Page 53 of How to Break My Heart

“Mr. Beaumont was just leaving,” I announce, shooting Aston a glare sharp enough to cut through steel. “Your meeting?”

“Yes,” he responds, keeping his tone arctic. “I have business to take care of.”

Aston walks to the door but stops just shy of where I am standing. Jeremiah continues to unload the boxes as Aston inches closer. “Another one wanting to get you into bed. My, my… aren’t we popular in town?”

I have half a mind to slap him in the face. “That’s an asshole thing to say. Go, Aston.”

And with his shoulders back, radiating superiority, he turns and walks toward his car.

Maddy has spoken for a solid thirty minutes about veils. She’s still undecided if she wants one.

However, being her best friend, I listen and give advice occasionally when I can get a word in, even though my head is elsewhere.

“The veil is supposed to symbolize purity, innocence, andmodesty,” Maddy sputters in a panicked tone. “Am I any of those things?”

My phone vibrates, alerting me to a text message. My lips press together firmly as I read the message with anticipation.

Marco

The Mountain Lounge just called me. Apparently, there is some electrical problem and they’re closed for the night. Any suggestions of where we should meet? I’m more than happy to cook dinner for you if you’re up for staying in. I promise to behave

The truth is, I haven’t responded to his earlier text because I completely forgot. After Jeremiah left, I locked the shop, came home to lie on the couch, and stared into nothing. I needed time to process what happened earlier with Aston and cool myself down because finishing what he started was too tempting.

Then Maddy called, leaving me no time to think about anything else.

I quickly respond.

Me

Raincheck? I’m sorry, Marco. It’s been a long day and I have an early start tomorrow. Are you free later in the week?

I don’t want him to think I’m not interested.

“Eva, are you still there?” Maddy questions.

“Yes,” I answer quickly. “The veil. Just wear it if you want, and if you don’t, so be it.”

“That’s all you have to say?” Maddy complains before continuing, “What’s gotten into you? Is it the doctor? Does he have a small ding-dong?”

I scrunch my nose. “Please don’t call it that. It’s disturbing. And for the record, I haven’t slept with him.”

“Oh, right. So what’s the problem?”

“One of many…” I trail off, careful not to mention Aston. “Veil aside, the string duo is booked. I’ve got some things to check off tomorrow, and then I’m free for dress fitting on Friday.”

Maddy squeals. “Fabulous. What would I do without you?”

“Get married at city hall?”

“Funny! I won’t lie to you, I don’t blame people for doing exactly that.”

We end the call with a promise to catch up tomorrow. As for me, I yearn for complete silence to decide my next move.

I stare at Marco’s text again.

He is a great guy with so much potential. I mean, how many men like Marco will I cross paths with in my lifetime? The dating pool is slim pickings. Well, at least, in Cinnamon Springs it is.

Aston got to me.