Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“Not sure yet.” Oakley shrugs. “Finn will have to tell his family once Aspen leaves, I guess?”
“They’ll be heartbroken,” he states. “I have plenty of room at my house, if you decide to stay.” Levi waggles his brows, knowing it’ll piss me off.
“Is that so? Well, I just might need to remember that.”
“Don’t play into his games,” I tell Oakley and scowl at Levi.
“What game? I’m just being hospitable.”
Oakley snickers. “That’s more than Finn can say.”
“I already like her.” Levi smirks. “She’s a keeper.”
“She’s a pain in my ass,” I remind him as we pass a few of the craft booths.
Oakley snickers because only she knows the true meaning behind that.
Her gaze zeros in on the table that has tiny canvases, paints, and brushes. “You never mentioned there was a painting booth.”
“Slipped my mind,” I admit. “But you should go show those kids who’s legit.”
Two little girls smear random colors on their canvases, and then glance up at us. Oakley walks over and kneels beside them.
Levi and I stand back and chat as Oakley praises the kids' artwork. She’s mesmerizing, and I can’t take my eyes off her.
“So you wanna tell me what's really going on between you two?” Levi finally asks, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
“What do you mean?” I furrow my brows.
“Don’t play dumb. I’ve known you way too long.”
I shrug him off. “Not sure what you’re talking about.”
“You like her,” he says softly. “Not that I can blame you. She’s gorgeous.”
“She’s too young. And she’s leaving in two days,” I remind him.
After Oakley finishes her painting that’s the size of her palm, she strolls toward us. “I painted you something.”
“Let me see.”
“Hold out your hand and close your eyes.”
“Oakley,” I warn because I know Levi is eating this shit up, but I can’t deny her.
I sigh and do what she asks.
“Alright, you can look now,” she tells me after placing it in my hand.
I hold it upward and see it’s a heart with an F&O in the middle.
“You two, Jesus.” Levi shakes his head. “Just get married already.”
Just as the words leave his mouth, Aspen prances by.
Levi’s laugh slightly fades as Aspen shoots daggers at him. Then when she notices me watching her, she flips a switch.
“Levi!” She shrills in that high-pitched fake voice that’s worse than nails scratching down a chalkboard. “How’ve you been? Almost didn’t recognize you without your axe,” she sarcastically says wearing her cunty smile.
“Aspen,” I warn, not wanting her to deal with this right now.
Levi chuckles, sweeping hair out of his face. Not much annoys him as he’s always had a naturally bubbly personality, but if there’s one person who grates his nerves, it’s my ex.
“Aspen…” Her name comes out forced. “I can’t believe you found room to park your broom.”
Oakley holds back laughter as Aspen blinks fast. She acts like he literally slapped her. “Good seeing ya, Santa,” she snarls, then flashes her eyes between Oakley and me.
I hold my breath until she’s out of sight.
Oakley looks at Levi. “Okay, that was funny. But what did she mean by the axe and Santa comments?”
“My family owns a Christmas tree farm on the outskirts of town, and I live in a big mountain cabin on the property. She likes to make fun of me for it but forgets I’m the one who knows how to chop wood and use a deadly tool.”
Oakley laughs and I shake my head as he brags about his skills. “That actually sounds really cool. How fun!”
Levi instantly perks up again. “I think so too. It’s the best time of year.”
“Just gotta ignore people who don’t understand your passions,” Oakley tells him.
“Absolutely. Trust me, I’m not worried about Aspen. She has never liked me or anyone who had Finn’s best interest in mind.” He turns to me. “I’m so glad you didn’t end up with her.”
“Same,” Oakley and I both say.
“Geez, you even talk in unison.” Levi glances between us, then waves at someone across the way.
“Hey, I’ll catch up with you two in a little while. I have to chat with James.”
I glare at Levi. “Please tell me you aren’t betting on football games with my grandpa again? If my mom finds out you two are back at it, you’re done.”
“Pftt, your mom loves me more than you,” he gloats, and that might actually be true. “Anyway, nice meeting you, Oakley. Hope we can hang out some more before you leave. I’d love to learn more about your art.”
“That’d be nice,” she admits, then grabs my hand again as Levi jogs through the crowd.
“Thanks for the artwork,” I tell Oakley. “I think out of all the paintings you’ve done this week, this one’s the best.”
She snorts. “Now, if you want to hang that one above your toilet, go for it.”
“Oh, I planned on it.”
We wait in line for curly fries from one of the food trucks, and then share a bag of cotton candy. Afterward, Oakley gets a caramel apple, but I pass. I’ve eaten enough of them as a kid to last me two lifetimes.