Page 53 of Summer Ever After

That seemed to crack the dam. Soon, she was moving with more confidence, drifting from rack to rack, trying on shorts, pants, airy cotton tops. He carried the bags, trailing after her as she slipped into dressing rooms, emerging with something new each time. She spun once in a sleeveless dress, white and navy with a light sway to the skirt, and his throat went dry. “That one’s trouble,” he muttered under his breath. She looked damn sexy in it. Hell, she looked sexy in everything she’d tried on.

Her cheeks warmed, but she smiled, and the dress went into the “yes” pile.

By the third store, she was laughing, holding up a pair of strappy sandals and teasing, “Think I can help you muck stalls in these?”

“Not unless you want a broken ankle.” He grinned, relieved to see that light in her eyes. She bought them anyway, along with a practical pair of sneakers and low-heeled flats she said would work for the office.

With each bag added to his hands, he felt a strange kind of pride. It wasn’t about the clothes. It was about her reclaiming something that bastard Ian had stripped away.

They stopped halfway through the shops to sit on some iron furniture and enjoy ice cream cones while she talked about her purchases.

He’d also made a few purchases: new sunglasses, a cotton shirt with donkeys on it that made him laugh, and a pair of running shoes.

Hours later, with the sun tilting low and the truck’s back seat full of bags, they grabbed iced coffees and sat outside on a bench by the fountain. Beth leaned back, one leg tucked under her, sipping through a straw as she watched children toss coins into the water.

“I don’t even recognize myself,” she said softly.

Aaron turned towards her. “That’s a good thing.”

She looked at him then, eyes shining, lips curving into the faintest, truest smile. “It feels like maybe this is me starting over. Like before, it was just…”—she shook her head—“practice.”

He wanted to tell her that he understood, that until she had come into his life, he’d just been going through the moves. After his parents’ deaths, he’d been faking it, hoping he could make it. With her, he was finally making it.

She’d been stronger than she realized for such a long time. She needed to know that. Had to. After everything she’d gone through.

He let his hand brush hers where it rested on the bench. They sat there enjoying their iced drinks, surrounded by shoppers, with the scent of salt air drifting inland.

“Isn’t this cozy.” The sound of Ian’s voice made him jerk up to stand between the man and Beth.

His eyes were glued to the man standing a few feet away from them. He was wearing shorts and a button-up shirt, signaling that he wasn’t on duty.

“You’re not supposed to be within a hundred feet…” he growled out, but Ian lifted his hands to stop him.

“I was sitting there”—he motioned to a table—“when the two of you sat here.”

The hell he was. Aaron had made a point to keep his eye out for Ian all afternoon. The last thing he’d wanted was to bump into him or miss him if he was spying on Beth. Still, he decided not to counter the man.

“We’re leaving.” He took Beth’s elbow to lead her towards his truck.

Beth surprised him by stopping and turning towards Ian.

“Did you burn my place down?” she asked, her chin going up slightly.

Aaron watched Ian’s response to her words and saw a glint in the man’s eyes that was his answer.

“No,” he said firmly.

Beth’s eyes narrowed. “Why? Why did you do it?”

“I said no,” Ian countered.

“Was it because you’ve lost control of me? Was it because you like seeing me miserable?” Her voice lowered. “Or were you trying to end me?”

Ian didn’t answer. He just stood there looking pleased that they weren’t rushing away.

“Well, I just want you to know that I’m happy. Happier than I ever was with you.” Aaron jerked slightly beside her. He knew that provoking someone like Ian could only go one way. Nothing good was going to come from it. “So you lose again.” Beth’s voice was strong. “This is the last time I will tell you to stay away from me, Aaron, and everyone at the camp. Don’t step foot there or on Aaron’s property again.” She lifted her chin as she grabbed his hand. “Leave us alone.” She turned and pulled him towards the truck.

“That was amazing,” he said softly as he opened the truck door for her. “But you know that probably only provoked him further.”