by Cindy Stark
ASPEN TRILOGY
By Cindy Stark
AMAZON KDP EDITION
PUBLISHED BY
C. Nielsen
www.cindystark.com
Aspen Trilogy © 2012 C. Nielsen
All rights reserved
ALSO BY CINDY STARK
Moonlight and Margaritas
Sweet Vengeance
Table of Contents
RELENTLESS
LAWLESS
COWBOYS AND ANGELS
EXCERPT: MOONLIGHT & MARGARITAS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
RELENTLESS
By Cindy Stark
AMAZON KDP EDITION
PUBLISHED BY
C. Nielsen
www.cindystark.com
Relentless © 2012 C. Nielsen
All rights reserved
Amazon KDP Edition License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Amazon.com and purchase your own copy. The ebook contained herein constitutes a copyrighted work and may not be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, or stored in or introduced into an information storage and retrieval system in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the copyright owner, except in the case of brief quotation embodied in critical articles and reviews. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This ebook is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
DEDICATION
To my sisters and girlfriends—
Life wouldn't be near as much fun without my partners in crime.
As always, to my amazing daughters—
I love you!
Special thanks to Tiff & Natalie for the laughs and for keeping me on track.
CHAPTER ONE
From the corner of her eye, Lily Chandler caught a blur of black as it dashed into the road. She slammed on the brakes. The tires on her little white Honda screamed as she swung off the pavement and onto the grassy area at the side of the road, narrowly missing a ditch.
When the car had come to a standstill, she plastered a hand against her chest, trying to slow her racing heart. "What the hell was that?"
Hannah eyed her as though she'd lost her mind. "I was going to ask you the same thing. Are you trying to kill us?"
"No." Lily glanced across the isolated two-lane highway, searching for the critter that almost lost its life. "There was something in the road. Didn't you see it?"
"Uh…no." Her friend looked around. "It was probably a skunk or raccoon. We have those out here, you know," she said with a tinge of sarcasm.
Lily narrowed her eyes. "I know that." Actually, she had no idea what she'd find in the small town of Aspen, Utah, but she wasn't about to admit it. She scanned the surrounding green pastures one more time for the little beast who'd stolen a year of her life.
"Can we go now?"
Lily sighed as she pulled out onto the never-ending stretch of blacktop. Her bug-spattered windshield showcased nothing but farmland alive with early summer grass. Occasionally, a house had popped up on the horizon, but not often enough for Lily's comfort. Somewhere up ahead was Hannah's brother hauling a good portion of their possessions in Hannah's truck. Everything else had been left in a storage shed in Salt Lake with the hopes that she and Hannah would be returning soon. "I'm starting to wonder if this was a good idea."
"Are you kidding?" Her friend tilted her head, the action making her auburn ponytail shake. "Don't second guess this now. When I left home seven years ago, I swore I'd never move back. I'm only going now because you begged."
"I didn't beg." She hadn't. But moving in with Hannah's family seemed preferable to being homeless. Two weeks ago, they'd both been fired from their respective jobs at a local newspaper in Salt Lake City, all because their boss hadn't been able to keep his zipper zipped. His wife had found out, and now the paper was slowly disintegrating from all the bad press and soon to be split assets. If it hadn't cost her a job, Lily would have been happy the jerk had been found out. She could totally commiserate with her boss's wife. She'd dealt with similar humiliation and pain when she'd caught her fiancé cheating with her sister.
Hannah folded her arms. "This was your idea. No complaining. I warned you my family lived in a rural area."
"Rural?" Lily let go a nervous laugh. "To an L.A. girl, rural is like…subdivisions. Like the outskirts of Salt Lake. Places where people still live. Not this…vast emptiness." She gestured to the hills that didn't stop until they touched the sky. "If a person got lost out here, they may never be found."
"Ain't that the truth," Hannah said with a laugh. "Let me rephrase then. My parents live in a backward, podunk, God-forsaken town." Her friend pretended to shudder. "And look. We're here." Hannah pointed to a sign stating, Aspen, population: 250. "Welcome to my version of hell."
Only 250 people? There had to be that many living on their block in downtown SLC. Lily forced a smile and slowed as the speed limit dropped considerably. What if the people here didn't like her or couldn't relate to her? She was a city girl through and through.
The little town was cute, though. Baskets of pink and purple petunias swung from streetlamps, and all of the buildings were in good repair. It was like going back in time fifty years.
"Sorry to postpone our arrival. Mom asked if I could pick up a couple of things before we head out to their place." Hannah nodded toward a building with Andersen's Grocery painted on the side. "Do you mind if we stop?"
"Not at all." Lily cruised into the small parking lot, grateful to have arrived. "I'd like to look around the place I'm going to be calling home anyway."
Hannah snorted. "Don't get too excited."
Her friend seemed really down on her hometown, but Lily hoped it wouldn't be that bad. More than that, she hoped they'd both have new jobs before long and be headed back to civilized Salt Lake. Lily shouldered her purse and headed down the short street as Hannah went inside the store. The air was fresh, if a bit cooler than it had been in the city. She inhaled again. Like really fresh. Like it almost had a sweet taste to it. That was certainly a nice change her lungs would appreciate during her morning runs.
In the same parking lot as the grocery store, stood a small strip mall with a pizza parlor, a beauty salon, and Betty Johnson Real Estate. A small "help wanted" sign tucked into the corner of a window near the door of the real estate office snagged her attention. She'd be headed there first thing after they got settled in.
A gas station took up space on the other side of the strip mall, and a bit farther down was a bigger building with the words Swallow's Bar and Grill. The other side of the street housed a cute little bakery and coffee shop. The town's version of Starbucks, perhaps? She'd definitely check it out later. Ahead of her was Randall's Western Outfitters that apparently carried clothing, tools and more. Everything a girl could want, all in a few short steps. It would certainly provide a different shopping experience than Rodeo Drive.
The door to the western outfitters store swung open in front of her, and she had to stop short to avoid running into it.
"So sorry, Miss," said the older guy in a worn cowboy hat when he realized he'd almost plowed the door into her face. He totally looked the rancher part with short, g
ristled whiskers, accompanying denim jacket, and carrying a large bag of something over his shoulder.
Lily shook her head. "It's fine. You couldn't have known I was here."
The wrinkles around his grass green eyes creased when he smiled. "Still, I apologize."
She was about to respond when another man came out right behind him, carrying two identical bags.
"Dad—"
The younger guy stopped short when he saw Lily. "Well, hello."
He was a taller version of his father, with the same beautiful green eyes. His biceps bulged beneath his dark blue T-shirt from holding the weight of the two bags, and an interesting tattoo peeked out from beneath one of his sleeves. A hint of short brown hair hung below a khaki-colored ballcap, and she was surprised to find he wore small, thick silver hoops in his ears. Apparently, the small towns of the world were finally catching up with everyone else.
"Um…hi." She felt silly now, impeding him and his dad.
"Did you want something, Luke?" his father asked.
He hesitated. "I'll tell you in the truck." He nodded toward a big black pickup, and Lily couldn't help but feel he'd just dismissed his dad.
The older man seemed to pick up his cue as well. He winked at Lily, nodded and headed toward the vehicle.
"You're new in town." The younger guy smiled, making Lily feel slightly giddy inside. She wasn't quite sure what to make of him. Hannah had been dead wrong in her assessment of the men in this town if this guy was any indication of who she'd find here.
"I just arrived. I'm going to be staying with my friend's family for a while." A soft breeze blew several blond curls into her face, making them stick to her lip gloss. She tried several times to remove them, but kept missing some. He reached out, holding the weight of his load with one hand, and pulled the last hairs away from her lips.
"Thanks." She tugged her long tresses to one side, away from the breeze, to keep them under control. The attraction she felt for this guy was awkward, surprising, and a little exhilarating.
"What's your name?" He continued to stand there as though the heavy weight he carried meant nothing to him.
"Lily. Lily Chandler."
"I'm Luke Winchester. It's nice to meet you." His lips tilted into a grin, and she couldn't stop herself from mirroring the gesture. "Who are the friends you're staying with?"
"The Morgan family. Do you know them?"
"Of course."
At her puzzled expression, he continued. "You're obviously not from a small town, 'cause here everybody knows everybody."
"Lily?" Hannah yelled from down the street. "Let's go."
Luke turned his gaze to her friend, his demeanor cooling. "Hey, Hannah. Welcome back," he called out.
Hannah sent him a heated look and then got in the car, slamming her door.
Lily raised her brows. "Ouch. You and Hannah have some sort of history?"
He shook his head, a disappointed look hovering in his eyes. "A slight misunderstanding. She'll get over it one of these days. In the meantime, promise me you won't believe everything she tells you."
Interesting. She couldn't wait to hear Hannah's side of the story. "Okay." She would give Luke the benefit of the doubt. For now.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Lily Chandler. I'm sure I'll run into you again."
He held out a hand, and she took it. His fingers were strong and warm, and they sent a fascinating spike of energy coursing through her. "Nice to meet you, too."
She let go of his hand and turned, walking toward her Honda. She desperately wanted to look back at him, but she was certain he still watched her. She could feel the almost physical touch of his gaze. When she reached down to open the car door, she dared a glance in his direction. A swift current whipped through her when their gazes connected. He nodded as though affirming they'd meet again and turned.
Lily blew out a slow breath and slipped into her car, trying to pretend Luke Winchester hadn't shoved her pulse into overdrive.
CHAPTER TWO
"What did he want?" Hannah's usual pleasant demeanor had vanished.
Lily shrugged. "I don't know. I nearly collided with his dad as they came out of that store. I guess he just wanted to introduce himself."
"Of course he did. Cute new girl in town. Fresh meat for him." The anger in Hannah's voice surprised her.
"Whoa. What's with all the hating?"
Her friend narrowed her eyes as Lily put the car in reverse. "He's like the biggest jerk in Aspen. You think your ex was bad for cheating with your sister? This guy is ten times worse. He's the biggest player in town, and he's broken every heart in the valley."
Lily raised her brows. "That bad?" He was certainly cute enough to break a million hearts.
Hannah nodded, visually upset.
"I'm guessing you were one of those victims?"
"I should have known better, you know? He'd already dated most of the girls in the county before he asked me out. I’m a couple years younger than him. But he finally noticed me, and when Luke Winchester has his sights on something or someone, he's relentless in his pursuit. But I didn't mind. I'd convinced myself all those other women weren't right for him. I would be the one he'd fall for." She snorted, flinging her hand. "Nope. I was just another conquest."
"He sounds like a real jerk." Which disappointed her. "Did you sleep with him?"
"No." Her friend shook her head. "But only because I was smart enough not to. I'm pretty sure he's been with just about everyone else. He's the screw 'em and leave 'em type."
"Wow." Those were some pretty strong words, and she hated people who took advantage of others. "I wonder how he'd like it if someone did that to him. Maybe he deserves a taste of his own medicine."
Hannah drew her brows together in a frown. "He'd certainly deserve it, Lily, but not from you. It's better if you stay away from him."
"Yeah." She sighed. "Probably so." It's not like she would have actually followed through with her threat anyway. Getting a new job was her priority for now. She stared out the window, a gray cloud of emotion settling over her as the small town faded away and they were swallowed by more fields and barbwire fences. She'd experienced some major chemistry with Luke, but from what Hannah said, it seemed he had a way of bringing about that feeling in a number of women. Figures.
As cute as he was, Luke Winchester had just been added to the "do not touch" list.
* * *
Luke watched until Lily Chandler’s Honda Civic disappeared from sight, a fresh spark of hope growing in his chest. Here, he’d thought there would never be another woman in the small town of Aspen that might give him a chance. Not after how Hannah Morgan had shredded his reputation. But he’d caught the look of interest in Lily’s deep brown eyes. She'd taken a long look at him, and apparently, she'd liked what she’d seen. He hadn’t realized how much he missed flirting with a woman who didn’t regard him with wariness.
He’d enjoyed looking at her, too, with her soft blond curls reaching past her shoulders, and those smoldering brown eyes. Damn. He hitched the bags higher on his shoulder and headed for his truck. Today was a good day.
Now, he had to figure out a way to see her again before Hannah could damage any chance he might have with Lily.
* * *
Lily's spirits lifted as Hannah directed her to turn off the main road and onto a gravel-paved lane that wound toward a small, red brick house flanked by weeping willows and a sprawling two-story white home that lay beyond. Near the big house stood a large, wooden barn, with several farming implements off to the side.
"Home sweet home," Hannah announced, as Lily's car bumped over the rough road.
"The big house or the little one?" Lily asked. If they were staying in the smaller house with her brother and parents, things were going to be very cozy.
Hannah laughed. "We'll stay in the little one, but everyone else is in the main house."
"We get our own place?" That was a nice surprise. It wouldn't feel like she was intruding so much that way.<
br />
"We lucked out. My cousin and his wife had been living there until a month ago, but now they have their own home. And this way, I won't be forced to live under my father's thumb and my mother's ever-present criticism."
Lily frowned. Hannah's mom had always seemed so nice on the phone the few times she'd talked with her. Coming home seemed to bring out her friend's dark side. "I'm okay with whatever. I’m just glad to have a place to stay."
"That's what I'm hoping for, too. This place has zero nightlife. Stay here too long and it will choke the life right out of you."
Lily parked next to Hannah's old blue truck that was piled high with all of her friend's belongings and some of Lily's. On the other side of her vehicle sat a newer model Mazda. Lily wondered who it belonged to. The sporty little car looked out of place in the small farming town, which was exactly how Lily felt. But she supposed if the sports car could fit in, so could she.
"The place is kind of small," Hannah said as she led the way inside.
Lily walked into what would be her home for the next little while and was met with a quaint, homey feeling. "It's adorable." She loved the old-fashioned, hand-carved shelving built into the walls. The lace curtains blowing with the afternoon breeze bespoke tranquility. Maybe that’s what she really needed at this point in her life. A chance to regroup before she moved forward. "Besides, I think it has more room than our apartment."
"I do believe you're right." Hannah dropped her purse on a worn brown couch. "This is the living room. The kitchen's behind it, with two bedrooms to the side. The bathroom is at the back of the house. It was added on after the house was built."