Gold Fire

by Starr Ambrose

  Reluctantly, he softened the pressure on her mouth, lifting his lips from hers, missing them as soon as he did. A tiny sound made him pause. A whimper deep in her throat, small and desperate. Needy. Her hands stopped pushing against him as they crept upward toward his neck. Her mouth came back to his, seeking. She parted her lips and kissed him.

  He responded roughly, pressing his mouth to hers, matching her eagerness as he pushed her against the wall, pinning her. He thought she might tense again, but beneath his hands, she melted, molding herself to his body. Her hands clung to his neck, possessive and demanding. Her leg bent and slid between his, intimate and warm. And her mouth . . . He ran his fingers beneath her hair as he held her head steady, delving into her, tongue seeking, lips melding perfectly with hers, over and over again.

  For a long moment he forgot where he was, exploring the newness of Zoe’s mouth and responding with his whole body. Pressed against him, she had to feel his erection, had to know he’d been instantly aroused by her response. It only made her push into him harder, until he could feel the heat burning between her legs where she straddled his thigh. He let his hand slide down her back to grip the soft curve of her ass. Another whimper escaped her throat, driving him crazy.

  A second crash from the kitchen jolted him back to reality. It must have done the same to her, as her lips suddenly stopped moving beneath his and pulled away. Her breath came fast, fanning him as he opened his eyes. Inches away, her eyes fluttered open and focused on his face, growing wider as awareness seeped in.

  She didn’t have to speak—he could see the thoughts swimming in those golden-brown eyes. That was what a kiss should be. She hadn’t looked like that, all dazed and surprised, when Matt kissed her. It was enormously satisfying.

  He stepped back, reluctantly dropping his hands. She licked her lips, drawing his gaze downward, mesmerizing him with the urge to kiss her again. He knew her kiss was an addiction that wouldn’t be easily satisfied. Knew, too, that the caution he saw on her face was due to the stark heat she saw on his. That was probably a good thing. She’d better be aware of the lust that had raged to the forefront when she’d kissed him back, because it wasn’t going away anytime soon.

  She edged sideways, still watching him, ready to take off. He took another step back, letting her go. He’d made his point, emphatically. There was nothing else to say.

  She turned and took a quick step toward the saloon. And stopped dead.

  He followed her openmouthed stare down the hall to the figure standing at the other end. Matt stood perfectly still, arms folded, cool gaze moving between them.

  Well, shit. The bastard had a way of ruining everything.

  Chapter

  Nine

  Zoe’s mind stripped a few gears as it tried to keep up. She was staggered by Jase’s kiss—my God, that kiss!—and had to blink hard at Matt before she was sure he wasn’t a figment of her imagination. He was real, all right. Shit.

  Her hot flush was replaced by a cold sweat, the kind produced by sudden fear. Her underarms were probably staining her blouse at this very moment. It irritated her enough to bring her to her senses.

  She refused to be embarrassed. She’d done far worse in her life than kiss two men in one night. It wasn’t like she and Matt were dating, or had even talked about it, despite what his kiss may have implied. Nothing had been said, no promises made. They were here during work hours, on business, not as a couple, regardless of how he chose to bend the rules. She could justify what she’d done.

  Unfortunately, he probably wouldn’t see it that way. She realized with a sinking feeling that she might have damaged whatever chance she had with him.

  Behind her, Jase strode confidently toward the noisy saloon, passing Matt with a quick nod and a genial “Flemming.” He disappeared into the crowd, leaving her to face Matt.

  He didn’t move. She swallowed and walked toward him, hoping she looked as nonchalant as Jase. She wasn’t sure what she’d say, but knew it wouldn’t be an apology. Anyone who apologized for a toe-curling kiss like that had to be a complete idiot.

  She stopped in front of Matt, mimicking his blank stare and saying nothing. It wasn’t easy; the tic beside his eye was probably from anger. Part of her wanted to act contrite and wallow in guilt—the stupid part. Thankfully, the larger part had more dignity.

  Finally, he cocked his head with a questioning look that managed to remain cool. “Should I be worried about the competition?”

  She let her breath ease out with relief. He wasn’t going to be furious or unreasonable. There was still a chance for them. “No,” she said.

  He nodded thoughtfully. “Good.” No smile, just the same calm expression. His lack of emotion was probably a good thing, although it was a little creepy. “I think we should get back to work now.”

  “Good idea.” The sooner she got out of the Rusty Wire, the better. Her head was still spinning and her lips felt raw from that kiss, and she couldn’t think while Matt was standing beside her and Jase was shooting glances at her from across the room.

  They rode in silence back to the Alpine Sky. Matt looked like he had questions, but he didn’t ask them. She decided it was part of the careful, logical way he analyzed a situation before deciding what to do. She respected that. He probably made lists, too.

  He pulled up the curving drive to the main entrance, waving off the doorman. Leaving the car running, he turned to her. “I have to go meet someone. I won’t see you until tomorrow.”

  “Oh. Okay.” It seemed like a weak excuse, but she couldn’t blame him. She reached for the door handle.

  “Hey.” That one word, barely above a whisper, turned his smile sexy. “I really do have to go. And I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.” He reached across the console for her hand. “You need to know something about me, Zoe. I don’t give up easily.”

  She smiled back. He was still interested! Her relief lasted all of two seconds, when the memory of kissing Jase tore back into her mind, hot and wild, shredding her contentment as easily as it overrode the pleasant sensation of Matt’s hand on hers. Blood rushed to her face. She sent Matt a panicked glance, knowing he couldn’t miss that blush against her fair complexion.

  Matt’s expression oozed confidence. Thank God for the male ego—he probably assumed his interest had flattered her speechless. That was better than the truth. Fingers trembling, she got out as quickly as possible, slammed the door, and waved. Then walked briskly to her office.

  The shaking started again as she sank into her chair. This was all wrong! Matt Flemming was the one who was supposed to make her weak with desire. He was perfect for her. A good kisser, too. She remembered the warm feeling she’d had after their first kiss, thinking that it felt just right. Who wouldn’t be thrilled by that?

  Apparently she wouldn’t. Matt’s kisses disappeared like vapor the second she thought of the inferno she’d felt with Jase. He’d touched something deep inside her, something strong and vibrant, and coaxed it to the surface. She’d been energized and dizzy at the same time, and desperate for more. In countless kisses with countless men, no one had done that to her before. Even after it ended, the flame he’d ignited still burned, so strong she would have sworn it showed on the outside. She felt sparkly, for God’s sake.

  Zoe groaned aloud and dropped her head to the desk, banging her forehead several times, muttering, “No, no, no.” This couldn’t happen. First Jase Garrett had ruined her best shot at a promotion, and now he was messing up her relationship with the best man to come along in years. Hell, the best man ever.

  It had to be his bad-boy appeal. She thought she’d exhausted the urge to throw her life away with the wrong man, but apparently there was still some insanity left, a wild spark that hadn’t burned out yet. That didn’t mean she had to indulge it. She’d been down that road before. Shit, she’d taken a five-year detour down that road, from age fifteen to age twenty, nearly steering her life into a ditch for good. She wouldn’t do it again.

  She
could be completely content kissing Matt for the rest of her life. His kiss was certainly competent. She flinched at the word and searched for a better one. Skilled—that worked. It was not only accurate, but flattering. She bet if he put his mind to it he could be downright incendiary.

  Zoe groaned aloud. Life had been so much easier when Jase thought she was a lying, cheating arsonist. She dropped her forehead to the desk again and left it there.

  • • •

  Jase propped his feet on the porch rail and watched the old pickup negotiate his curving driveway, rolling to a stop where the hillside began its steep upward slope. Brandon jumped out with more energy than usual, taking the ten curving stone steps up to the porch two at a time.

  “Hey, man.” He high-fived Jase before pulling up a chair and settling his feet beside Jase’s on the rail. “Nice day to watch the weather.”

  Jase lifted an eyebrow. “You’re pretty damn happy for someone who’s not getting any. I thought Megan was out of town this weekend.”

  “Out of town and out of my life.”

  “Oh. Sorry.”

  “It’s been coming. But get this.” He leaned forward, dismissing the split with his girlfriend. “We just picked up a contract from Nike for the new snowboard line.”

  Jase glanced over in surprise. “Someone there remembered me?”

  “Nah. The marketing people didn’t give a damn about using your name, said you’re ancient history, but they loved both the body design and the graphics.”

  Jase cared more about his design work than his former glory anyway. “Nice. Good money?”

  “I won’t know the exact net until I talk with the manufacturing side, but enough that neither one of us will have to worry about next year’s income.”

  Jase smiled at his friend’s excitement. Brandon’s graphics had been carrying their company, and he deserved to reap some rewards. “You’ll finally be able to get a new truck.”

  “Whoa! Never. And don’t say that so loudly, she might hear you.” He looked over the rail and raised his voice. “He’s just kidding, baby.” He gave Jase a mock glare. “If I get stranded ten miles from nowhere, you’re the one I’m calling for a ride.”

  “Uh-huh. You know that truck’s not a sentient being, right?”

  “Shows what you know. That truck loves me. We’ve been together sixteen years. That’s about fifteen more than any girlfriend I’ve had.” He sighed happily. “There’s nothing like the love of a good truck.”

  Jase snorted. “Cynical, but simple. You might be on to something.”

  A cautious look crossed Brandon’s face. “Woman problems?”

  He’d opened his mouth without thinking, and tried to blow it off. “Same old shit. Can’t figure ’em out.”

  “That’s my line. You’ve always been pretty good at it.” Brandon gave him a shrewd look. “Are you still obsessing about Zoe Larkin after Uncle Brandon told you not to?”

  He scowled. “I’m not obsessing.”

  “Whatever you call thinking about her all the time and following every move she makes.”

  He couldn’t deny thinking about her. Hell, he hadn’t been able to think about anything else. “Something like that,” he muttered.

  “Huh.” Brandon tilted his chair back, giving it some thought. “I thought you suspected she was part of that truck-bashing incident.”

  “I did, but now I’m not so sure. Same with the fire.”

  “They have another suspect?”

  “Not that I know of.” His gut told him Matt Flemming was a more likely suspect, but the police had found no evidence that he’d hired someone to do it. “I’m just starting to think she doesn’t have it in her.”

  “Hmm.” It sounded doubtful. “Is she still looking to buy the Rusty Wire? It’s not a good idea to mix business and pleasure.”

  “I’m not doing business with her.” He couldn’t deny the pleasure part.

  Brandon was quiet for several seconds as he weighed the facts. “Well, obviously you’re not going to take my wise advice about leaving her alone.”

  “Guess not.”

  “So quit fartin’ around like you’re twelve years old, and make your move. Talk to her.”

  “Did that.”

  “Ah, I get it. She shut you down.” He nodded sagely. “Might be for the best. Like I said, getting involved with one of the Larkin girls could be messy.”

  Jase felt a prick of annoyance. He might have brought up Zoe’s past, but he didn’t like to hear others do it. “She didn’t shut me down. We argued.”

  “Not the best start,” Brandon agreed. “Women do tend to hold a grudge. But don’t worry, if it wasn’t personal, she’ll get over it.”

  Jase clenched his jaw and stared at a stand of pine trees as his words replayed in his head. “I might have mentioned her past,” he admitted. “And the way she lets her boss walk all over her. Then I told her she didn’t know what she wanted from life.”

  Brandon looked at him in disbelief. “Smooth move, Romeo.”

  “Yeah.” He might as well finish it. “Then I kissed her.”

  “Jesus!” Brandon laughed and shook his head. “You’re not too smart, but you’ve sure got balls. That is, if she didn’t knee them halfway up your throat.”

  Jase tapped his fingers in a nervous beat against the arm of the chair. “I thought she was going to, but then she kissed me back.”

  “No way!” When Jase slid an affirming glance at him, Brandon eyed him as if he’d suddenly grown gills. “Someday you’ll have to tell me how you did that.”

  “Hell, I don’t know myself.” Maybe saying it out loud would help him make sense of it. “I was insulting her, and I swear she was mad enough to gut and fillet me on the spot. Then the next thing I know, I’m kissing her, and she doesn’t want me to, but then suddenly she’s kissing me back, and . . .” And desire had hit him like a freight train, with a throbbing erection like he hadn’t had since he was eighteen. He’d had to fight the urge to strip her bare and take her right there against the wall. Incredibly, he was pretty sure she felt the same way.

  He couldn’t say that. “Fuck if I know what happened.” He slid lower in his chair, staring at the trees while musing over the kiss. There was only one thing to do. “But I’m damn well going to make sure it happens again.”

  Brandon gave him a suspicious glance, then looked away again. “Doesn’t sound like you. You’re the lucky son of a bitch who sits back and lets the ladies come to him.”

  It was true; Jase couldn’t remember the last time he’d actually gone out of his way to have a relationship with a woman. If one wasn’t interested, another one would come along soon enough.

  But Zoe wouldn’t be one of those women. She had a plan for her life, and a casual affair with a saloon owner wasn’t part of it. Matt Flemming was. The guy might genuinely like her, but he couldn’t make her happy, and the possessive way he touched her raised Jase’s hackles.

  “Zoe’s different,” he told Brandon. “She’d sooner run in the other direction.”

  “Smart girl.”

  Jase ignored him. “I’ll find a way to change her mind.”

  Brandon put his hands behind his head as he stared at the treetops. “Huh. That’s interesting.”

  Jase waited for more, but it didn’t come. Impatience finally won out. “Why is it interesting?”

  “Because I haven’t seen you do that in, oh, years and years. Go after something you want, I mean. That would require . . .” He frowned at the sky in exaggerated puzzlement and snapped his fingers. “What’s that word? That thing you don’t have? It’s been so long I can’t remember. Oh, yeah. Initiative.”

  “Very funny.”

  “Very true.”

  Jase bit back the retort he’d been about to make. Brandon looked serious.

  He frowned. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t done anything the past nine years. He’d provided some designs for their snowboards and skis, even if it had been Brandon’s new graphics that carried the busines
s lately. And he may have been hiding from the rat race, but running a saloon wasn’t exactly nothing. Of course, Russ and Jennifer did most of the actual running. Only the money decisions fell to Jase, and they hadn’t been a challenge.

  Still, what was wrong with that? Avoiding challenges didn’t mean his life had been empty and meaningless. It had been a good life. Shooting pool and going fishing whenever he wanted. Skiing for fun instead of to win. Enjoying the customers who came to the Rusty Wire.

  Maybe it was a little routine, one day blurring into another, one girlfriend blurring into another . . .

  And no real accomplishments to show for almost a decade of his life. Jase winced. Damn, Brandon was right. He’d lain back and let life happen around him without making a move to participate. Avoiding the need to win had taken him out of the game completely. He was a loser, something he’d never been able to accept graciously.

  He looked at Brandon. “Guess you’re right. I haven’t accomplished anything in the past nine years.”

  “Not a lot. Caught some big fish, though.”

  Brandon didn’t look disturbed by the lack of anything larger. And why should he? It wasn’t his life being wasted. “I think it’s time to change that, go after what I want.”

  “Zoe Larkin?”

  He puzzled over it. “I don’t know.” He needed to get this right, to make sure he didn’t waste his time chasing after the wrong thing. Start with the basics. “I want the Rusty Wire. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep it out of Flemming’s hands.” He paused. “I still don’t know what I want with Zoe Larkin.”

  He just knew he wanted something, beginning with another one of those mind-numbing kisses. If it had the same electric kick as the last one, he’d take it from there.

  • • •

  Matt had called her at home. Zoe hoped it was for a real date, something where she could forget that he was in a position of power over her. That had to be what had tempered her reaction to his kisses. It was probably also why kissing Jase had been so explosive—it was all about power. She was the one offering three million dollars for his saloon. The fact that he didn’t want it was irrelevant, money was power. It was simple psychology.