I laughed."We don't share a bathroom."
"But it was all that closeness in a confined space that had you thinking of something more with him?"
"He actually avoided me at first.He worked long hours to finish up some projects before the bakery could be renovated.Then things changed.He shadowed me at work to aid his design for my new kitchen, and he's cooked for me.We spent a lot of time talking, getting to know each other."
Aspen frowned."I don't remember Morgan ever cooking for a woman before."
That felt better than it should.I shouldn't be thinking about Morgan as future boyfriend material, but I was."He went from avoiding me to being everywhere.And he never seems to wear a shirt around the house."
I was positive she didn't want to hear how sexy he looked after his workouts when his muscles were primed and his skin hot to the touch.
She waggled her brows."And you just couldn't resist."
"Something like that.But it was only a one-time thing.I don't think anything will come of it."I was proud of myself for sounding nonchalant about it because I was feeling anything but.
Her brows furrowed."How can you be so sure?Is that what he told you?"
I shrugged, my hands wrapped around the cup."We didn't really talk about it.It just happened, and now I don't know what comes next."
She raised a brow."You could talk about it."
I sipped the iced latte."We probably should."
"Otherwise, you won't know where you stand."
"Are you dating anyone right now?"I didn't know Aspen that well.I knew she worked at the inn and part-time at the bookstore.But she wasn't invited to our girls' nights out because those were for shop owners.Or maybe it had just worked out that way.Aspen was always busy with her various jobs and activities.She rarely stayed still long enough for someone to ask her to do something.
Her nose wrinkled."I don't have time to date.I work a few different jobs.I think working one would be boring, and I like the variety that being in different places gives me."
"I love baking.I can't imagine doing anything else."
Something like regret flashed over her face."My family would like me to settle on one thing, but nothing really appeals to me.I tried going to college, but it didn't work out.I'm happy with how things are now, but it drives my family crazy.I think my mom would like me to be settled so she can relax and know she did her job."
"There's no timeline for this sort of thing.And isn't you being happy all that matters?"I asked.
She grinned."That's what I always say.I'm fine with how things are."
She said she was fine, not happy.That was a distinction I'd heard, but she didn't seem to acknowledge it.Maybe she wasn't as happy as she wanted everyone to think.But we'd only just started talking.
"I know I came on a little strong.I'd do anything for my brothers, but I wouldn't mind a new friend too.I know you usually hang out with the other shop owners, and I'm not one, but would you want to grab coffee again sometime?"
I winced."I'm sorry we didn't include you in our get-togethers, but I'd love to."
Aspen waved her hand as if it didn't matter, but I think it did."No worries.I get it.I'm not a business owner.Far from it actually.I wouldn't want all the responsibility."
"It is a lot.I never intended to be a business owner.I just love to bake.But when I worked for someone else, I didn't get to make my own things.It's more about what I want to create than just baking someone else's recipe."
Aspen's face softened."That must be amazing to love something that much."
"It is really cool.But when the bakery was damaged in the fire, I wasn't sure what I was going to do.I couldn't bake large enough quantities in a regular kitchen.Morgan's was too small.Thankfully, Eve came through with the town hall's kitchen."
"I'm glad you found that."
"And now Morgan is building me a new kitchen that will be even better than the last.This one will help with flow and movement and have more storage.It's going to be great, and I can't wait to see it."
"Are you planning on moving back to your apartment?"
I nodded tightly."It's easier to live close when you have an early morning wake-up call."
