Not that Eddie is lacking in that department. He possesses a bevy of beer buddies, but maybe I fill a different niche—someone for the quieter moments. At least until he finds a girlfriend.
No doubt there are plenty of women willing to tackle that role, and Eddie would be a phenomenal partner. He’s kind, funny, generous with his time and wallet, and… damn it, ridiculously attractive.
Fine. I’ve noticed the way his shirt stretches across his well-developed pecs and bulging biceps.
Sue me. I might be older, but I’m not blind… and like I said, he’s one hell of a spectacular view. Sometimes, late at night after spending time with Eddie, I wonder what my life would look like if I’d met him before everything fell apart.
Before the scandal that shook Sparkwood and tethered my name to a monster.
There’s no way I could have held out against him back then—against that slow smile, the quiet confidence, the way he makes you feel like you’re the only person in the room. I’d have jumped in with both feet, age gap be damned.
I know in my bones Eddie would be spectacular at loving someone. Steady. Devoted. All in.
And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous.
Jealous of the woman who will one day receive that love from him.
The bells above the door of One More Page jingle as I step inside, and warmth engulfs me.
But despite the coziness of the bookstore, I don’t dare dally amongst the shelves. The few patrons milling about glance in my direction, but thankfully, say nothing before returning to their books.
It’s a minor victory, but I’ll take it.
Plus, I know the warm welcome I’ll receive from Ori. The tiny bookstore owner and I became friends the moment she moved to Sparkwood, and I watched with mild amusement as she and her now fiancée danced around their feelings for several months.
Thank God they finally figured it out because no one, and I meanno one,can corral Ash Hammond like Ori.
Trust me, I dated the man for a hot minute a million years ago. I tried—and failed—spectacularly.
Seems the resident tattoo god and I were destined to be friends, and after all the shit of the last few months, I lean on these two more than ever.
I hurry to Ori’s office, situated down the back hallway, and knock gently on the door.
Within seconds, Ori opens the door, a wide grin decorating her features. “Kiki, it’s been forever. Get in here.” She motions over her shoulder. “Ash, guess who’s here?”
Ash steps from the adjacent bathroom, his little girl, Iris, asleep in the crook of his neck. With a few long-legged strides, he crosses the room, offering me a kiss on the cheek. “How are you doing, lady?”
My fingers drift along his daughter’s back, and she grumbles, her tiny fist pressed against her mouth. “She’s gotten so big.”
“Growing like a weed,” Ori says, pressing a soft kiss first to her daughter’s scalp and then turning her face up to Ash. “Honestly, I didn’t want to bring her in today, with the chill in the air, but I’m so behind with work. Plus, this one was going through Iris withdrawal.”
Ash shrugs, nonplussed. “Can you blame me? She’s perfect. My wife does good work,” he adds with a smirk, winking at Ori. “I’m trying to convince her it’s time for the next installment.”
Ori rolls her eyes, waving him off, but there is no way I’m letting his words slide by without comment.
“Hang on a second. Yourwife? Did I miss something? When did you two get married?”
And why wasn’t I invited to the wedding?
Yes, that thought sets up camp, lodging in my brain as Iwonder if they’d exclude me from their big day for fear of an incident with the other locals.
Kiki, they invited you to their engagement party. Stop being silly.
“Nothing official yet.” Ash perches on the edge of the desk, shifting Iris to his other shoulder. “But I like calling her my wife. It’s got a nice ring to it.”
This time, Ori’s entire being lights up. “Trust me, you’ll know when the big day arrives. You’ll be front and center, dressed to the nines in the coolest bridesmaid dress ever.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” I don’t elaborate on her off-the-cuff invitation to participate in their wedding, but just like my time with Eddie, I’m not complaining.
