7. Boone
Seven
Boone
Sleep was hard to come by after last night with Aspen. I rolled over in bed to check the clock on the nightstand, 9:00 am. I couldn’t tell you the last time I slept this late, even on a day off.
I was up until the early hours of the morning, reliving the swimming hole. What the hell was I thinking? Hooking up wasn’t new to me. Typically, the person didn’t live next door or work at the ranch. I counted my blessings that nothing went farther than a hot make out session. I would’ve loved to bring her back to my place and learn the noises she’d make while taking all of me. However, the look of indignation on her face was burned into my memory. As much as I was thankful things didn’t go too far, I hated knowing how stopping everything made her feel. The attraction I felt towards her was more than just physical. She was sunshine, and I was addicted to it.
I blamed the liquor; I did stupid shit while drinking tequila. I didn’t regret kissing her, swimming naked, or having her body pressed up against mine. I just wished the circumstances were different and less complicated. She was an employee and my neighbor. If I were still eighteen, I would’ve done anything or used every pick up line in the book to get her to come home with me. Rules and boundaries meant nothing to me back then.
I wandered to my kitchen in pajama pants that hung low on my hips. Turning on my coffee maker, I brewed a few cups to help flush out the night before. Luckily, when I woke up, Rhodes, Mac, and Logan were gone, which allowed me to get lost in my thoughts.
Do I bring up what happened with Aspen when I see her next or do I let her be the one to start a conversation? Would she be down to do it again, this time with both of us sober? One thing I did know, I needed to keep my cool the next time I saw her. If I acted like how I was thinking, I’d for sure scare her away.
I smiled, reliving the memory of her, joking and laughing with my friends. The way her eyes sparkled with the mixture of tequila and wine. If I was an artist, I’d paint that image and frame it in my house for everyone to see.
The sound of my coffee pot dinging brought me back to the present. I poured myself a cup, adding cream and sugar. Wanting to get some fresh air before the Texas heat became too much, I took my fresh cup and headed to the door. When I opened the door, I saw a Tupperware container sitting on my porch. There was a piece of yellow lined paper folded in half, held onto the lid with a piece of scotch tape. My name was written on the front in beautiful cursive letters.
Boone,
I hope these blueberry muffins help with your hangover. They sure as hell helped with mine.
With Love,
Aspen
I let out a deep breath and was flooded with relief. Maybe things weren’t going to be awkward. I was overthinking, which was something I didn’t do. I wasn’t a “worrier.” This kind of thing wouldn’t even cross my mind; however, I cared about how Aspen was and if things would be normal.
I took a step further towards Aspen’s cabin. She wasn’t sitting on the porch, which was surprising. Since moving in, she’d spent any free moment curled up on the swing with a book in her hand.
“Oh, come on!” I heard a female voice groan from the other side of the cabin. Placing my coffee and the container inside, I threw on my slippers and walked toward the sound. Aspen stood in front of her Jeep with the hood propped open. As I got closer, I saw her standing on her tippy toes. She was back in a sundress; this one was a pale yellow. Her hair was half up with a gold butterfly clip.
“Is everything okay?” I asked, coming to the front of the car.
“No!” she huffed in frustration, settling back onto her feet. Her hands landed on her hips, and she blew a piece of hair from her face. “It won’t start! I haven’t had an issue with her, ever. I wanted to go into town and pick up stuff for tomorrow. I found a local beekeeper who’s selling honey. Looks like that isn’t going to happen.”
“Let me take a look,” I moved closer, taking her by the shoulders and guiding her out of the way. I looked under the hood to see if anything was obviously loose. Nothing stood out, but I wouldn’t know more until I got underneath or checked the battery. I tugged at the belt and checked the fluids; both seemed fine. I wiped my hands on my pajama pants and turned to face Aspen.
Smirking, I asked, “You like what you see?” She stopped and looked up, cheeks flushed with a faint tint of pink. If I had a dollar for every time this woman looked at me like I was some kind of meal, I’d be a few dollars richer.
Ignoring my question, she spoke, “The car started up fine last time. Now, when I put the key in, she just kept sputtering.” She mimicked the sound I assumed was coming from her car; it wasn’t very helpful.
“Could be your battery. If a light was left on, it could’ve drained. When was the last time you changed it?”
I could tell by the look on her face that the battery had never been changed, at least by her. “Well, in that case, let’s go get you a battery.” I started towards my cabin.
“Wait!” she shouted, hurrying in my direction. “I don’t want you using your day off chauffeuring me around.”
“It isn’t a problem. I need to go into town today anyway. Gotta get some fencing for the pasture. Let me just get changed and we can go. I’ll take you to the beekeeper, too.” Aspen followed me up to my front door. Pushing it open, I went inside while she stayed stuck at the threshold.
“You can come in, ya know. I won’t bite.”
Aspen nodded and walked into the living space. “Thanks,” she muttered.
“There’s coffee in the pot, cream in the fridge. Make yourself at home. I’ll be out in a minute.” While heading to my bedroom, I heard her open a cabinet and then the fridge, making herself a cup of coffee.
“Your place is nice!” She shouted from the living room. I had my bedroom door open and caught a glance of her walking around. I pulled on a pair of jeans and a Miller Lite t-shirt.
“Thanks!” I yelled back, “As nice as a single man can make it, I guess.”
I touched up my hair in the bathroom and threw on my signature hat. The light khaki color had seen better days, but nothing is better than a worn hat that fits right.
When I made my way back into the kitchen, Aspen was leaning up against the counter next to the container from my porch.
“Ah, so you got my muffins.” She pointed towards them. I grabbed a muffin and popped it in my mouth.
I replied, my mouth full, “I did.”
Aspen scoffed, “Doesn’t look like you even have a hangover.”
“Alcohol doesn’t really have that effect on me.” I wiped the crumbs from my mouth with the back of my hand. “Thanks for dropping them off. You must’ve gotten up pretty early.” I’d never had a woman do extra for me before, it felt nice.
Aspen dismissed it with a wave of her hand, “I can make them blindfolded. I’ve been doing it at The Coffee Cup for years. You’ll have to give me your opinion with the fresh blueberries.” There was a tone of pride in her voice. I’d make sure to tell her I loved them even if I didn’t, just to keep that smile on her face.
When we walked out to my truck, I made my way to the passenger door first, opening it for her to climb in. “What a gentleman,” she commented, climbing up and flopping down on the seat.
I tipped her my hat and muttered, “Always.”
Aspen
Sitting in the passenger seat of Boone’s truck was the last place I thought I’d ever be. After last night, I didn’t know what would happen when we both sobered up. I wanted to ask Boone how he felt. I thought all the events of last night would come rushing back, and I would feel nothing but regret. Instead, I felt calm and comfortable about the tequila-infused decisions I made. I took the night to sleep it off and the morning to think. Last night, I felt like a wreck, but I realized I had nothing to be sorry for or embarrassed about. Boone driving me into town validated that thought. The anxiety wasn’t in the driver seat, and I liked it better that way.
There was a different presence about me today. For the first time, I wasn’t locked up in a cage by myself. Boone brought out a side of me that seemed almost immature and I liked it. At twenty-five, I woke up feeling like a teenager again.
“Do you want to put some music on?” Boone asked, pulling me from my thoughts. He reached down to turn on the radio, hitting the ‘tune’ button until the first clear station filled the car. A country station came in and Zach Bryan’s “Revival” filled the car at a low hum.
“This is perfect,” I replied, smiling as I reached for the dial to turn it up.
The sun was shining and the late morning air was the right temperature. I rolled down my window and let the wind tousle my hair. Singing to myself, I put my hand out the window and let the air drift through my fingers. I could hear Boone humming along.
Humming turned to singing, and singing turned to us belting the lyrics while driving the backroads into town. I took a mental picture of this moment. Boone looked handsome as ever. He was smiling, singing along while his eyes were focused on the road, and mine were fixed on him.
When the song slowed, I reached for the dial. The adrenaline taking over and fueling me to broach the subject that was consuming my thoughts.
“About last night…” I began, trailing off and not knowing how to finish the sentence. What did I even want to know, would he be weird around me now? Would it impact the “friendship” that may not be a real friendship? Did he regret it? Would he have gone farther?
“What about it?” Boone asked.
“I… I don’t want it to make things weird between us,” I confessed.
Boone laughed, “Am I making it weird, Aspen?”
No. He wasn’t, in fact it was the opposite.
Before last night, before I had his tongue in my mouth, I was more nervous around him, quiet and timid. Now though, I felt oddly comfortable around Boone, dare I say safe . He didn’t push me any farther than I wanted to go. To be honest, I think I was the one to push him. It was like he sensed my uncertainty and let me control.
Flashbacks from last night popped into my head, I wanted to beg him to do it again. Shaking my head to clear them all I said, “I needed to make sure.” I needed reassurance that what we did wasn’t ‘wrong’, that the fact I didn’t feel guilty was okay.
“Why?” Boone’s simple question caught me off guard.
“I just… I haven’t really done anything like that before. I’d go as far to say I’m pretty inexperienced.” My eyes shot open. Why did I say that? Boone doesn’t need to know that I have little experience in the realm of sex or foreplay.
Boone nodded, making a “hmm” sound.
“That came out wrong,” I rushed. “I’m not like a virgin or anything! I’ve had sex before. It just hasn’t been very good. Like mediocre. Sad foreplay and a couple seconds of action. I don’t think I’ve ever truly come. I’ve faked it a lot.” Now I was just word vomiting. What the hell was I saying?
Boone’s jaw ticked and the car fell silent besides the radio that was turned down low. If last night didn’t make things awkward, my big mouth sure would. I felt the urge to fix this and hopefully dig myself out of this hole instead of deeper in it, but Boone beat me to it.
“I don’t regret last night,” he said flat out. “I enjoyed myself, and I hope you did too, Darling.” I could tell by the look on his face he wanted to say more, something was bothering him. I gave him a nod and looked back out the window, watching the last of the trees pass before we hit town. I didn’t trust myself to say another word. Foot, meet mouth.
Boone and I pulled up to the hardware store, which happened to be the store my brother owned. It took everything in me not to run the other way. I hadn’t fully thought this through. Having Boone Cassidy come into the store with me was sure to spark conversation. I had to play it cool, something I wasn’t very good at. Boone held the door for me, and I walked under his arm into the crisp conditioned air. The store smelt like old wood and a little musty. This place had been in business for generations, not by my family, but another local bunch. My brother worked here since he hit the age to legally be employed. Just like I had planned for myself and The Coffee Cup, the owners offered to sell it to my brother at a discounted rate.
Parker and I didn’t grow up close, he’s fifteen years older than me. My parents had him young, seventeen-years-old to be exact. They didn’t know what they were doing, they were children themselves. His childhood was much different than mine, and I knew he held resentment towards the upbringing I had. By the time I was old enough to walk or carry my own, he was in his twenties and wanted nothing to do with his baby sister. Now that I was an adult too, we rekindled a relationship that I wouldn’t wish away for the world.
I came around the bend, able to see the front counter. In the middle of the store were aisles of shelving, holding a variety of different products. The shelves were full and organized, I wouldn’t expect anything less from Parker. He was an organization freak and very hard to please. It explained why when he hired someone, they wouldn’t last a week.
There are two employees at “ Nailed It,” Parker and Harry. Harry was a sixty five year old man with salt and pepper hair. He retired from the medical field and needed something to fill his time. He was reliable, hardworking, and one of the sweetest older men I knew. Every time I would come into the store, he would greet me with a big hug and a kiss right on my cheek. He reminded me a lot of my grandpa, stories for days and a belly laugh that could brighten any mood.
No one stood behind the counter, so I smacked the bell over and over taking the “ring for service” sign literal.
“I’m coming!” Parker yelled from the back. I didn’t stop hitting the bell until he was face to face with me. Parker laid his hand over mine, stopping the noise. “Of course, who else would be annoying the shit outta me right after opening?”
I batted my eyelashes, looking up at him with my sweetest smile. My brother looked like a surfer crossed with a bit of country. He had long blonde hair that fell right under his ears and tattoos up each arm covering every inch of bare skin. His eyes were almost the same shade as mine, just a bit darker. “No one, considering I’m your only little sister and it’s my right to annoy you until the day I die.” I held up two fingers, honoring the Scout’s salute.
“And to what do I owe the pleasure?” Parker asked, throwing a rag over his broad shoulders. Parker put all his free time into the gym, and it showed. His biceps were bigger than my head and his legs could crush watermelons. I’m pretty sure I asked him to try it once, and all I got was an eyeroll. I would really hate to get on his bad side.
“Well,” I started, “I came over with…” I turned around to point at Boone, but he was nowhere in sight. When I brought my head back towards my brother, Parker was staring at me with a raised eyebrow. “Alright, I know what this looks like, I swear Boone was…” and just like that, Boone popped out from one of the aisles.
“See!” I shouted, pointing at him. “Not crazy!” Boone came and stood next to me, extending his hand towards Parker.
“Hey, Park.” Parker shook it, his eyes darting between me and Boone.
“I went to start my car this morning, and it wouldn’t turn over. Boone was up and heard me complaining. He offered to drive me to get a new battery.” I wanted to clear the air so my brother wouldn’t get the wrong image and think that Boone and I were hooking up or something. I guess that image wouldn’t be “wrong,” but secrets are a thing for a reason. I felt it though, he knew. Somehow he knew.
With a simple nod, Parker turned around and went towards the back. I looked at Boone over my shoulder, scowling slightly. Boone shrugged his shoulders in response. Parker came out with a battery in hand, ringing me up with the family discount I always get.
“I heard from mom and dad you’re working the farm stand on Cassidy Ranch,” Parker said, holding the battery hostage on the counter even though I already paid. He was fishing for answers, not very subtle.
“Yup. I start tomorrow.” How was I supposed to respond with Boone standing right behind me? I couldn’t say how excited I was to start working there and sound desperate.
“I’ll have to come by one of these days when you get settled. Gotta see my baby sister at work,” Parker says, sliding the battery across the counter. “Keep your hands to yourself, Cassidy.”
“Ew!” I squealed, grabbing the battery. “We are leaving, goodbye!” I shouted, taking Boone’s arm with my free hand and dragging him out behind me.
“Nice seeing you, Parker!” Boone yelled back.
I can’t believe he actually said that out loud, in front of Boone. The last thing I needed was the sex talk from my older brother. I would rather curl up and die.
When I got outside, I heard Boone behind me laughing.
“You think that was funny?” I yelled “I’m mortified. He knew! He could probably smell it on me. Ugh!”
“Aspen, it’s okay,” Boone assured, placing his hands on my upper arms as he stood in front of me. I held the battery in my arms, keeping it close to my body. “He doesn’t know about last night. And, so what if he did? We’re adults and my hands can be wherever they want to.”
Thinking of Boone’s hands all over me sent a shiver down my spine. “Still, I don’t need my brother thinking I’m hooking up with you .”
Boone recoiled, like what I said stung him.
“That’s not what I meant,” I said quickly, trying to recover. “What I meant was –”
“I get it. You don’t want your brother or your family thinking you’re sleeping around with someone like me .” Boone cut me off, my attempts to fix what I said obviously not working. “Let’s just get going.”
“Wait, didn’t you need stuff to fix the fence?” I asked, remembering that was one of the reasons he offered to take me into town.
“Nah, it’s okay. I’ll see if there is anything left in the barn from the last time,” Boone voiced.
He started walking to his truck, and I immediately followed. Jogging a bit to catch up to Boone, he opened the passenger door for me to climb in. Placing the battery on the floor by my feet, I plopped down. When he shut the door, I let out a deep breath. I really needed to think before I spoke.
Boone and I headed to the opposite side of town to pick up some jars of fresh honey from a local beekeeper in Faircloud. I was so excited when I saw how cute the little mason jars looked with a honey dipper attached by a ribbon. They were going to fit in well at the stand next to the display of soy candles made by another local. I was planning to start a “locally sourced” table to hopefully bring in traffic and help other people grow their small businesses. I had a passion for shopping small, whether it be for my produce, clothes, or anything really. I grew up in Faircloud where the closest big box store was in the city about an hour away. I’ve come to know the people behind the businesses and the hard work they put into building something from scratch. If I could use the stand to help them grow, I would take that chance any day.
My belly growled, loud and proud, in the passenger seat of Boone’s truck. He definitely heard it because as I looked up in horror, he grinned like it was funny.
“You hungry?” Boone asked, one hand on the wheel the other lounging on the center console.
“I guess I can’t deny it now,” I muttered under my breath.
“Want to stop for an early lunch? We can grab Pizza,” Boone replied.
Pizza sounded fabulous right now. It was nearly noon, and I wouldn’t say no to a good meal. Plus, I can treat Boone to lunch for helping me with my car and driving my ass around. “That sounds great!” I exclaimed.
Boone and I weren’t far from the only pizza place in town, so we arrived shortly after making the spur of the moment decision. We got out of the car and Boone held the front door of the shop for me.
“Hi Aspen!” The hostess, Emily, greeted me. She was a cute girl, always bubbly and sweet. She would come into the shop most days before her shift and order an iced caramel latte with a scone.
Her eyes left mine and caught on Boone behind me, how she missed him to begin with was beyond me. He towered over my frame, nearly a foot taller than me.
“Hi, Emily,” Boone said, still remaining behind me. “Table for two.”
Emily smiled, grabbed our menus and walked us towards a table by the window.
Why did it feel like everyone else in the dining room was staring at me? I felt exposed, like an animal at the zoo. I crossed my hands in front of me, cowering slightly. I sat on one side of the booth and Boone on the other. Of course, our window seat was front and center to the sidewalk where people were walking. Not to make another animal comparison, but I felt like I was in a fishbowl.
Emily told us the specials and informed us our server would be over shortly. I didn’t say another word until Boone cleared his throat. I’d been hiding behind the menu and, when I brought it down slowly, Boone was staring at me.
“Can I help you?” I asked, blinking quickly.
“You look like you’re in pain,” Boone pointed out.
I checked my posture, I was tense and obviously uncomfortable. “Is it just me or does it feel like everyone is staring?” I whispered.
“Oh yeah, they totally are,” Boone replied.
I placed the menu down hard, a stern look on my face. “That’s not helping, Boone,” I snapped through my teeth.
“You’re acting weird because people are staring? Darling, get used to it. It’s me they’re staring at, because I’m out with a woman in public,” Boone theorized.
I stared at him, what the hell does that mean?
“I don’t take women out. I don’t do relationships.” Boone sounded confident sharing that piece of information.
“Does that bother you?” I asked.
“It used to. Not really anymore. If I wanted to date, I would, but I just haven’t found the right woman to settle down with.” Boone was so sure of himself, seemingly content with his choices and his future. “Does it bother you? We can leave and have lunch back at my place if you’d be more comfortable.” I felt the sincerity radiating off him as he started into my soul. He was serious about leaving if I wanted to.
Did it bother me that much? I’m not used to attention being on me. I’ve flown under the radar most of my life so having all these eyes acknowledging my existence made me feel scrutinized. I didn’t want to take time away with Boone. If he was okay with it, I could be too.
“No,” I replied, looking back down at the menu. “I’m okay. Thank you for asking.” My eyes flicked back up to him and I saw a smirk pull at the corner of his lips as he read the menu.
I liked that he was confident, it was kind of contagious. I’d learned a lot about Boone Cassidy over the last week or so. He was blowing apart all the things I once thought about him and proving my judgments completely wrong. Boone may have once been chaos and bad decisions. Now, he’s a man with a good head on his shoulders.