A fresh start.
I had the time off from work, and my only other option was to sit here in the city, locked away in my apartment, avoiding everyone I knew.
Instead of texting Cole back, I hit the call button, holding the phone to my ear. He answered on the second ring, his voice that calm rumble I remembered a little too well.
“Aspen, is everything alright?”
He sounded so concerned. I liked that he was straightforward and direct with his words, and I felt like there was trust there that probably shouldn’t be. The last thing I needed was a rebound relationship. But I couldn’t get that kiss out of my head, or his genuine kindness as I dealt with all the curveballs thrown my way last night.
“Yes. I had to go to the omega network and have someone escort me to get my things from the packhouse.”
“I would’ve helped you, Aspen. Especially, since you’re helping me,” he said.
He meant every word of that, too.
“No, it’s fine. I needed to get this done my way. I didn’t want anything hanging over my head when we left the city.”
“Wait,” he said as the words hit him. “Does that mean you’re going home with me? I meant what I said in my message, Aspen. This is too much to ask of anyone. You don’t have to do this.”
“I know,” I said quickly. “But I’ve given it thought. Everything your mom said about Pine Ridge sounded like such a nice change of pace that I’m hoping it will help me make sense of this madness and figure out my next steps.”
“We can discuss your place in the company and your ambitions within it. I’ll admit I’ve been a little hands-off lately, but I promise you we can talk about how to better use your skills. Mom mentioned you liked it atPack & Co.but had different ideas of what you’d like to write.”
“That would actually be great, Cole.”
“Then all we have left is to finalize our plans. I need just a day or two more to set up my own vacation time. I haven’t taken days off since I started this magazine. I’m sure they can do withoutme for the holidays. If it works for you, I’ll be by Friday morning to pick you up. Around ten?”
“What do I need to pack? I’m not really sure what to expect. Most of my stuff is in the back of this moving truck, so I’ll probably need the next two days to get it sorted anyway.”
“At the risk of sounding like a rich asshole, I was planning on having my assistant gather me some warmer clothes. We’re going to be in the mountains. I’d love it if I could have her call you for your sizing, and she’ll get most of what we need for us.”
I took a moment to respond. With my pack, everything was independent. I paid for my own things, and I was proud of that. With my future so up in the air, I couldn’t find a good reason to tell him no.
This was a favor to him, and if he wanted to make sure I was well equipped for whatever we were going to be doing, I was going to let him.
Especially because I didn’t have any ski suits or anything like that.
“That would be fine,” I finally said. “Thank you.”
“Shouldn’t I be the one thanking you?” he chuckled. “You, for some crazy reason, agreed to be my fake fiancée so my mom can have a good holiday. I know you’re also going to take advantage of the small-town quiet life to recover, but this really does mean the world to me.”
“Getting away from my asshole exes was good enough for me. And I look forward to talking about the magazine and what I can do,” I answered.
“Of course,” he promised. “I’ll see you Friday, Aspen.”
He hung up, and I tucked my phone back in my purse. When I glanced at the omega next to me, she gave me a knowing smile but said nothing else.
For once, I didn’t care what anyone else thought. I was going to embrace myself again. Wear what I wanted withoutwondering if it would get my pack’s approval, do what I wanted because I had no obligations outside of my promise to Cole.
Two short days, and I’d be away from this drama and embracing small-town life, even if it was temporary.
This was exactly the change I needed.
Aspen
Cole was punctual. I watched out the window that overlooked the street in front of my building. He pulled up at exactly ten o’clock on the dot. I half expected him to simply wait for me to come down, but he climbed out quickly.
I stepped away from the window and gathered my bags. He’d promised he already had the things his assistant picked out for me, none of which I was privy to. At least I was able to explain my style, favorite colors and looks, and sizes. So, I only put my essentials in my luggage. Makeup, jewlery, and a few books to keep me busy in case the quiet life was a bit too quiet for my liking.
