Page 52 of Beneath the Midnight Sky
“There is no way in fucking hell you know what I’m thinking right now,” she interrupted, her eyes still wide.
“Okay, you’re right. I may not knowexactlywhat you’re thinking, but I’m sure I have some slim idea of what it sounds like, and listen, I’m not insane, okay? I did think about this. The sunflower is one of your favorites too, so it isn’t just your name, and honestly, I feel as if that probably makes this seem more…creepy,” I started rambling, and it seemed as if the longer I went on, the less I could stop myself from sounding like an idiot.
“Rowan, stop,” she interrupted, and I stared at her, waiting for the guillotine to drop down over my neck. “Is this the appointment you had yesterday after you dropped me off?” she asked, her voice calm and inquisitive.
I nodded. “Yeah. I had it wrapped yesterday while you were working, and obviously, you had other things on your mind by the time you arrived last night.”
She let out a small chuckle. “You can say that again. Can I actually look at it?”
I slowly nodded internally, curious as if she could see just how confused I was right now with how this was playing out. But either way, I gave her my hand, palm down, so she could see the full thing I’d gotten to honor her and my feelings for her. Gently taking my hand in her own, she slowly twisted my wrist side to side, looking it over.
The sunflower was a deep yellow and gold color, the petals branched out over the top of my hand, while the green leaves flourished out from the bottom and down towards my palm, fingers, and wrist. Then her name was in a feminine and artistic script that reminded me of her own handwriting. It had turned out stunning, just like the woman in front of me.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered without looking up, but I only had eyes for her anymore, not so much my new ink.
“Yes, you are,” I replied.
Her gaze shot up and looked at me, a smile gracing her face now. “That was cheesy as fuck, and you know it.”
I smiled in return. “It was, but worth it to see that smile on your face, little angel.”
The light pink blush that crept into her cheeks made all the cheesy lines worth it to me, though. I stood at the counter, and she sat on the island, her hand in mine, while we finished breakfast together. When we were done, she helped me put away the leftovers and clean the kitchen.
That was when I decided I needed to tackle the most urgent need right now—her clothes. I figured I’d get her some clothes from Payton for now, drop her off at work, and then go back to her apartment and make sure it was getting cleaned up and see if there were any salvageable clothes left. I also needed to see this for myself, and I needed to be alone with the anger I very much had.
Aspen walked out of the laundry room as I was drying my hands from the dishes and gave me a small smile. “I threw my clothes in the wash so I could wear them tonight. I hope that’s okay,” she said.
“It’s fine, angel. I was going to get some of my sister's clothes while we figured this all out, but that works too.” I walked over and ran my fingers through her hair, cupping the back of her head in both of my hands. She looked up at me, her baby blue eyes seemed sad and stressed. I wanted nothing more than to comfort her and tell her everything would be okay. I knew it would be, but that was easier said than done in her mind. “Three this afternoon for work, right?” I asked.
She nodded. “Yes, my number one stalker, three this afternoon,” she smiled.
I scoffed, deciding to move on from that comment. She had no idea how true that statement really was, and I wasn’t going to correct her. It was only getting worse from here, because I was having cameras installed later.
“So, what are we going to do about you in this shirt of mine?” I asked with a smirk.
“Underwear too, don’t forget those,” she replied with a smile.
“Ugh, definitely don’t think I could. How much time do we have on your clothes?”
“About forty minutes, cowboy. Why? You got plans for me?” she knowingly asked.
“I have a few ideas on what we could accomplish in that time. I am, of course, still on my groveling campaign, so I have to keep this train moving along.” I told her. “I’ll give you a thirty-second head start, little angel. Make it count.” I smiled and smacked her ass.
Her eyes widened for a moment before she turned and bolted up the stairs.
Fuck, I’m happy this woman was mine.
After a much-needed afternoon in bed,as well as on the floor, wall, shower wall, and bathroom sink, Aspen got ready for work, and I dropped her off. While she got ready, I thought ahead to text Wyatt and ask him to meet me over at her apartment. After some thought, I realized I knew myself better than to walk into this alone. Some things you just needed your brother for—this was one.
I pulled my truck up against the sidewalk across from her building and hopped out. Wyatt was already there on his bike. We had matching ones, only where mine was black, his was a shiny cobalt blue.
“Ready, bro?” he asked, the concern clear on his face.
I nodded and let us into the building. When we got upstairs, I pulled the crime scene tape off the door and unlocked it.
“Got a key already?” Wyatt jokingly questioned. When I looked over at him, I guess the answer was clear. “Wow. Really? Does she know?”
“Nope, and I’d like it to stay that way, thanks,” I replied and opened the door for us. Walking in, I was suddenly even more grateful Wyatt had been able to come with me.
