Wonderland

by Bridget Midway

  She bit down on her bottom lip, fighting back the tears that were burning her eyes.

  “Say it, Ryanne.”

  “Because I love you.” She broke. “But another woman is carrying your baby. It is ripping me apart inside, because I know it’s best to let you go so you can do the right thing.”

  “The right thing for you to do is keep loving me, because I love you. Come here.” He beckoned her over with a finger.

  He loved her. “What about Ashley? I heard her tell you about the baby and that she wants to get married.”

  He arched an eyebrow. “Evidently you didn’t hear the whole conversation.”

  He was right, she’d run off, not wanting to hear him go back to the other woman.

  “I couldn’t,” she confessed.

  “If you would have stayed, maybe even come into the room, you would have heard me tell her I had no plans to marry her and raise someone else’s baby.”

  “Are you sure it’s not yours?”

  “We broke up over a year ago. It would be impossible. In that time she married her boss, the man she cheated on me with, and when he died, she got nothing. His pre-nup and his adult children made sure of that. I told Ashley she was spoiled and selfish and maybe raising her baby herself would help her grow up.”

  “Oh.” Ryanne couldn’t think of anything else to say. Maybe because she realized that her running away in fear of having her heart broken if she saw Carson walk out of her life again was causing feelings of guilt to rise for bringing them both sadness.

  “Come here, Ryanne.”

  She rounded her desk and then went to stand before him and was pulled down into his lap.

  “I love you, and I want a life with you. Only you.”

  “I love you, Carson. I’m sorry I left you.”

  He caressed her back. “You’re forgiven…under two conditions.”

  “What are they?” She stroked his tie.

  “One, agree to be my date tonight. I made plans to take you out to dinner and dancing.”

  “I haven’t had a better offer. Absolutely.” She smiled. “What is the second condition?”

  Taking hold of her hips, he moved her higher up his thigh so that she was situated directly over his groin.

  She gasped at feeling the hard evidence of how much he wanted her.

  “Lock that door so we can have a little make-up sex.” He winked.

  Laughing, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “That can be arranged, since I’m sure everyone has probably vacated the office to get ready for their night.”

  “Then get to it, sugar-lips, so I can taste what I’ve been missing. You.”

  Holiday Liaison

  Aliyah Burke

  About the Author

  Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached here, or feel free to apply to join her yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aliyah_burke.

  She is married to a career military man, they have a German shepherd, two Borzois, and a DSH cat. Her days are spent sharing her time between work, writing, and dog training.

  Chapter One

  Starview, Colorado

  Sage Addison climbed from the idling taxi and waited while the driver placed her bags on a cart attended by a hotel porter, who looked sharp in his red, gray, and black uniform. She sighed and glanced down at her boots; they'd sunk into the snow, which fell faster than the plows or shovels could keep up. The actual walkway to the building was salted, but where she stood wasn't under any protective covering.

  Sage tipped the taxi driver who'd brought her here safely from the airport, and followed the porter rolling her luggage inside the place she'd be calling home for the next two weeks: The Village Resort. A perfect blend of rustic and modern, she could already see the appeal it had. Nothing specific, just a general appeal, and she liked it. A lot. She was anxious to check in, stow her luggage in her room, change clothes, and hit the slopes.

  Pausing at the desk, she smiled at the man behind the counter, attired in what she was quickly coming to see as staff colors. This man wore a gray shirt, topped by a red jacket, and black pants.

  "Welcome to the Village Resort," he said with an easy smile.

  "Thank you." She gave him the necessary information and waited while he confirmed her registration.

  Once she’d signed in, she followed the porter, who led her to her room. He placed her bags inside as she looked around. Damn! Okay, this was nice.

  "Where's the lift to go up the mountain?" she asked, knowing it had to be near, based on the cables she’d seen on her arrival.

  "Guests at the Village Resort have access to an exclusive line. You just enter through the lobby to get there."

  Double damn! That's what I am talking about. She smiled her thanks and tipped him, then swiftly unpacked. She stared longingly at the king-size bed, knowing it would feel like heaven compared to the one-inch foam mattress she'd been sleeping on. Instead of indulging herself, she pushed through the doors leading to the balcony and stared up at the snow blanketing the mountain. The crisp Colorado air made her smile and sigh with contentment.

  This will be a good Christmas. Although she'd miss her family, she just couldn't take one more holiday where she got the third degree about her lack of dating, no husband, or kids. The endless setups and crocodile tears from her parents who just "wanted grandkids before they were too old to enjoy them."

  So one afternoon, sitting in the main ranger station for her district—before they went out to their remote station—she had been talking with a friend who, in her opinion, spent way too much time on the Internet. Jason Guestrap had told her about an ad he'd seen for a singles-only event offered at a Colorado resort for the holidays. So she'd signed up, just wanting a fun holiday for a change, and possibly even a vacation fling.

  So, she was here for two weeks. She would enjoy a week to herself before the singles’ thing started, and then a week of whatever the resort had planned for their single guests. After that, she had to get back home and return to work so some of the others could have time off during the holidays as well. Wind whipped around her as she stood on the balcony, and she closed her eyes in pure bliss as it flowed over her exposed skin along with the falling flakes, making her feel alive.

  Time to hit the slopes. She'd find out about the singles gathering and what it offered later. Right now, something else was on her mind. She reentered her room and changed into one of her ski outfits.

  A spring in her step, she made her way down to the line for the gondola and rode it up the mountain, her skis beside her. Following the signs, she made her way to the black diamond slope. She'd go for a double black diamond run later, after she’d got back into it and tested out the mountain, its powder, and whatnot.

  Three runs later, she was exhausted and trudged back to the resort. As she neared the entrance, she stared at the people spilling from taxis and personal vehicles. A large black Suburban with racks on top—holding skis and boards—pulled up and four doors opened simultaneously.

  Four men stepped free at the same time, as if in a movie where the vehicle pulls up and on cue all the handsome men step out, and the nearby women swoon. Her breath caught. Hot damn! If this was what would be showing up for the singles thing, perhaps she'd not hide from most of the activities as she’d planned, but actually participate. Actively.

  All four of them were tall and fit. All were in jeans and boots and jackets. There was one black man who reminded her a bit of Shemar Moore, and one who looked Native American to her. The other two were white. Each one of them was gorgeous, no doubt about it.

  She wasn't the only one who'd noticed them, either. Many women were giving them an extremely thorough perusal. The man who'd been on the driver's side rear walked around the back and paused at the end, staring at Sage.

  Her belly clenched and flipped around. Dear Lord, he was fine. His faded, medium-blue jeans hugged well-muscled legs, and even with
his dark brown leather jacket she could see—and appreciate—the width of his shoulders and lean waist.

  His face was angled and chiseled, making him ruggedly handsome. There was nothing pretty about him. His hair was black with a disheveled look, a de-structured effect with layering on the sides and, she assumed, nape, with longer spiked strands on top.

  Goodness, she wanted to touch it. He had tanned skin, but from this distance she couldn't tell the color of his eyes. She wished she were closer. One of the men with him said something, and he replied while still staring at her. Hell, it could have been he was staring at someone past her; she didn't know. A slight grin turned up one corner of his mouth as he walked to where the other three waited for him.

  Shaking off her feeling, Sage headed inside, craving a warm shower and some food. Still, as she went on her way it wasn't easy not to turn her head for a final look. Whatever women nabbed those men were going to be some lucky ones.

  Hell, for all I know they're not even here for the singles thing. It is a week early, after all. They could be couples, or married.

  Once in her room, Sage stripped and walked naked into the lavish bathroom. Some of the amenities might be rustic around this resort, but the bathroom wasn't one of them. She turned the water on and stepped beneath the streaming flow with a groan of relief. Good water pressure. She rested her hands along the sandstone-and-green-hued tiles lining the shower and allowed the water to work out her kinks.

  Finished, she stepped from the steamy shower and wrapped in a large robe. She grabbed her body oil and sat on the ottoman at the foot of the large bed. After popping the top, she began smoothing the oil on her skin. This was a specific blend she'd had a friend prepare for her.

  Once that was done, she turned to the clothes she'd laid out earlier and ran a critical eye over them. No, she wasn't vain, but those four men were making her rethink the desire to snag a man. Well, not rethink, just push up the timetable a bit. Why wait for the singles thing? Especially if she could have one of them now.

  After her skin dried, Sage dressed, refusing to change her mind about her attire, and slipped on some shoes as she pocketed her keycard and some money. Then she left the room and headed downstairs to find food.

  Striding through the lobby, she took in the lovely decor. Hands in her pockets, she headed through the doors and outside into the night. Starview, Colorado was really a pretty place. She could see some definite bonuses here. Tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear, she left to do a bit of exploring and get some food. Her stomach was not happy, since it was still on the other time zone. It wanted some nourishment.

  She returned, full and content. She’d eaten Italian and had been pleased by both the service and the food. If the hotel’s food even came close to that, she was going to be eating very well while here. In the hotel lobby, Sage paused and walked over to a section where they had a breakdown of the singles-only gathering. Her gaze ran over all the event activities available. Dog sledding. Now that sounded interesting. Maybe one day she'd try that. Ice skating she'd do. There was also a listing of the mixers and things the resort was throwing to get the singles together.

  A burst of laughter escaped her, and she shook her head. What the hell was she doing?

  "Something amusing?" a deep male voice said from her left.

  Sage turned and stared at the man next to her. Oh dear Lord. It was one of the hotties from earlier who'd gotten out of the Suburban. Not just one of, but the one who'd stopped and stared at her. Up close, she could see his eyes were a stunning pale green, very intense against his darker skin coloring. On his chin was a small scar, like Harrison Ford’s. It added to the masculinity he portrayed.

  Damn, he was fine. Firm, bow-shaped lips, strong chin. Oh…she could go on and on. She refused to look any lower because she knew she’d be transfixed on his groin. Instead, she smiled.

  * * * *

  Conall Lennox felt a quiver in his gut when she smiled. She was stunning. He'd noticed her before when they'd first arrived. Granted she'd been in ski clothing then, but yeah, he recognized her all right. Not many women had an ass like she did.

  Tonight when he'd spied her, he knew he had to talk to her. Medium-brown skin covered her athletic body. He could see she was very fit; Conall liked that. A woman who took care of herself. Her black hair had dark gold highlights and hung a little past her shoulders in a half-long gradient cut. The uneven edges added to her allure, making her seem all the more mysterious. She had full lips, which were free of embellishment. Her eyes were a beautiful tawny brown, and had an impish sparkle to them.

  "Is something funny?" Conall asked again, gesturing with his chin at the board she'd been staring at.

  "Yes. I was just thinking how I'd come here to avoid my parents trying to hook me up and making me feel bad for not filling their house with grandchildren, only to have complete strangers put me in a setting for meeting other potential hook-ups."

  He smiled. "So you are here for the singles thing."

  "I am. A friend saw the ad and told me about it."

  "Doesn't start until next week."

  "I can only stay for a week of it. Wanted to have a full vacation though, so I came early." She faced him fully, her hands relaxed at her sides. "What about you?"

  He trailed his gaze over her again. She wore gray cotton pants and a black jacket over a white shirt. White tennis shoes with hot pink streaks on them completed her outfit. Damn, he wanted to take her jacket off and see the rest of her. Preferably naked. Along with his naked body. He inhaled sharply and reined in his emotions.

  "Sort of the same thing. My friends convinced me this was a good thing to do." He crossed his arms. "I'm beginning to see the wisdom in their decision."

  Another brilliant smile."That so?"

  He nodded and held out a hand. "Conall Lennox."

  Her grip, warm and strong, came immediately. "Sage Addison."

  "A pleasure to meet you, Sage Addison."

  Her gaze traveled over him, and she couldn't hide the appreciation in it. Not that he wanted her to. He liked knowing she was attracted to him, as he was to her.

  "Are you sure we're allowed to talk before the singles thing?"

  He reluctantly released her hand and winked. "I'll pretend to not know you when it starts, if you like."

  Her laughter threatened to buckle his knees. Where had she been all his life? Her eyes twinkled like diamonds. "Think they have people watching us right now? You know, to make sure we don't break any rules?"

  Conall leaned closer to her and inhaled. Lord, she smelled good. The only way he could describe it would be bluebells on the crisp air, with a hint of cloves and cinnamon. He wanted to hold her closer, sink his hands into the silken strands of her hair, and ravish her mouth.

  "They may be." He stepped closer, noting again how well she'd fit against him.

  "Conall!"

  He turned his head and bit back an oath at the interruption. His friends waved at him. Damn it! He'd totally forgotten about dinner the second his gaze landed upon her again. Not her, but Sage Addison. Lovely name for a stunning woman.

  "I take it you have to go," she said, not at all sounding put out.

  "They're ready to go eat."

  "Know the feeling. I am on my way back from doing that very thing. Worked up an appetite on the slopes today."

  "How'd you like the skiing?"

  "Very nice.Well-maintained slopes. I was impressed."

  "Great. We're going tomorrow."

  "Maybe I'll see you out there."

  He held her gaze. "I'd like that." With a swallow, he added, "It was lovely meeting you, Sage Addison."

  "Likewise, Conall Lennox." She walked off with a small wave only to turn and peer over her shoulder at him. "You are staying for a while, right?"

  He nodded and felt the punch when approval sparked in her gaze. "Through the singles thing."

  "I'm sure I'll see you around then." A dip of her head and she moved away and out of his sight.

&n
bsp; "You coming, man?" his friend Steve asked, smacking him on the back. "Or are you to busy staring at that hottie?"

  "Stay away from her." Conall growled the warning instantly.

  Steve drew back and looked at him with a confused expression on his face. "I thought we were here for the singles thing. Find some hot little snow bunny and go from there."

  He nodded. "Exactly. Sage Addison is mine."

  "Shit! She's here for it, and you've already claimed her for yourself? It doesn't sound fair."

  "Ask me if I give a damn." Their other two friends joined them, and Steve graciously filled them in on how Conall had demanded they stay away from her.

  "You work quickly," Travis said with a smile.

  "Some things happen that way."

  The man nodded and clapped him on the shoulder. "They do. Let's get some food. I'm hungry."

  Walking with his friends, Conall thought back to the woman he'd just met. Sage Addison. Perhaps Christmas wouldn't be so bad this year after all. Moreover, he, for one, was definitely looking forward to their next encounter.

  * * * *

  That next encounter didn't happen until the following night. His friends were off at a local bar enjoying the scene, and he was walking through the town, just kind of ambling from storefront to storefront admiring the holiday displays, when he saw her exiting a store two doors down from him.

  "Sage!" His heart rate increased just from seeing her again. She turned to face in his direction and awarded him a winning smile.

  "Conall Lennox." She waited as he walked toward her. "How was your day? Did you get some time to hit the slopes?"

  He nodded, taking in her jeans and sweatshirt outfit. "I did, got a few runs in. What about you?"

  "I took one run, did some ice skating, and spent some time sightseeing." Another smile. "This really is a nice town."