“Why would I want you to leave?”
“We haven’t spoken to each other since we saw the fireworks.”
“I thought it would be easier if I didn’t call you.”
Ashley nodded. It hadn’t been easier for her, but if it helped Matthew, that was all that mattered.
Chan nudged her head with his nose. She stroked between his eyes and smiled when he leaned into her hand.
“I’d like you to stay for dinner, Ashley.”
She gave Chan a final pat before turning to Matthew. “Are you sure?”
Matthew moved a step closer. “I’m sure.”
Ashley took a deep breath, then wished she hadn’t. He was wearing the same aftershave that made her knees go weak. She wanted to kiss him, tell him that they could make this work.
“I enjoyed the article you wrote about Yellowstone.”
She lifted her gaze from his mouth. The heat of a blush hit her face when she looked into his eyes. So much for friendship. He knew what she was thinking and, if she wasn’t mistaken, he was thinking the same thing.
“Thanks. Logan wanted a fresh perspective on what it means to be a tourist in Montana, so I thought I’d start with one of our biggest attractions. Wait until you see the article on Big Sky. The photos we took of the wildflowers are incredible.” She closed her mouth before more words spilled out. Matthew didn’t want a relationship with her. Their attraction was based on left-over hormones, a pesky chemical reaction that didn’t mean anything.
“Are you enjoying your job?”
Ashley blinked. She was still lost in the pesky chemical reaction that was messing with her brain. “I am. I thought it would take a while to get used to living in Bozeman again, but it hasn’t. I’ve started running in the mornings, and I have time to see my friends. I’ve even gone ten-pin bowling twice.”
“It sounds like you’re happy.”
“I am. I didn’t realize how much I missed being here.” She waited a heartbeat before telling Matthew her biggest news. “I’m going to buy a house.”
He didn’t seem surprised. “Sean told me you were looking at different properties. Have you seen anything you like?”
Her shoulders relaxed as she thought about the house she’d visited today. “There’s a house around the corner from where I’m living. It’s just come on the market, and it’s beautiful. Five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen to die for, and a huge fireplace in the living room.”
“Sounds expensive.”
“It’s more than I wanted to pay, but it’s amazing. I think it’s worth every dollar they’re asking. It’s not on the realtor’s website yet, but I could show you some photos on my phone?”
“I’d like that.”
Ashley smiled. “I left my phone in my car. I’ll get it before we go inside. Dana Richardson is the realtor who’s helping me. We’ve looked at about fifteen houses, but this one’s special. It needs some work, but that doesn’t…”
Matthew’s hand touched the side of her face.
She froze, then closed her eyes when he moved closer. The need building inside her was overwhelming. She wanted to be close to Matthew, wanted so many things that would never happen.
“I’m sorry, Ashley.” Matthew leaned his forehead against hers. “I should have believed you when you said you wanted to stay in Bozeman.”
She stepped into his arms and hugged him tight. “I don’t blame you for thinking I’d leave, but this is where I want to stay.”
Matthew sighed and pulled her close. “What are we going to do?”
Sadness welled inside her chest. “I don’t know.”
“I can’t be your friend, Ashley.”
If she needed a reason to burst into tears, Matthew had just given it to her. She stepped away from him, wondering why she’d ever thought coming here was a good idea.
