Page 23 of Wilde Ride

She chewed on her lower lip, clearly unwilling to ask her next question.

“My wife and I are getting divorced.”

“Mitch didn’t mention it. I mean, I don’t talk to him that often, and he did tell me that he has a strained relationship with his daughter.”

I nodded. “Yes, they do. But the divorce is for the best, and I’m looking forward to the future.”

She lit up again. “Well then, here’s to a wonderful new chapter in your life.”

Emeline smiled. “You’ll figure out pretty fast that Lilibeth is one of the happiest people you’ll ever meet. You think I’m positive? This woman gives new meaning to the words positive and upbeat.”

Lilibeth waved off Emeline. “How old is your son?”

“Rhett is six, and I’m hoping he’ll like small-town living better than life in Denver.”

“I’m from Denver, too. After high school, I did a little tour of Europe, much to my parents’ dismay, but it was a wonderful experience. I’ve been trying to talk Emeline here into going to Italy with me, but so far I’ve failed.”

Before I could even reply, she went on.

“I’m actually from Castle Rock. Born and raised there, and so were my mother and father. Liam and Whitney Asher. Those are my parents.”

I tried not to laugh. This girl was practically vibrating with energy. “We weren’t that far apart, it seems. I lived in Highlands Ranch.”

Bouncing on her feet, she replied, “I love it! Who knows, we might have crossed paths and not even realized.”

I gave a slight shrug. “You never know.”

Reaching for Emeline’s hand, Lilibeth said, “I should let you get back to your lunch. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” She turned to face me. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Levi. I hope to see you around.”

“Pleasure was all mine,” I replied as I gave her a wave and watched her walk away. She wasn’t that far off in age from me, and I couldn’t help but wonder, when I was ready to jump back into the dating game, if she might be someone I’d want to date. Although, there wasn’t the least bit of attraction there. And she wasn’t nearly as beautiful as Emeline—

My heart felt like it stopped for a moment as my thoughts hit me like a brick wall.

I looked at Emeline, then back at Lilibeth.

“Talk later, Emeline!” the woman called over her shoulder as she practically skipped toward the counter.

Emeline and I slipped back into the booth.

“She’s certainly friendly.”

Emeline chuckled. “You have no idea. Lilibeth is a ball of energy who doesn’t know how to slow down. She’s the sweetest person I’ve ever met, with a heart of gold to boot. She’s going to come to the camps and teach the kids how to make their own perfume and cologne. I think the kids will really love it. She’s also going to do a candle-making class with them.”

I glanced toward the register and watched as Lucy handed her a bag of food.

“Thank you, Lucy,” Lilibeth said with a grin as she turned and headed out of the café, but not before waving once more in our direction. Emeline and I both waved back.

“What brought Lilibeth and her parents to River Falls?” I asked.

“Her mother and father retired here. They were tired of being in the city and wanted to live someplace quiet. Lilibeth wanted to be near them, so she moved here too. Her perfumery on Main Street is so cute. It’s Alice in Wonderland themed.”

“Nice. And good for her. I’m sure the kids will love having her at the camp. Rhett enjoys anything to do with science, so if making perfume and candles calls for mixing things, count him in.”

“That’s wonderful to hear.”

“Is she married?”

The moment the words were out of my mouth, I regretted them.