One Weekend in Aspen

by Jaime Clevenger

  If only she knew what Emily was doing in Aspen. Whether or not she was meeting someone here would change everything. Alex would give up thinking about her if she knew that much at least. Otherwise, as impossible as any relationship seemed—even only a friendship—she couldn’t let go of wanting it.

  She balanced her skis at the crest of the slope, then squinted into the sunlight glistening off the snow. Above the mountains, the sky was a deep, clear blue—the shade of blue only a Colorado sky could be. She’d missed it more than she’d realized and took a long moment to let the view sink in.

  Halfway down the slope, she spotted Katherine’s neon green ski jacket and Madison’s bright pink beanie. Thanks to the fresh powder and the long holiday weekend, the trail below was packed, but with a little racing and some fun carving she knew she could catch up. She tugged her goggles into place, then leaned forward and pushed off with her poles.

  Crisp air braced her cheeks as her skis flew over the snow. The whistling sound helped to quiet her mind for a moment. Other than speeding toward the neon green and pink markers and a few jumps to challenge gravity’s pull, she didn’t think at all. Katherine had once joked that skiing was merely a graceful way of falling down a possible avalanche. Alex had argued there was a lot more involved—technique, power, speed—and yet she wondered if Katherine’s simple description didn’t have more merit.

  Ahead of her, a snowboarder lost his balance trying to angle around a tree. Alex watched him tumble, slowing her own speed to avoid hitting him. Another skier whipped around her side. Clearly not paying attention, he slammed right into the snowboarder. Alex slid to a stop.

  “You two okay?” she hollered.

  The snowboarder took a minute to sit up on his butt, cussed, and then raised a hand, middle finger up. The skier let out a string of curse words but quickly righted himself too. Alex shook her head. They’d be fine. She wasn’t going to hang around to referee two grumpy guys.

  “Sounds like you’re both good, then. See ya at the bottom.” She jetted off, hoping she still had a chance of catching Katherine and Madison.

  * * *

  “There you are,” Madison said. She’d already taken off her skis and now promptly stepped forward to kiss Alex.

  Alex smiled. “What’s that for?”

  “We thought we’d lost you.”

  “And we weren’t even trying.” Katherine’s blue eyes sparkled. She’d come up behind Madison and was also out of her skis. Katherine slipped an arm around Madison’s waist. “We didn’t see you after Powderhorn. What happened?”

  “I took a break for lunch. Got my ass whipped on all those turns and then took a fall in Garrets Gulch.”

  “You had lunch alone? Oh, honey, why didn’t you text one of us?”

  Madison’s concern was sweet but completely unnecessary. “Turns out I can eat alone,” Alex said.

  “Next time, you send me a text. I’ll find you some company even if it isn’t me.”

  “Thanks?”

  Madison patted Alex’s cheek. “Oh, you’d thank me.” At thirty-one, Madison still had a baby face, but she swore it was her dimples that got her carded. Her strawberry blond curls and the fact that she often dressed like a teenager probably didn’t help. But she was plenty mature. In fact, she was often the one putting Katherine in her place. Along with the angelic look and the sweet Southern accent, she had a playful little devil on her shoulder.

  “Alex is naturally a loner.” Katherine met Alex’s gaze and added, “Unless she has a girlfriend. But that’s always temporary. Any word from that woman you met yesterday?”

  Alex shook her head. She knew from Katherine’s tone that she was curious about the rest of the story. Despite the fact that Katherine was always in open relationships, she had a jealous streak that she admitted herself. This, however, seemed like innocent interest. Alex unclipped her skis from her boots. “Are we still having drinks at the lodge?”

  “That’s not even up for discussion. It’s the best part of skiing.” Madison led the way and Alex fell in behind Katherine.

  “So did you decide if you’re coming to dinner tonight?” Katherine asked as she held the door. “You’re not on the email list but I pushed back the hat fun. Too many flights got delayed yesterday with the storm.”

  “Please come,” Madison said, looking back over her shoulder. “It’s never as much fun without you.” She led the way through the crowded entryway and back toward the bar.

  “And if you don’t come, she won’t stop talking about all the things she’d like you to do to her,” Katherine added.

  Madison stopped walking. She turned to Katherine and gave her a look that Alex interpreted as irritation, but then went straight in for a deep kiss. When she pulled back, she had a gleam in her eye. “You know you like me best when I’m naughty.”

  Katherine rocked her head. “Arguable.”

  Madison turned to Alex. “Please come. I want to be naughty.”

  “That’s very hard to say no to. You should tell me more.”

  Madison waggled her eyebrows at Katherine and then latched on to Alex’s arm. Of all the women that had come and gone from Katherine’s world, Madison had lasted the longest. Their relationship was going on three years, though they hadn’t lived in the same house for any of that time, and of course both slept with other women. Regardless, they did seem happy.

  “I may have found your rope in Katherine’s room last night,” Madison said. She found them a table with two stools and Alex pulled over a third.

  Alex sat down. “Hold up, is this a fantasy for the hat?”

  Madison pursed her lips. “I’d rather it not be a hat thing.”

  “So something that happens before the party? Or after?”

  “Before.”

  “She’s hoping she’ll hook you and you won’t be able to leave,” Katherine said.

  Alex couldn’t tell if she was joking or serious. With Katherine, it was a fine line. She looked back at Madison. “Where are we doing this?”

  “The private room.” Madison hesitated. “Is that a yes?” At Alex’s nod, she clapped her hands together and cheered.

  Alex chuckled as more than one pair of eyes turned to their table. If only those onlookers knew what was being discussed.

  “She’s been scheming a threesome with you for months.” Katherine’s blue eyes lit on Alex. “I told her you wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to show off your skills with rope.”

  “I do love an excuse to tie someone up.”

  “Oh, I want you to do more than tie me up,” Madison said. “That’s only the beginning of what I need.”

  “Before she tells you the rest of her plans, I want to hear about the woman you met yesterday,” Katherine said. “From the way you talked this morning, she definitely caught your attention.”

  “She did. But I don’t think anything will come of it.”

  “Why not? Is she straight?”

  Alex had fallen for more than one straight girl, and each time Katherine had been the one to say “I told you so” when things soured. “Not straight.”

  “Do I need to call her up and tell her what she’s missing?” Katherine arched an eyebrow.

  “Definitely no.” In fact, Alex could imagine Katherine doing exactly that. Without permission. “The problem is the timing. I’m in Tokyo for another two months. At least. And she’s getting over a fresh breakup. I don’t think she’s ready to start something new.”

  “Sounds like the perfect timing for a little fling.”

  “She doesn’t seem like the fling type.” Alex didn’t want that either. Not with someone like Emily where so much more seemed possible. She wanted to do things the right way—hold hands on the first date, kiss on the second…

  “You never know. Call her up and invite her over for a little rope fun and you’ll find out.” Madison’s eyes sparkled. “Threesomes are nice, but foursomes are even better.”

  No way could she do that. A fling was one thing. Kink was another. “S
he didn’t give me the vibe that she’d down with that.”

  “Then maybe she’s not for you,” Katherine said.

  Alex wanted to argue but suddenly she worried Katherine was right. What were the chances Emily would want to date someone who regularly was a part of threesomes? Or someone who had been to way too many sex parties? Maybe it didn’t matter. Emily hadn’t texted her all day. If she did now, Alex couldn’t exactly invite her to join a party where she was tying up someone else’s naked girlfriend. Probably the best thing for both of them was to forget they’d ever met.

  Chapter Nine

  The sheets were pure luxury and the bed felt like an enormous pillow. Even now that she was awake, Emily didn’t want to move. Taking a nap was a pleasure she rarely enjoyed and almost as decadent as the massage and pedicure that afternoon.

  She rolled on her side and patted the bedcovers for her phone. No missed calls, no texts. As much as she didn’t want to be let down, she’d been hoping for a text from Alex all day. And yet the way they’d left things, she knew the ball was in her court. The problem was, she didn’t feel ready to go out on a date—not with someone as perfect as Alex. She needed her first foray back to the world of sex to be purely physical, with no potential for more. Sleeping with someone she could see herself caring about would defeat the whole purpose of coming to Aspen.

  That aside, she’d started writing several texts in her head. The top contender so far: “I’m at a sex party and wishing you were here.” Of course she couldn’t send that, but it made her smile to imagine doing it all the same. After Alex’s story about her ex-girlfriend and the sex toys, she didn’t think Alex would be completely turned off, yet saying she was at a sex party felt like false advertising.

  Her phone beeped and she tried not to feel let down when Gianna’s name flashed on the screen. Any sex yet?

  Nope. But I’m thinking of going to check out a room full of sex toys that everyone keeps talking about.

  Gianna’s response was immediate: Yes please. Take pictures.

  Emily sat up in bed and checked the time. Two hours until dinner. Plenty of time for a little surveillance mission.

  That afternoon while they’d waited for their pedicures, Nicola and Shay had both talked up the “private room.” It was in the basement and not only filled with an assortment of sex toys, but boasted a big Jacuzzi tub, a fireplace, and more than one bed. Shay had promised it would be well used that evening, but Emily figured no one would be there before the party. Taking a picture of it was the least she could do for Gianna.

  After a quick shower, she opened her suitcase and took stock of the outfits she’d brought. She’d tried to plan everything out but had no way of knowing how dressed up or down the rest of Katherine’s guests would be. Katherine always looked as if she’d stepped out of a fashion magazine. Emily had no way to meet that standard. She did, however, have one fancy dress that she’d rented in case she needed it.

  She brushed her hand over the silver satin. The formfitting spaghetti-strap dress with the slit up the thigh was over the top for any occasion she’d ever attended, not to mention completely out of her budget, but Gianna had convinced her to rent it. Now she wondered if she’d even be brave enough to wear it. She had two alternatives—a black sweaterdress or her favorite silk blouse with a pencil skirt. Neither option seemed exactly right, but she decided on the sweaterdress. It hugged her curves but still felt modest.

  Once she was dressed, she eyed her reflection in the mirror. She’d probably be the only one in an outfit suitable for a schoolmarm, but she thought she looked good in it regardless.

  “One schoolmarm ready for a wild night,” Emily said aloud, hoping the faked confidence in her voice would convince her reluctant mind. It didn’t work, but at least it got a smile on her lips.

  She stepped out of her room and walked right into Nicola. “Oh gosh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

  “Gosh?” Nicola smiled.

  Nicola was more stunning than ever, seemingly casual but undeniably sexy in a blouse with sheer sleeves and a cream camisole underneath. Ava was at her side, looking gorgeous in a short teal cocktail dress with a neckline that accentuated her ample breasts.

  Like Nicola, charisma and confidence practically oozed from Ava’s pores. She had curves in all the right places, long wavy brown hair, a perfect smile, and a smooth olive complexion. Her accent made Emily guess that her first language was Spanish, and she’d mentioned L.A. was home. Aside from that, the only other detail Emily knew was that she was a film producer.

  Ava hooked her arm through Emily’s. “We’re on our way to check out that private room. I told Nicola I wanted a peek before dinner. Want to join us?”

  “Sure.” Emily wondered if she should admit that had been her plan too. Unfortunately, taking a picture for Gianna was now out of the question.

  “Drinks first,” Nicola said. “No getting dehydrated at this altitude.”

  “I definitely plan on drinking tonight,” Emily said.

  “I knew I liked you.” Ava laughed, tightening her grip on Emily as they headed down the stairs. “Did you hear that Katherine reads our fantasies aloud? To the whole group?”

  “What did you think would happen?” Nicola asked.

  “I hadn’t really thought about it. I guess I thought we’d pick a partner and whisper what we wanted.” Ava glanced at Emily. “Did you know?”

  “Shay warned me yesterday. And I probably should have thought of a fantasy then.”

  “Oh good, I’m not the only one! We’ll have to think of one together.”

  Emily couldn’t help but like Ava. She probably had a lot more experience when it came to sex, but tonight they were both newbies.

  They entered the den and Nicola went over to the bar. “Wine or cocktails?”

  “I’ll take Chardonnay,” Ava said.

  When Nicola held up a bottle, Ava nodded. Emily recognized the winery only because she’d seen the labels in Katherine’s kitchen. No way could she afford even a glass of it.

  “And for you, Emily?”

  She hesitated a moment but then reminded herself there wouldn’t be a bill to pay later. “I’ll have the same.”

  “Good choice,” Ava said. “It’s one of my favorites.”

  “Katherine knows her wine.” Nicola poured and then raised her glass. “To my favorite two virgins yet.”

  Ava turned to clink Emily’s glass. “To being virgins together.”

  Emily smiled despite a sudden wave of anxiety. She liked both Ava and Nicola, and although she’d felt comfortable at the spa, chatting away and feeling like she’d met two people who could be long-term friends, now it didn’t make sense that she was at a party with either of them. A sex party, no less. She simply wasn’t in their same league. Despite what Gianna said, she still had a feeling she was a charity case.

  “You two ready to see the private room?”

  “Can’t wait,” Ava murmured.

  Emily fell into step behind Ava, reminding herself to breathe. Maybe she could simply enjoy a fancy dinner and go to bed early. Seeing the private room would be enough excitement for the evening.

  “By the way, I love your dress,” Ava said. She’d paused at the start of a staircase leading down to the basement and waited for Emily to catch up.

  “Thanks.” Emily would have normally admitted she’d gotten it on clearance at Macy’s, but she stopped herself. “I was admiring yours earlier. Teal is one of my favorite colors, and you do it justice.”

  “Why, thank you.” Ava flashed a smile.

  “And your heels are fabulous.”

  Ava stretched out her leg, accentuating her calf muscle and showing off her heels. “My mom always used to say, ‘If you feel like you have nothing to wear, buy new shoes.’ I’ve found it to be some of her best advice.”

  “Did I lose you two?” Nicola called from the bottom of the stairs.

  “I distracted Emily with my legs,” Ava said, throwing a playful smile bac
k at Emily. “We’re coming now.”

  Emily caught her breath. Ava was flirting with her. It shouldn’t be a surprise, and yet it was. She thought back on the afternoon and recalled all the times Ava had casually touched or brushed against her. She hadn’t thought anything of it then, but now she realized how clueless she’d been.

  Could she sleep with Ava? It certainly wasn’t a terrible idea, but more than a little intimidating. She swallowed a fortifying gulp of wine, reminding herself that she was here for a good time. The least she could do was loosen up.

  Emily paused at the bottom of the stairs. The basement was not a typical basement at all. In fact, it was more like a welcoming lobby at a fancy ski resort. Double the size of Gianna’s apartment, the open central space was filled with several leather couches all situated on a plush cream rug in front of a big stone hearth. A crackling fire added to the cozy warmth.

  “What’s that little room for?” Ava asked, pointing to an alcove at the far end of the space.

  “For when you want to pretend you have privacy but don’t mind being filmed,” Nicola replied.

  Emily nearly choked on the sip of wine she’d taken. Filmed? She moved to get a better view of the alcove. On one wall there was what looked like a massage table, but a big screen was on the opposite wall. No chairs, no sofas.

  “I’d like to avoid cameras,” Ava said.

  “Honestly, me too,” Emily said. Although probably for different reasons. Cameras intimidated her, and tonight she definitely didn’t need anything making it harder to relax. Still, a fantasy sprang to mind of a woman stretched out on the table getting a very thorough massage…

  “Then maybe you two would prefer the private room. No cameras.” Nicola started toward a closed door at the opposite end of the room.

  Emily told herself it was only a room full of sex toys, but still her heart raced. Once upon a time, she’d been into toys. Her experience, however, had not included spreader bars or spanking boxes or anything like what Shay had mentioned. Vibrators were the extent of what she’d tried, and over the years Cass’s scorn for anything more than a non-phallic vibrator had made her question her own desires.