Page 73 of Spellbound & Speechless
“I’m completely self-taught. Took a few editing courses online, but the rest is all me.”
“Wow. I have a master’s degree, and I’m not nearly as talented as you.”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, you are. Don’t be like that.” I take the phone from her and run a hand across my hot cheeks, down over my stubble.
“I’m not, I guess it’s true that education can’t make someone talented.”
“No, I just worked a lot. Being self-taught still means Ihave to study, you know.” I smile. “What if we agree that we’re equally talented?”
“Then I would say we’re a pretty good match.”
We’re a perfect match.
Fuck. I need to tell my mom about her, don’t I? I’m falling harder for Aspen by the day. The longer I put the conversation off, the more pissed my mom will be. Pissed isn’t the right word.
Worried. She’ll be concerned, and she has good reason to be. Aspen already owns my entire heart. I would give up anything, including my life, to keep her safe and smiling.
“I guess we are.” I lean back on the bed. “Don’t let me stop you from working on your sketches, princess. I’ll be over here.”
“Fine.” She turns away to her desk, wiggling in her seat. “But someday, Iwillget you back into your photography era. Wait and see.”
“I believe you.”
If anyone can do it, she can.
Chapter 26
Aspen
“You seem happier lately,”Juniper says, watching me across the bar. Even though her expression is neutral, the faintest glimmer of mistrust hides behind her gaze.
Considering Laurel’s matchmaking, which I’ve heard of in great detail, and Rowan silently knowingeverything… Juniper is not the first person I expect to meddle.
Laurel sits in the little corner where she does readings. Her head lifts, a sign she’s listening in on the conversation. I don’t mind. Everyone should know how happy I am—how happy Mac makes me.
I shrug. “Iamhappy…”
“You know what I mean.” Juniper smiles. “Who is it?”
“You already know who.” I dry a glass as I wait for the pieces to click together.
“Gods.” It doesn’t take long for Juniper to shake her head. “I guess I should have considered that before letting you share a room.”
I laugh.“Lettingus? I’m not a child!”
“I know that. When have I ever treated you like a child?”
“Well, I would say… right now… kind of.”
It could be worse. Juniper may seem concerned, but I don’t feel judged. Whywouldshe judge me? He’s handsome, protective, and a great boyfriend. Mac is the whole package.
Isn’t that what I deserve?
“Yes! I knew it!” Laurel calls. “If he had let me finish the reading…”
“I know, I know. You’re a talented reader.” I roll my eyes. “Come on. We haven’t exactly been secretive!”
Well, Macissecretive. That’s just who he is. He’s quiet around the others, but I don’t hide the looks I give him, not one bit. Why should I? We’re happy together, and I think the world deserves to see more people who are madly in love.
