Page 27 of Liberated By the Logger

“For starters, Alan—that’s my brother—has way too much on his plate. He manages a lot of the corporate end of the business while also working as our forest engineer. I’ve got my hands full handling the crews and working on-site. I can’t help relieve his work load when my plate is already full. We really need a third person to help…someone with an expertise in forest management to help design and direct cutting operations.”

Aspen nods in understanding.

Perhaps I need to be more subtle. “Someone in the forest science industry looking for part-time or full-time work would be a great fit.”

“Oh, for sure,” Aspen agrees, completely overlooking what I’m putting down. “A forest scientist would be a great addition to your company. For example, I’ve learned all about forestry management and know how to design grids for felling.”

“Exactly,” I say, fighting a grin. “What do you say? You want the job?”

Caught off guard, Aspen sputters around her drink. “M—Me?! You’re offering me a job?”

“I am. You interested?”

“I mean, yeah, but I’m not done with my schooling. And besides, how do you know I’m as knowledgeable as I claim to be? Don’t you want to review my resume or question my references?”

Pleased I have her on the hook, I relax deeper into the cushions, hiding my victorious smile behind my drink. “Sounds like you got a good six months to get that all together.”

Before Aspen rejects my offer without considering it first, I ask her another question. “What are your views on kids? Do you want a family someday?”

The time rolls on with the two of us going back and forth questioning each other on everything heavy like our morals, political stances, and religious beliefs, to the mundane like does the toilet seat need to be down or is Sweetest Day a real holiday.

As I assumed, our values, likes, and dislikes are nearly identical. The only places we differ is when it is acceptable to put up a Christmas tree and our choices in literature.

Mystified, Aspen shakes her head at me. “I can’t believe you read Twilight?”

“Why not?” I ask defensively. “It’s a classic.”

“No, Wuthering Heights is a classic.”

I point an accusing finger at her. “Cathy and Heathcliff were toxic as fuck. Bella and Edward are ride or die.”

Her face scrunches up in that cute way it does when she gets combative. “Who are Bella and Edward?”

Flabbergasted, I palm my forehead. “Are you kidding me? They’re the main characters in Twilight. You can’t knock it if you haven’t read it.”

“Why would I want to read a book about sparkly fairies?”

“Hey! They’re vampires—not fairies.”

Aspen waves her hand dismissively. “Same thing.”

“Not even close.”

“Sorry, but I’m not a paranormal fan. I’d rather read a contemporary romance.”

Teasing her, I give her a thumbs down. “Boooring.”

She giggles, sounding wickedly adorable. “Says a man who would prefer reading fade to black. I want to read the sex on the page. Who’s the boring one now?”

She’s got me there. Steamy romance will always win.

Lost in my laughter, my hand falls on her knee where her shirt has ridden up her thigh, exposing her tantalizing skin. I subconsciously rub her leg, enjoying the ease of our conversation and marveling at how flawlessly Aspen’s personality fits mine.

Excited to hear what else she wants to learn about me, I say, “Next question.”

As she eyes my hand on her bare knee, Aspen asks, “Speaking of questions, where are my clothes?”

“The dryer.” Hopefully, shrunk into nonexistence.