Total pages in book: 9
Estimated words: 8162 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 41(@200wpm)___ 33(@250wpm)___ 27(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 8162 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 41(@200wpm)___ 33(@250wpm)___ 27(@300wpm)
Aspen shook his head and laughed about it when he retold the story. I remember when he was easygoing like that with me. My little antics would make him smile, which is the only reason I kept it up. Sometimes I’d throw a small fit over something silly and I’d get that handsome smile while he fixed whatever it was I was going on about. Afterwards he’d call me princess, but he hasn’t said that in years. I knew he meant it in a sweet way, which is why it always made me melt. He has the ability to make me feel precious with that one word.
“Are you here to start trouble?” I ask Ryan as he walks over. Even the way he walks is flirty. I swear this man is pushing his luck.
“Not much else to do,” he says as he leans up against the counter.
“You know he can toss you in that cell.” I nod towards the one cell I’ve never actually seen used before.
“I think if it gets me a date with you, it’s worth it.” Ryan gives me that smirk that has half the girls in town falling all over him. Too bad it does nothing for me. Ryan knows that but it doesn’t stop him. The man could flirt with a pole.
“You’re not going on a fuckin’ Valentine’s Day date,” Aspen says from behind me.
I didn’t hear him leave the office but I knew it wouldn’t take long before he was here to chase Ryan off. As much as I too enjoy annoying Aspen, the thrill is fading. Anger is starting to fill that space and if I’m honest I know that my anger comes from hurt. It’s too bad being mad is easier.
“We’re not,” I tell him as I glance over my shoulder in his direction. He doesn’t look at me but keeps on glaring at Ryan. His expression takes me back because I can tell he’s more than pissed this time. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this mad.
“I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow so Mina agreed to go out tonight.”
Aspen moves and I barely get my body in front of him before he can make a grab for Ryan. Without thinking I put my hands on Aspen’s chest to stop him and at the same time I feel his hands go to my hips. He must be doing it so he doesn’t run me down but his fingers are gripping tight.
“You’re the new sheriff,” I remind Aspen, but I don’t think he can hear me.
“Your move, Aspen,” Ryan says and then I hear his steps retreating to the door. “Pick you up tonight, Mina,” he calls out before making his escape back to the firehouse.
“You’re not going on a date with him.” Aspen’s fingers dig into my hips and my lips part.
I have to fight not to press my body against his and start moaning. It’s what I want more than anything but I’m not chasing him any longer. I’ve never tried to hide how I felt for him until after he turned away from my kiss. I hate this but it’s the way it has to be.
“Aspen.” My voice is soft as I trace my finger over his badge. He’s always trying to do the right thing and it’s one of the things I love about him. He’s a good man but maybe too good for me. “Let me go.”
“I can’t.” He closes his eyes and I watch his jaw clench.
“You have to,” I whisper. “Please.”
To my disappointment he takes a deep breath before releasing his hold on me and stepping back. A lump forms in my throat and I can’t swallow it down. Needing him to let me go and actually wanting it to happen are two different things.
“I’m actually done for the day,” I say quickly as I grab my cardigan and my purse off my chair. I give him one last long look before I run out of there as fast as my heels will let me.
“Mina,” he calls after me and I pause with my hand on the door.
I wait a few seconds but he doesn’t say anything else so I walk out and go straight for my car. After I toss my crap inside, I drive out of the lot because I need some time alone. I debate if I should go straight home or go for a drive when I hit the edge of town. I don’t get the chance to decide before red and blue lights flash behind me.
“What the hell is he doing?” I say to myself as I pull over and put my car into park. That’s it. I’ve officially hit my limit with Aspen. I’m halfway out of the car and already giving him a piece of my mind. “Listen here you—”