The camper door clicks behind me and a second later, warm arms slide around my shoulders and Aspen presses a sleepy kiss beneath my ear.
“Good morning.”
Her voice is rough with sleep, and it’s the sexiest sound I’ve ever heard.
“Morning, Angel.”
Reaching around, I pull her to my front and settle her in my lap.
Right where she belongs.The thought sneaks up on me as Aspen steals my coffee and takes a sip.
Immediately, her nose wrinkles.
“That’s terrible.”
I bark out a laugh.
“It’s no salted caramel latte. But you can’t beat the view.”
She sets the mug aside and cups my face.
“Come here.”
I don’t argue.
Her lips find mine in a warm, unhurried kiss, and I forget every place I’ve ever been except right here. Every moment except this one.
Her fingers disappear into my hair.
Mine settle at her waist.
The sun climbs higher.
The fire crackles.
For one perfect moment, everything feels exactly the way it’s supposed to.
Then my phone rings.
Aspen pulls back first.
I glance at the screen.
Connie.
All peace inside me fractures.
There’s no good reason why she’d call at this hour.
Over the years, I’ve gotten dozens of calls. None of the past ones matter when her name lights up my screen, though. Every time, the same thought hits me.
What if this is the one?
CHAPTER
FORTY-EIGHT
ASPEN
