She said it as if Roan were thirteen instead of well into his thirties. “I’m friends with the whole Hartley family,” I hedged.
I wasn’t sure Roan would consider me a friend, more an annoyance, but I’d be his friend anyway.
Ms. Peabody’s lips thinned. “They are a wonderful family, but Roan…you need to be careful around him. He’s not like the rest of his siblings. Not exactly normal.”
My spine snapped straight. “Roan is an incredibly kind and caring human being. He was here to bring me food for an injured deer that he helped me rescue. That sounds like an amazing person to me. If you want to judge him because he’s quiet or a little gruff, go ahead. But don’t do it in front of me.”
Ms. Peabody snapped her mouth closed, her face turning red. “I was trying to look out for you.”
“Maybe. Or were you trying to stir up gossip and trouble?”
The redness deepened. “I don’t need this kind of attack. I’ll take my business elsewhere.”
I wanted to shout good riddance as she flounced out of the café, but I resisted.
A slow clap sounded, and I looked to see Elsie grinning as she did it. “Bravo. That woman is awful.”
Jonesy chuckled. “Can’t say I’ll miss the side of bitter with my morning joe.”
“But that hottie can come back anytime. He’s got a great ass.”
I choked on a laugh, but it died on my lips as I watched Ms. Peabody storm across the street. I couldn’t imagine what it must be like for Roan to live with that kind of cruelty and judgment day in and day out. No wonder he rarely ventured into town.
But as much as I understood, it made my heart ache for the man who had to feel incredibly alone.
11
ROAN
Those green eyes were burned into my memory—the spark of heat in their depths. My hands clenched and flexed as I tried to shake the image loose.
No luck.
I had a feeling Aspen’s eyes and those berry lips would be playing on a loop for a long time to come.
I’d almost kissed her. Came this close to closing the distance and tasting that mouth.
I cracked my neck as if that would rid me of the need coursing through me. Lust didn’t control me. Never had.
If I felt need starting to build, I went elsewhere. Away from Cedar Ridge. There were no names. No tender touches. Just taking what we both wanted.
But those urges had come on fewer and farther between. Maybe because I’d started to feel as empty as they were. Maybe because I was too old for that shit.
Only now, I was starting to worry that I’d made a fatal mistake in not continuing those anonymous encounters. One that made Aspen’s mouth more tempting than it should be.
I strode across the street, letting the cold hit me full force. I needed to fight off her pull.
The sign for Al’s Body Shop beckoned me. Al hadn’t been around for at least two generations, but the name remained. It was cold enough that all the bays were closed, so I made my way to the office.
A bell dinged as I opened the door, and it didn’t take long for a head to pop out from the workstations. A guy who didn’t look much over eighteen took me in, eyes widening.
My teeth ground together as I fought back a curse.
“Can I help you?” There was a slight waver to the kid’s voice.
“Jim,” was all I said in response.
The kid scurried off. Jim emerged a few seconds later, wiping his hands on a rag. “You like scaring the piss out of my guys?”
I grunted.
Jim shook his head, a smile on his lips. “I think you do. What can I help you with? Don’t see your truck out there.”
“You got Aspen Barlow’s wagon?”
Surprise lit Jim’s eyes. “Going through that heap now. It’s a miracle she hasn’t ended up stranded.”
A muscle ticked in my jaw. “Got a ballpark of what it’s going to take to get it running safely?”
His surprise morphed into curiosity. “Still working, but I’m guessing about six Gs when we’re all said and done. She needs new tires, too.”
That tic in my cheek intensified. “I want to cover the majority of it. Think you can come up with a story she’ll buy?”
Jim leaned back against the counter for a moment, studying me. “Who is she to you?”
Wasn’t that the million-dollar question? “One of Grae’s best friends. She’s a good woman. Works hard. Doesn’t need this shit when she’s got a little girl to take care of.”
It was apparently the right answer because Jim jerked his head in a nod. “I’ll tell her that it wasn’t as bad as it looked, and if she gives me a day or two to work her in, I’ll give her a discount.”