16. Aspen

Sixteen

Aspen

Getting up at the ass crack of dawn this morning was the only option. I was so excited about the farmers market with Boone that when my alarm went off, I refused to snooze it. Instead, I put on my cow slippers at the edge of the bed and got to work. I made it my goal to be ready before 9 am and to look really good.

After last night, there was a shift in my friendship with Boone. When he hugged me goodnight, I wanted to curl up and stay there forever. The warmth from his chest and his masculine scent felt like heaven. I craved the smell of teakwood and the embrace of hard-earned muscles for basic comfort.

Boone showing a vulnerable side added to the appeal. He opened up about everything involving his sister, which made my heart ache for him and his family. I couldn’t even imagine the pain and uncertainty they must’ve felt surrounding the situation with Ellie. That poor girl had been through it, and I couldn’t fault her for needing to get away to rediscover herself. I was glad I could be there for Boone and let him shed some of the weight he must’ve been carrying around.

I paid careful attention to the amount of makeup I put on today, since it was supposed to be hot. After applying a light layer of concealer, I added contour and bronzer. Usually, I avoided foundation in the warmer months. Finally, I added a touch of blush and a swipe of mascara to seal the deal.

Strolling out of the bathroom, I went to my bedroom to pick out my best dress. This one I saved for special occasions because it made my boobs look amazing. It was a milkmaid-styled dress, all white with baby blue flowers. Pairing that with my light brown sandals and cowhide purse, I was ready to go.

I made sure to pack some of my reusable bags because I was prepared to make some poor financial decisions today. How much could a girl spend at a farmers market, you may ask? There was no limit. You get me in front of some freshly picked flowers or a soy candle, I swear I black out.

Like clockwork, Boone knocked on my door at 9 am sharp. This man was not a minute early nor a minute late; he must’ve waited on the porch until the clock struck. I hurried to the door and flung it open, greeted by the handsome man in a short sleeve button-up and a pair of light-colored jeans. Damn, did he look good . He actually brushed his hair, even though it was covered by his cowboy hat. I had to pause to take it all in because my mouth was practically watering. When he dressed like this, I didn’t know if I could control myself. He obviously liked what he saw, too, because as my eyes came back up from his boots, he got caught at my breasts. They looked good in this dress, and it showed the right amount of cleavage.

“Eyes up here, Cowboy,” I said, calling him out for staring. Boone laughed, bringing his attention to my face.

“You look nice,” he complimented me, and I gave him a curtsy. Boone held out his arm for me to grab onto. As I locked my arm in his, I closed the door behind us. Being the gentleman he was, Boone opened the passenger door for me. When he climbed in the driver’s seat, I joked and said, “I don’t think I’ve seen you in anything but a t-shirt or, I guess, nothing at all.”

“Ha, so funny. I can clean up when I want to.” He tilted his head in my direction, leaving one hand on the wheel.

“Well, you do clean up pretty good,” I agreed.

When we arrived in town, Boone parked on a street about three blocks away from the start of the market. My excitement was building by the minute, and I felt like a kid in a candy shop. Once I stepped out of the truck, I waited for Boone so we could walk together. We made our way down the main street, the noise growing louder with each step. There was a live band set up on the street corner, which set the tone for the day.

“What’s your budget for the market?” Boone asked.

“Budget? I haven’t heard of her. You should see all the reusable bags I brought,” I said, pulling my bags from my purse. “I plan on getting some candles, soaps, maybe some jewelry. I know I need some flowers for my table.” I could go on and on about what I wanted to find, but I didn’t want to overwhelm the guy.

“Challenge accepted,” Boone quipped, taking my hand in his and pulling me along while we weaved in and out of the crowd. It was obvious people were starting to stare at us. Once the town caught wind of us coming here, I knew I wouldn’t hear the end of it from my parents, especially my dad. I hadn’t thought much about what he said about me and Boone since last seeing him. I tried to keep it out of my mind because it infuriated me. Who was he to judge Boone, thinking he wasn’t not good enough for me? Please, this man treated me with more respect than any finance guy from the city possibly could and you wouldn’t change my mind.

We got to the first stand with a homemade candle selection spread across the table. I picked up the first one, warm vanilla. It smelt pleasant, but it wasn’t the vibe I was looking for. It gave off more of a fall aesthetic. I held it out to Boone, letting him sniff.

“No way.” He shook his head. I picked up another one, lilacs. I loved the smell of fresh flowers. It was subtle, just enough to remind me of the spring. I held this one out to Boone too. He was more receptive, nodding his head and going in for a second sniff.

“I think this is a contender,” I said, placing it to the side. We must have smelt them all; nothing really speaking to me besides that second one. I picked up the last candle, lavender and vanilla, knowing instantly that this had to come home with me. The notes were perfect. The lavender was calming and the vanilla felt cozy.

Boone stuck his head closer to me, taking over the candle. “That one’s nice,” he commented, grabbing it and the other I had on the table. “We’re getting both.”

“We?” I asked, taking out my wallet and following close behind him to the lady at the register.

“Morning, ma’am.” Boone held them out to the older lady, who took them with a smile.

“Boone, you’re not paying for those,” I interjected, fumbling for the cash in my wallet. I tried to take out what I needed, but Boone was much quicker. He paid with a hundred dollar bill, getting back his change and putting it in his wallet before I could even count out enough to cover the purchase.

“Too late, Darling,” he teased, taking the bag from the cashier. “Where to next?” he asked like nothing happened.

“We’re not going to just blow over the fact you paid for those. I’ll pay you back. How much was it?” I said, still clutching my wallet.

“Oooh, let’s go over here. I want to take a look at their beef jerky.” He was completely ignoring me. I let out a groan and walked after him, admitting defeat on paying for the candles. Maybe, I could buy him jerky instead.

We spent some time looking at and sampling some of the different flavors at the stand, but Boone ended up wanting nothing. I think he did it on purpose because he knew I was locked and loaded with cash in hand ready to pounce when he found a flavor.

For what seemed like hours, we walked around and listened to some music while shopping. I got everything I came for and then some. Despite my protest, I even got to make my own flower bouquet, which Boone paid for. He did settle on letting me pay for my soap after I put up a tough fight.

I thought I was done, but couldn’t leave until I stopped at the jewelry stand. Their table was smaller, and the pieces were exquisite. They had stunning silver and turquoise jewelry with everything from earrings to bracelets. Stopping at the table, I took my time trying items on. I put on a beautiful ring and held it up to Boone.

“What do we think?” I asked, modeling the ring on my finger. He nodded, giving me his male approval. It was beautiful. When I looked back at it, I saw an even prettier bracelet in the background. Taking the ring off, I picked up the bracelet and put it on; it fit my wrist perfectly. Not too loose or too tight, like it was made for me. The thin chain had beautiful pieces of turquoise hanging every few links. Quickly, I checked the price tag and gasped when I saw how much it was. It had to have been real silver and stone for it to be that much. I quietly took it off and laid it down.

“What’s wrong?” Boone asked, picking up the bracelet.

“I know I said I didn’t have a limit, but I think I just found it,” I said, clearing my throat. I loved it, but wasn’t willing to spend that on a bracelet for myself. Boone twisted it in his fingers, turning it over and checking out the craftsmanship.

“Good thing I don’t have a budget,” he said, taking the bracelet.

“No, Boone. The flowers and candles are enough. I can’t let you buy this for me. This is way too much.” I tried to grab it from his hand and he pulled away, placing his free hand on the side of my cheek. I stopped instantly. He moved his hand underneath my chin and tipped my face up towards his.

“Let me do this, please,” he pleaded, looking into my eyes. I couldn’t help staring back. My eyes fell and caught on his lips. I was turning red. The warmth began to creep down my cheeks and to my neck. I swallowed hard and nodded at him. Boone lingered for a moment and let go, walking over to the young girl who was working the stand. I stood slightly behind him, watching when he handed the girl the money and leaned in closer to mutter something. The worker took the bracelet and cut off the tag, not placing it in a bag but into Boone’s hand. He said his thanks and turned away, placing his free hand on my forearm and guiding me away from the crowd to a nearby bench. He sat down first, and I followed, holding my flowers like a baby in my one arm.

“Boone–” I started, wanting to tell him again that it was too much. Instead, he cut me off.

“You should’ve seen the look on your face when you put it on. I couldn’t let you walk away without it,” he said, holding out his hand. I put my hand in his and he brought the bracelet to my wrist, putting it on for me. I couldn’t stop staring. It really was beautiful.

“Thank you,” I said, his hand still holding mine. When I looked at him, I couldn’t stop myself from leaning in and giving him a peck on his cheek. “It’s perfect.”

Boone was smiling, turning my hand over in his to take a good look at the piece of jewelry.

“You do have great taste,” he said, finally letting go. I exhaled the breath I didn’t know I was holding and felt a little calmer.

“I had an amazing time,” I said, probably looking like an idiot while I grinned ear to ear. The day was perfect. The weather, the company, and everything I was taking home.

“It’s not over yet,” Boone said, obviously up to something. What else could this man have up his sleeve? Turning to him, I saw the devilish grin on his face.

He stood, holding out his hand for me to stand up. I took it. He carried my bags from the day while I still clutched the bouquet of flowers. We walked back to his truck and placed our bags inside. Reaching into the bed, Boone pulled out a large weaved basket.

“Are we having a picnic?” I said in disbelief.

“Would it be a good thing if we were?” he asked, suddenly unsure.

“Oh, hell yeah!” I love a good picnic. Give me a basket and a blanket in some grass, and you won my heart. Boone tucked me under his arm and walked me towards the park across the street. He laid the red blanket out and placed the basket on the far edge.

“After you,” he said, waving a hand in front of the blanket. I sat down, and Boone sat next to me. He opened the basket and pulled out a bottle of wine with two glasses. I’d recognize that bottle anywhere; it was my favorite. Boone poured two glasses, one for me and one for him. “Cheers to a fun date.”

Clinking my glass against his, I took a sip. I couldn’t believe he remembered and brought a bottle for the date.

“This has probably been the best one I’ve been on,” I said.

“I had to pull out the big guns,” Boone said. “But just wait.”

“Oh no, wait for what?”

“I have our next date planned. It’s the grand finale,” Boone said.

A sinking feeling crept into my chest as the happiness dissipated. We only had one more date left. I hadn’t even started writing yet, and it was all coming to an end.

Boone pulled out a brown paper bag; I could tell that bag was anywhere. Inside was a blueberry muffin. One of my muffins.

Boone and I spent the next hour watching people and making up stories, except we knew most of them that walked by. I couldn’t help smiling the entire way home, thinking of every detail over and over again.