth on his chest, writhing beneath him with a desperate hunger that blurred all civil lines. His tongue licked her taut nipple, sucking hard, moving her easily until she was on top of him, straddling his naked thighs.

"Fuck. Need a condom."

Those talented fingers thrust between her legs, finding her wetness and rubbing. She let out a keening wail, clenching around him. "I'm on the pill for my period," she gasped.

"I've been tested. I'm good."

"Thank God."

Heat seethed under her skin, exploding outward as he worked her, watching her fall apart as the orgasm hovered right before her. "Not yet," he growled. He pulled away, grasped her hips, and slammed her down on his cock.

Aspen hissed out a breath as pleasure cascaded inside her. He filled all the empty space within her, and she clung to him with greed, surrendering to his slow, deep thrusts, allowing her eyes to open halfway so their gazes locked in the most vulnerable moment. She whispered his name as he took her higher, a possessiveness that thrilled her carving out the hard lines of his face.

The tension cranked to an almost painful need, and she writhed above him, desperately trying to go over. "Brick, I need—"

"I know what you need, baby. God, you're on fire for me."

She squeezed him tight, and he groaned, pumping in and out in a steady rhythm. Then he reared up, scraping against her clit at the same time he hit that spot deep inside.

Every muscle locked as Aspen screamed, convulsing with tiny shudders as the release rolled through her in endless waves. She gripped him tightly, tearing at his hair while she heard his shout as he followed her over.

It was a while before she slumped over him, boneless, still twitching from aftershocks. He kissed her with a sweetness that broke her heart and then mended it. "I'm taking you to bed."

"I can't move."

"Good. I'll carry you." With easy strength, he lifted her, grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator, then started up the stairs. When she made a sound of distress, he paused. "Are you okay?"

"My sister's going to kill me. I promised her I'd leave the couch alone."

And then they began to laugh.

Brick stared into the shadows, listening to Aspen's steady breathing.

She'd believed him.

That fact kept turning over in his head as he made an effort to understand. He'd never thought a woman would accept his story without fact-checking, questioning, and holding major doubt. He'd gotten used to living with the lies the past year, ignoring the heated glares and the line of women who liked to flirt with danger and seek him out to become part of the gossip. No one ever wanted to know who he really was, and that was okay.

Until Aspen shattered his world to pieces.

Even now, she sought him in sleep, her soft body cuddled against his, her elegant hands reaching out to lay on his chest. A mix of raw emotions beat inside him, fighting for release. It was both a familiar and a new experience. With Anastasia, it had been all fire and hunger, like trying to catch a tornado he'd never be able to tame. He'd believed in them, though, until her cheating and lying ripped away any hope that remained. Brick found it easier not to care. Over the past year, he'd gotten good at shutting things down inside him and building a wall no one could cross. He'd believed he was happy enough.

Aspen had changed everything.

But he was on borrowed time.

He touched her springy hair, a smile curving his lips at her beautiful face relaxed in sleep. This was a woman who not only fought hard for her dreams but also for anyone she loved. The way she listened and not only supported but understood the grief he'd gone through allowed him space to finally breathe. Freely.

The realization crashed through him just like Aspen had come into his life.

He loved her.

Ah, fuck.

Brick closed his eyes and fought a groan. He loved her. All of her. He wanted her to belong to him and stay. He wanted her in his life and his home. He wanted her body, her heart, and her soul.

How could a feeling be both awful and awe-inspiring? How could he experience terrible fear and ferocious hope at the same time? It was as if everything inside had shattered and allowed room for new. For her.

Like all the pain he'd experienced was worth it because it had brought her right here. To OBX. To him.

But…

Aspen still planned on writing her book and returning to New York. She expected him to hold up his end of this devil's bargain and break her heart.

That was the missing piece. If he told her his feelings were real, would she stay? Could she write her book anyway, or had this deal secured him to an action he couldn't complete? Was there a way they could both win instead of lose?

His gut lurched. He hadn't allowed himself to open up since Anastasia, but damned if he would act like a coward. He'd fight for Aspen and battle his instinct to pull back and protect himself.

Aspen had pushed him tonight because she wanted the truth. She wouldn't have done that if this was still a brief affair. Brick was sure she felt more for him but was afraid to admit it.

Just like him.

Which left them at an impasse.

Two more weeks. He'd need to use them well and show Aspen they didn't have to be a temporary summer or a book. They could be more.

He had two weeks to convince her to not only fall completely in love with him but also get her to stay.