She blew a kiss at me as I headed out the door. I couldn’t help but wonder if I would have as much fun when I decided to try a big city again.
18
Murphy
Taking off my pink apron on Saturday, I looked down at my Bean tee and skinny jeans, which I was wearing with chunky black patent Doc Martens I bought during my freshman year of college. It was about as Vermont as I got, and the best I had to wear to go look at animals with Hunnie.
“See you tomorrow,” I told Audrey, who’d popped in to check on the temperature gauge on the industrial fridge. Apparently, a few years back, the power went out and the big monstrosity occasionally went on the fritz after being reset.
She waved me off. “I don’t think I’ll stay after I come in to start the baking, but call if you guys need anything. Family day, you know?”
I nodded like I did, but I knew nothing about fun family times that weren’t press opportunities.
Grabbing my bag from the back room, I checked my phone. One text from my mom about a party coming up in October, and if I’d be willing to make an appearance. She even offered to buy me a dress and arrange for salon appointments—which meant she was going to style me up however she liked.
Scrolling through, I saw a text had come in from Ben, and decided to respond to my mom later.
Hey there. I hear you’re going to look at animals. Beware of poop if you’re wearing sandals.
Snapping a picture of my boots while walking to my car, I decided not to reply with words. I simply sent the photo and waited. A few seconds later, my phone rang.
“Hello?” I said, acting surprised.
“Don’t hello me,” Ben said with a mock growl. “You’ve been holding back on all of us. Do you have a secret Vermont wardrobe?”
I giggled into the phone, leaning my butt against the trunk of my car. “These are so old. Bought them on a whim for a Halloween party freshman year. For some reason, I thought a barely there negligee paired with clunky boots was sexy back then. Thank God, sorority rules forbid photos at the party, because I’m not sure I ever want to be reminded of the night.”
“I don’t know if I agree with any of what you just said,” Ben said, his sexy voice rumbling over the line.
I can’t lie—a shot of something surged through my body, making my cheeks burn. I told myself it was the Vermont sun, but deep down I knew it wasn’t.
“Well, you’ll have to live without them. Can you imagine my parents’ reaction if they saw them?”
As Ben laughed, I could hear someone call his name in the background.
“Branson is hanging with me this weekend. We’re watching golf on TV. I don’t even know who I am, but he seems to like it. Anyway, wanted to see if you wanted to go walk around the Montpelier farmers’ market on Tuesday? They’re open. We could bring some dessert back here if you want.”
“Oh yeah. I actually work Tuesday morning at the Bean, and I could spy on some other honey vendors while there.”
“Great. Can I pick you up around five or a little after?”
“Sure. You want to drive back and forth to Colebury? I can meet you.”
“I want to. I’ll stop for a coffee. Make sure you tell them to make me a good one.”
“I’ll see ...”
“And, Murph?”
“Yes?”
“Wear those boots.”
“With knee socks?” I asked, lowering my voice to a husky purr.
I don’t know what came over me—I was wanton in a way I’d never imagined. Like a heroine in a historical romance yearning for a man, taking what she wanted or needed. I was no longer the woman I was raised to be, and it felt good.
Ben blew out a frustrated sigh. “Murphy, you’re really making me regret having my nephew here.”
