Page 77 of Forbidden Dreams
She smiled. "It was so good. Thank you for offering me this spot at the town events."
"What would you think about being here on a permanent basis?"
Her eyes lit up. "That would be amazing."
"Well, think about it, and let me know later. I need to run it past Eve too."
The brightness in her eyes dimmed.
What would it be like if I had the deciding power? If I could be the one to make decisions about the town? It was never going to happen because Eve was the owner and I was just a temporary employee. But the power I felt in that moment was striking. I wanted to make a difference. Not just follow a blueprint from the year before but make my own contributions to the events or maybe even add a new one.
The thought of making decisions like permanent food trucks was heady. I wasn't sure I'd ever have that power. But I was finally excited about something. I had a stake in this town, and I didn't want to lose it.
Chapter 20
Cooper
I worked with my crew for most of the day. From what the crew said, the crowds were thick, watching the parade. Inside, we could hear the drums and the occasional horn.
The plumbing and electrical had already been installed by Hudson and Morgan. Today we were working on the insulation and drywall to prepare for the fixtures.
I was excited to see this bathroom come together. It was going to feel luxurious by the time we were done with it.
It would be an excellent advertising piece for Sterling Brothers Contracting. I didn't usually get so hands-on with a project, but since this one had a small turnaround window, I wanted to be involved in every step.
It was an impulse to see Aspen before the parade started, one I didn't spend too much time thinking about. I wanted to wish her good luck, and once I saw her, it had turned into a kiss. I wanted her to know that I supported her. I didn't think she got a lot of that from her family.
I got the impression that they didn't think she'd need it. But I'd be there for her. I tried to push away any thoughts that this was temporary, because right now it felt good.
I was fairly positive that the feeling in my chest was happiness. I wanted to see her all the time. I wanted to kiss her goodbye in the morning and greet her when she came home from work.
When had I gotten so invested? Was this what it felt like to be in love with someone? You wanted to spend all your time with them, and you couldn't focus on your job?
My heart pounded harder at the idea that I could be in love with Aspen. Why would I fall in love with the one girl I couldn't have? I was unfeeling except when it came to her. Was it because I'd known her my whole life, or was it just that she was special?
It figured that the only woman that would make me feel anything was my friends' sister. I couldn't help but think that this was something my dad would do. Sabotage himself. Was it worth getting what I wanted to blow up my friendship with the Sterlings?
I'd already decided it wasn't. But that was before I fell for Aspen. Didn't that change things?
"Everything's cleaned up. You getting out of here?" Carl asked.
I stowed my tools in the bed of my truck. "Yeah."
"We're making good time."
"I think so too."
"You were a little distracted today. Everything okay?"
I hadn't realized it was noticeable. "Of course. Maybe I just need more sleep."
"Yeah, maybe," Carl said. "Have a good night."
"You too," I called after him. I got in my truck and turned on the engine. Then I pulled out my phone.
Cooper: I'm on my way home.
Aspen: Meet you there.
