(Slade’s POV)
Avoiding Aspen had become a routine.
It wasn’t a good one. It wasn’t even a smart one. But it was the only thing that kept me from replaying that kiss like a bruise I kept pressing to see if it still hurt.
It did.
Today was supposed to be simple.
I needed to check in on the toy drive and the charity gala planning. I liked being involved. I hated when people turned my name into a performance. If I was going to do something, it needed to matter.
I walked into the offices that host my charity and I heard laughter.
It stopped me mid step.
I knew that sound.
Aspen.
I hadn’t expected her to be here today.
I’d told myself I was only stopping by to check progress on the toy drive. Ten minutes. A quick look at the numbers. Then I’d leave before I had time to think about any
