Chapter Twenty-Seven

Brick stepped outside and dragged in a breath. With fall in full swing, the air was cooler. Tours had calmed down from the summer chaos, but there was still enough business to keep him busy. Which was good since he thought about Aspen every moment he wasn't.

Marco came out. The familiar scent of weed drifted from him, but his eyes were clear as he stood beside Brick. "We just sold half a dozen Boogie Boards to those dudes from Chicago. Full price."

Brick nodded. "Did you upsell the new Salt Water shirts in the matching colors?"

A grin curved Marco's lip. "Hell, yes. Business 101, just like Aspen taught." They both winced. "Sorry."

"It's fine. I'm glad she's still helping you with stuff."

Her name drifted on the wind and in his head like a melody he couldn't stop repeating. It had been a month since she'd stood at his door, begging him to take her back. And though he'd made the right decision, knowing she was floating around his town was beginning to drive him insane.

Brick constantly looked for her. He imagined catching glimpses of wild, dark hair, hearing her deep belly laugh, and smelling her familiar scent as he took great pains to avoid her. She allowed him the distance, respectful of shared spaces when he went out with Kane to the local bar. If she visited Marco, she parked in the back and went through the side door to avoid Brick's office.

It didn't matter. His mind was strong about his refusal to try again, but his heart didn't give a shit .

"You doing okay?" Marco asked gruffly.

"Sure. I'm running special tours for the holidays. Partnered with some local inns that offer weekend getaways. It's been lucrative. Profit is up and steady."

"I mean with Aspen."

Brick forced a smile. "It's for the best."

Marco made a noise that sounded doubtful. "Is it? I mean, I agree that she screwed up bad. But she literally left New York and refused to publish the sequel. You know, I begged her to read it. I'm desperate to see how Mallory ended up, but she said the book would never see the light of day. She ended up choosing you over the fans."

Irritation hit. "I know, Marco. But it doesn't erase her leaving me in the first place."

"Yeah. Guess you're right. I respect your decision, man. Especially if it makes you happy."

Brick ground his teeth and lied right through them. "It does."

"Good."

He was about to go inside and leave the painful conversation when a bright-pink Hummer screeched into the parking lot. Maleficent climbed out, dressed in leather pants and a fringed black top, her long hair in elaborate braids. "Babel. We gotta talk."

He held back a sigh. Marco got that dreamy expression on his face again that had nothing to do with the weed. "Hi, Mal," he said, eyes all starry with admiration. Once she stopped stealing Brick's customers, Marco had suddenly developed an awful crush.

At least he'd moved on from Aspen.

Maleficent gave him a sharp nod. "Hey. Listen up, I had dinner with Aspen the other night, and I think you need to give her another chance."

"Like you did with Ziggy?" he challenged.

She spit like one of the wild horses. "Hell, no! Ziggy was a cheating asshole, even if he was your grandfather. Aspen made one bad mistake, but she loves you. Do you know I begged to read the sequel and she wouldn't let me? Said the book would never be seen or read. Said it was a reminder of her biggest regret. Losing you."

Had she really said that? Brick had figured since she'd kept her distance as promised, she was moving on. He'd given her permission to publish the book, but she still hadn't. With another woman, he'd figure she was playing games to gain points, but he knew Aspen wasn't like that. She did what she felt and didn't give a crap about the pretense. Which meant …

She still loved him. Still wanted him back.

Brick clenched his jaw. "Yeah, I heard."

Maleficent blew out a breath. "Dammit, you're stubborn. I guess she was right. You need to learn to trust her again with actions, not words."

His heart squeezed. "She said that?"

"Yep. Well, better get going. See ya later."

"Bye, Mal!"

She gave Marco a strange look, nodded again, and took off.

"Think she'd go out with me?" Marco asked.

"I doubt she's Mrs. Robinson."

He cocked his head. "Who?"

Brick groaned. "Never mind. No, Marco, she's too old for you."

"Love knows no age or restrictions, man."

Brick huffed and went back into his office. He had to stop thinking about Aspen. He'd made his decision, and there was no going back.

Two days later, he got a text from her.

Sorry to bother you. Would you be willing to meet me for coffee tomorrow morning?

Heart pounding, he made himself wait three full minutes before responding.

Sure. 7am?

Thumbs-up emoji . See you then .

He'd meet her for closure. That was all. Brick was positive he'd be reassured that he'd done the right thing once he saw her and was reminded of what she'd done.

Brick briefly wondered what to wear, then smothered the thought.

"Hi."

"Hi." Her smile faltered as she hungrily took in his figure. His hair was mussed and windblown. Those stinging blue eyes were shielded. Excruciating pain hit her in waves because she was the one responsible for putting such distance between them. He'd once been open with his affection and free with his love. But she'd thrown it back in his face. Now, she needed to deal with the consequences.

Aspen tilted her chin up and fell back on her usual grit. The same perseverance that had her spending hours and weeks and years alone in a room, with only her thoughts and the blank page. That type of stubbornness would give them a second chance. Eventually.

Hopefully.

She'd spent the last month carving out space here in OBX and working on herself. Her sister's words about her relationship with Ryan kept circling her mind until she began journaling about that time in her life. The writing was different this time since it was for her eyes and not a book. Aspen began to see the type of expectations she'd put on relationships based on an affair with a teacher who took no care with her heart. Brick had shown her things could be different, but it had been easier to fall back on what she knew.

Experience brutal pain; write a bestseller.

Digging deeper, she realized it had actually been easier to think she wasn't good at relationships and was better off alone. By examining some of her beliefs and speaking with her sister, Aspen had begun to heal on a deeper level than just writing Fifty Ways to Leave your Lover .

Now, it was time to see if she could ease back into Brick's life. If he was willing.

"Thanks for meeting me. I ordered you a coffee," she said.

"Thanks." He retrieved the mug and took a sip. "How's Sierra?"

"Great. The store is thriving. How's Kane?"

"Great. He's doing less tours and starting a new business here."

"Great," she echoed. Aspen wanted to cry at the painful conversation, but that wouldn't help. Only actions would earn back his trust. "I volunteered to do some work with Judy. I like the idea of giving back."

A shadow of a smile passed his lips. "She's lucky to have you."

I love you.

I made a horrible mistake.

I'll never hurt you again.

Instead, she forced another smile and nodded. "You showed me a lot of what's possible here. I took it for granted, but not anymore."

He shifted in his seat. A stray lock of hair fell over his brow, and she itched to reach over and smooth it back. Cup his rough cheek and press her forehead to his. Longing reared up and flooded her entire being.

His gaze crashed into hers, and she allowed him to see it all.

Brick stiffened. Then focused on his coffee. "How's the writing?"

A small laugh escaped her. "Actually, that's why I wanted to see you. To thank you."

"For what?"

"For believing in me," she said quietly. Her fingers wrapped around her cup. "I sent the Zany Zoo stuff to my agent. She loved it. Said it was fresh and different. We're in negotiations now with some children's publishers."

Her heart warmed when she glimpsed authentic pleasure in his ocean-blue eyes. "That's great, Aspen. I always knew it would be a hit."

"Well, there's no guarantee of anything, but I'm happy to be writing something I'm excited about again. I never would've figured it out without you."

"Yeah, you would have. Eventually."

She shook her head slowly. "I was too attached to outcomes I didn't even care about. Fame in the book world. Success in my career to prove I was worthy. Ryan messed me up a little more than I realized. I see things better now."

"I'm glad." He sipped his coffee. "What about the sequel?"

"What about it?"

He gave her a level stare. "You should publish it, Aspen. It doesn't matter anymore for us. Your readers want the story. There's no need to hold back because of me."

Grief sank into her. "Yes, there is. I'll never share that book with anyone. It's a reminder that I lost you because I wasn't brave enough. It's a reminder that I will never do it again."

His gaze fused to hers. Shock turned to something more, but it was too early to see if it could be a beginning. She continued.

"I love you. I will always love you. But I'm not going to pull an Anastasia and stalk you or beg. But I will be here. Quietly waiting to see if you might give me another chance. And if not? I'll be your friend. And if we can't be friends?" Her smile wobbled, but she let him see her true emotion. "I want you to be happy no matter what."

He remained quiet, so she sucked in a breath and finished up. "Thanks for meeting me, Brick. I miss you."

She paused, but he seemed to struggle for words. Shoving down her disappointment, she got up from the booth and walked out.

She'd meant it. Brick needed time and space. He needed to see that she wasn't running away and that she'd always choose him.

He needed a reason to give her another chance.

Brick sipped his beer at the end of the bar and waited for Kane.

The clatter of glasses and chatter rose around him. The scent of burgers and fries filled the air. Some woman approached him, but he just shook his head, and she disappeared with a huff.

He thought about Aspen.

Two weeks had passed since their meeting.

Brick had reread all her books. Twice. He heard stories about how she was helping in her sister's store and making friends with the volunteers at the sea turtle rescue organization. He'd read a story online after a Google alert with her name pinged him. The article mentioned that Aspen had put an end to rumors that there would be a sequel to Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover , and the book world was upset. They also said the famous author had moved to OBX and was apparently taking a hiatus from writing.

Slowly, as the days passed, Brick began wondering if his pride was blocking him. In a way, it was easier not to forgive. To hold on to the hurt and resentment and wear them like a shield. To have it all be part of his story, his mind spinning elaborate tales of betrayal and images of him being a stoic warrior, separate from love and mess and hurt.

Aspen was here. And she wasn't Anastasia. She was on her own journey, and deep inside, Brick believed she loved him.

So, the real question was: Could he take the leap himself?

A slap on the bar interrupted his thoughts. "Dude, you with me? I've said your name a few times."

He looked at Kane. "Yeah. Sorry, was just thinking."

"Therefore, the smoke."

Brick rolled his eyes. "Hysterical."

Kane grinned, ordered an IPA, and slid onto the stool. "You really denied that pretty redhead glaring at us?" he asked.

"Yep."

"Interesting. Guess she'll be an addition to tonight's support group."

Brick frowned. "That broke up months ago. After Aspen left."

Kane laughed. "Nope. They changed it to the Badass Bitches Club, but then Aspen joined as a member. You didn't hear?"

Coldness washed through him. No. No, no, no…

Kane continued. "Guess she's the leader now. Who knows what type of stories she's sharing about you? Meeting's going on tonight. Right now, as a matter of fact."

The roaring built up in his ears. He gripped his glass and swiveled his furious gaze to Kane. "Are you fucking kidding me? "

Kane shrugged. "Nope. Thought you knew. Why don't you go blow it up right now? They still go to that wine bar. Maybe you can put a stop to all the gossip—your reputation is killing my mojo here. No one wants to sleep with me because I'm your best friend."

Brick stumbled off the stool, his vision blurry. Aspen had betrayed him. Right now, she was talking about him to that group of women who'd tried to destroy him. How could she do this to him? Had the past six weeks only been a game?

He was about to find out.

"I'm going over there. I've had enough of this shit."

"Good plan. I'll buy your beer," Kane called out.

Brick stormed out and drove to the wine bar. Lifting his hand at the bartender, he headed to the back room where feminine voices rose and tangled in the air. He was about to burst in and lose his shit when he heard his name from Aspen's lips.

He froze.

"I don't know if Brick will ever forgive me," she said brokenly. "I keep seeing his face when I left. I had everything I ever wanted, and I broke his heart. Do I even deserve a second chance?"

Riley spoke, her voice cutting across the murmurs of sympathy. "Yes, you do. And you will get Brick back. We've come up with a three-prong plan which guarantees success."

"You've already done the first part. Give him space to miss you. The second is the apology tour. The third phase is to seduce him." Was that Lacey? A peek confirmed the petite blonde had spoken.

"I met him for coffee two weeks ago," Aspen said. "I apologized again, but I'm not sure it made a difference."

"What were you wearing?" another female asked. "Were you showing boobs?"

Brick pressed his lips together so he didn't snort.

Aspen gasped. "No! I can't use my body. It's not fair."

"Everything's fair in love and war," Riley stated. "Lacey's right. You need two more weeks of apologizing in various ways. Then you can move on to the fun part."

"Oh, send him handcuffs and a mask," Kate chimed in. "With a note that says you're sorry."

"That's ridiculous. What about a love poem? I've been practicing," Aspen said.

Groans rose in the air. "God, no. That's so cheesy," Lacey said. "What about crotchless panties? "

"I refuse to play dirty and use sex!" Aspen yelled.

"We're still talking about phase two of the apology. Crotchless panties with an apology note is fair game," Riley said.

"I love this man. I just wish I could convince him that I'll never let him down again."

Aspen's voice whispered across the room, rose to his ears, and buried itself in his heart.

In that moment, the ice broke, and the walls tumbled down. Suddenly, he realized that he not only loved her, he also forgave her because Aspen Lourde was his soulmate.

It was time to claim his woman.

Aspen released her innermost fear to the group, knowing they'd support her.

The girls had all reached out about changing the support group's name and asked her to join. Even Riley admitted that she was tired of blaming everything on Brick and wanted a clean slate. They'd named themselves the Badass Bitches Club and gathered to give support, drink wine, and be each other's cheerleaders. For the past month, they'd been doing journal work and sharing stories. Unfortunately, Aspen kept talking about Brick, so he still remained the main subject of their meetings.

She was about to steer the subject away from crotchless panties when Brick suddenly stepped from behind the wall and walked into the room.

Everyone stared in shocked silence.

Hands on hips, gaze narrowed, he took in all the members, then focused on Aspen.

Oh. God.

Those ocean-blue eyes blazed with raw emotion as he dove deep, forcing her to not only recognize but also accept everything he was about to give her. A small moan rose from her throat as sexual chemistry crackled in the air, and low murmurs vibrated through the room.

This man was a force to be reckoned with, and he'd come for her.

His voice was velvety smooth and made goose bumps break out on her skin. "I appreciate the plan you all came up with, but I'd like to speak with Aspen now. Alone."

Even Riley didn't fight. In a rush, they all jumped up and left, murmuring, "Good luck." And then it was just them, staring at each other in the vibrating silence.

"Brick—"

"I'd like to ask you an important question."

She winced. Her heart pounded wildly, and her palms sweated. "Of—of course. Anything."

He stepped forward, towering over her. His muscled body caged her in the chair. She swallowed hard and tilted her head back, his powerful, masculine presence pressing down on her with magnetism.

"Why did you want to skip the seduction phase?"

She blinked. Stared. "Huh?"

He placed a palm on either side of her chair, then leaned in. His spicy scent rose to her nostrils, and his carved lips stopped inches from hers. She melted into a puddle of want and hunger and confusion.

"That would have been my favorite part of the plan. Seducing me. Can we fast-forward to that portion?"

Hope flared. Her breath caught as tears burned her eyes and her body trembled. "Yes. Anything you want. Because you're the love of my life."

A half smile quirked his lower lip. "Good answer."

He slammed his mouth over hers, kissing her hard and deep. Her lips opened, welcoming him, urging him to take everything she had to give. He pulled her from the chair to wrap his arms tightly around her. "I missed you, baby."

"I'm so sorry," she whispered, cupping his cheeks, kissing his face. "Can you forgive me?"

"Yes. Because you came back. And you're mine."

Aspen sighed with pleasure, leaning into his hard strength, and knew she was home.