AspenTrilogy (Boxed Set)

by Cindy Stark

  "It's not like that, Sienna. It's…" How did she describe their relationship? There was certainly a strong attraction between them, but was it just sexual? Could that be all he wanted from her? Maybe it really was all she needed from him. "It just is what it is. We've only begun to get to know each other. I really have no idea where it will go from here."

  "I thought you'd agreed it was best if you didn't see him because of your job. If you break up, it's going to make things really awkward."

  Too late for that. Last night had completely pushed them beyond the backing out gracefully period. "Why are you so adamant about this, Sienna? I understand you don't want to see me get hurt, and I appreciate that, but you're starting to sound a little bit too much like my mother."

  Her friend stepped back as though Katy had struck her. "That was rude."

  Katy dragged a hand through her unruly hair. She could only imagine what she must look like with her bed head and wearing yesterday's clothes. Her body was sore and stiff from her midnight escapades, and all she wanted to do was soak in a hot tub. "I'm sorry. I'm really tired."

  "I can only imagine why."

  "Really, Sienna? Is this where we want our friendship to go?"

  Her friend clamped her mouth shut and then blew out a breath. "You're right. I guess we're both a little on edge. Maybe we should call it a day and try again next week."

  Now she felt like the worst person ever. "No." She stepped forward to the one friend who'd always been by her side. "I'm sorry. I'm getting bitchy. I don't mean to."

  "Language." Sienna rolled her eyes in a friendly gesture that coaxed a chuckle out of Katy.

  "I know you're worried about me, but I'm a big girl, capable of making my own decisions. Good or bad."

  Sienna nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry, too. About the snarky comments and all. I just wish you'd reconsider the path you seemed determined to take. I know you like him, but all I see is heartache waiting for you at the end."

  Katy nodded. "It could be heartache, Sienna, but at what point do I stop worrying about what could be and start living?"

  Her friend shrugged. "I don't know. Better safe than sorry, I'd say."

  That's what Katy had said all along, too. But suddenly "safe" felt more like a death sentence than actually living. "I'll think about it."

  "I really hope you do. I think you'll find he's not worth it."

  Katy nodded, not wanting to start another round of arguments with her friend now that they'd found a tiny spot of common ground. "How about we forget about Scott for now, and I'll make us some tea? I found this new mandarin orange green tea that's heavenly."

  "Okay." Sienna seemed to relax, acting more like her normal self. "Something warm would be good. It really is cold out there."

  Katy turned to the sink to fill her teapot with water. She sagged against the counter while she waited.

  This was turning out to be far more complicated than she'd expected.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Monday morning arrived far too quickly, and Katy felt less sure of what she should do. She knew Scott expected a call later in the day on Sunday, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Too many conflicting emotions with no answers.

  To make matters worse, Nina hovered at the reception desk as Katy entered the building. Her nemesis ended her conversation with the receptionist and headed toward Katy.

  "Do not talk to me, Nina. Not one word." She punched the up button on the elevator.

  "What's the matter? Bad weekend? No dates on the horizon?" She chuckled, making Katy want to punch her. "I asked around, and you aren't dating that guy. I heard he's with some girl named Jen." The elevator doors opened, and Nina stepped inside. "What did you do, pay him five bucks to act like your boyfriend?"

  Her words were like a razor to the veins in Katy's heart. She froze where she stood and stared at Nina with enough venom to kill. "I said, do not talk to me. Ever again." Katy turned as the elevator doors shut, and she headed for the staircase. The stairs were better for her anyway.

  She made it to Janet's vacant office and shut the door before her tears started. She grabbed a tissue and let them fall. Scott, her new job, the pressure from Sienna—it squeezed her until she thought she might implode. She shut her eyes and inhaled, searching for that calm spot inside her head. Another breath…and the tightness in her chest eased. One thing at a time.

  Scott. Was he really seeing someone else? She couldn't be sure. She knew for a fact Nina would say anything to wound her. But Scott was a good-looking man, and it was hard to believe he wasn't dating anyone. Her tears threatened to start again, and she squashed the feeling. Sleeping with someone without really knowing him had its consequences. She'd recognized that fact going in. Maybe it was best if she didn't think about him right now.

  It was Monday. She was at work. Her job had to come first.

  She turned on the computer and waited for her programs to load. She clicked on the calendar, trying to not let the upcoming construction meeting bother her too much. She had reports she needed to complete before then, and she could remain professional. She would remain professional. All business. No emotion. She'd be fine.

  * * *

  Nine o'clock came way too fast. She should have stayed even later the previous Friday to make sure everything was in order for her meeting this morning. She would have been less likely to have stopped at the bar, and she could have avoided everything that had transpired in between. But by Friday evening, she'd had it, and Teisha had assured her there would be plenty of time Monday morning.

  There had been time to get things in order, but no time to compose herself before she faced Scott.

  She walked cautiously down the hall toward the conference room. Scott sat next to the seat she'd occupied at the previous meeting. She walked in, catching his gaze and sat on the opposite side of the table, as close to the end as possible. His lips turned upward, but she couldn't bring herself to return the gesture. All she could think about was Nina's cruel remark about Scott and a girl named Jen. She didn't want to believe it was true…but was it? When Scott's smile turned to a questioning look, she looked away.

  She managed not to look in his direction for all of five minutes. When Mr. Winward walked in and took a seat, she snuck a glance at Scott. He watched her with a sober look.

  The meeting seemed to last forever, but she was grateful she had all the information Mr. Winward required. For the majority of the time, she'd kept her gaze on the documents in front of her and only looked up when she'd been questioned or had given her report.

  At the end of the meeting, her boss tapped his files in a neat stack and pushed up his glasses before glancing over the group. "I think that's just about everything unless someone has something else to cover."

  "One thing," Scott said, and Katy turned her gaze toward him. "The amount shown for total expenditures on the radiology area is a little off from my figures. I'm wondering if Miss Rivers has included the built-in reception desk in her totals. We actually listed that in another area."

  All eyes in the room turned to her, and she swallowed. "Yes, I believe those amounts were included. I'd have to pull the itemized expenditures to be certain."

  "Would you mind doing that? I'd like to make sure we're both on the same page."

  His message was cryptic, but she hadn't missed his meaning. "Of course. I can have that to your assistant later today."

  "If it's all right, I'd like to have that information come straight to me. Please give me a call later, if you don't mind."

  Mr. Winward raised his brows at her.

  "Absolutely. I'll call as soon as I have it."

  "That would be appreciated."

  She held his gaze for a second longer and then looked away. If he kept this up, remaining professional would not be easy.

  "Okay then. I'd say this meeting can be concluded." Mr. Winward's assistant slipped a paper in front of him. "Wait. One more thing. As most of you know, the annual Christmas Ball is coming up this Friday. It's espec
ially important this year since we're planning to use the funds for the pediatric center upgrades as part of this year's expansion. I'm expecting all staff to attend in support of this event, especially those of us on this committee. Everyone good with that?" He glanced about the table. "Kevin?"

  Katy's co-worker nodded. "Of course. My wife's excited to attend. She's thrilled that it's black tie so she can buy a new dress."

  "Katy?" Mr. Winward pinned her with a questioning look.

  "Uh..." She really hadn't expected to have to go. Usually only the administrative staff was required to attend, but she guessed she was now considered part of that group. "Maybe." She gave a hesitant smile. "I don't have a date yet." She prayed that excuse would get her off the hook.

  "I'd be honored to take you, Miss Rivers, seeing as how I'd like to support this worthy charity but also don't have a date." Scott kept a straight face as he asked.

  Once again, all the eyes in the room turned to her.

  She forced a smile. "How can I say no to that?"

  "Great." Mr. Winward seemed quite pleased with the turn of events. "Meeting adjourned."

  Katy took her time gathering her materials from the table, hoping to have a chance to confront Scott. He seemed to have the same idea in mind, waiting for the majority of the people to leave the room before he addressed her.

  "If you have just another second, Miss Rivers. I have one more question for you." Scott walked to her side of the table and waited for the room to empty. No one seemed to question why he might remain behind. When the last person left, he turned to her, but she beat him to the punch.

  "What the hell was that all about, with your cryptic messages and forcing me to go to the ball with you?"

  He shut the door before answering. "I could ask you the same thing. I thought we'd found something special, at least it was for me. Then I take you home and never hear from you again."

  "It was one day that I didn't call. Not even a full day."

  "So, you're saying you intended to call me today?"

  "We're seeing each other right now, aren't we?"

  Anger flashed in his eyes, giving him a menacing look. "Don't talk in circles, Katy. If this thing is over before it's even started, at least have the honesty to tell me."

  She glanced away before focusing on him again. "I don't know what it is, all right?" She fingered her temples, searching for a way out of the mess she'd created.

  "Is it because your friend caught you?"

  She couldn't meet his gaze, afraid he'd see right through her.

  "Is it because she caught you with me?"

  She jerked her head up, realizing the moment she connected with his gaze she'd given herself away.

  "You afraid I'll somehow soil your reputation?"

  She stood, backing away from him. "Who is Jen?"

  He flinched, his expression changing from one of irritation to…guilt? "Jen and I are no longer seeing each other. We haven't dated for months. It was never anything serious anyway."

  Katy studied his features. She wanted to think he wouldn't lie to her, but how could she be sure?

  "You don't believe me? You think I'm still the same guy I was back when? A player?"

  She blinked, wishing she knew how to respond.

  He turned, cornering her against the wall. "I'm not seeing anyone else, Katy. Just you." His voice dropped to almost a whisper, his features softening. "I hope."

  Her heart knew the truth, and she wanted to reach out to him. To touch his face. To kiss him like she had the night before.

  "I knew we were taking this too fast." He put a hand against the wall next to her ear and looked down, shaking his head.

  "I'm the one who pushed it. If anyone is to blame, it's me."

  He looked at her. "I should have listened to my gut."

  The expression in his dark eyes tugged at her, reminding her of their evening together. Everything had been so perfect. Their sleigh ride to see the wolves. The way he'd been so concerned about her comfort. She had no doubt they wouldn't have slept together if she hadn't pressed things. She'd let Sienna's judgments and Nina's cruel words influence her opinion of him, when really, she needed to trust her instincts. Just because he'd tossed a little excitement into her otherwise boring life didn't mean he was what everyone else expected him to be.

  There was still the work thing to consider though, but maybe that wouldn't be an issue after all.

  She lifted a hand and touched his cheek. He placed a hand over hers and straightened.

  "I'm sorry," she said. "I guess I got a little scared…and I handled this very poorly."

  He searched her face, a small smile hovering on his lips. "Does this mean I get a second chance?"

  He wasn't the one who should be asking. "Does it mean that I do?"

  A sparkle lit his brown eyes, turning them a warm shade of mocha. "Only if we do it my way this time."

  "What does that mean?"

  "It means I'm going to tempt you and tease you until you can't stand it, and then still make you wait until we've dated the proper amount of time before we make love again."

  "And how long would that be?"

  "I guess we'll know when we get there."

  His carefree manner brought a smile to her lips. "You think we can do that?"

  He shrugged, a twinkle in his eye. "So, we have a date for the Christmas Ball, then?"

  "Are you saying I won't see you until the weekend?"

  He traced a thumb across her bottom lip, following it with a soft kiss. "Nothing wrong with taking it slow."

  When she pouted, he laughed. "Trust me, keeping my hands off you is going to be a lot harder on me than it is on you."

  She highly doubted that.

  * * *

  Tears pooled at the edge of Luke Winchester's eyes from laughing too hard, and Scott had to restrain the urge from all out punching his buddy in the face.

  "Wait. Tell me again," Luke said.

  Scott took a long pull from his beer before setting his bottle back on the bar at Swallow's. "Out of all the people I know, I would expect you to understand."

  "Understand that you have Katy Rivers wanting to sleep with you, and you're telling her no? Are you crazy? You do realize you're now a legend, don't you? Every guy in town wanted to bag her, but no one had the balls to try because she was untouchable. You've conquered the unconquerable."

  Luke might be an inch or two taller than him, but Scott packed a hell of a lot more muscle. "I should knock you to the floor right now for talking about her that way."

  Luke started to laugh, but then sobered. "Hey. I'm just kidding."

  "How would you like it if someone said something like that about Lily?"

  His friend narrowed his eyes. "Watch it."

  "Exactly." Scott hadn't wanted to toss Luke's cute new wife into the mix, but that seemed to be the only way to make his friend understand. "I'm just saying, watch it, too."

  Luke turned, glancing at Lily who sat at a table with their friends, Milo and Anna. He looked back at Scott. "Sorry, man. I had no idea you felt like that about her. Honestly, I didn't even know you were dating."

  "We've only been on one date."

  "And you bagged her already? Man, you are legend."

  "She's not that kind of girl."

  Luke lifted a brow. "You sure? Maybe we had her pegged wrong all those years ago."

  "Would you stop with the shit, already? I asked you over here to get your advice."

  His friend held up his hands. "Okay. Sorry. What did you want to know?"

  "How did you get Lily to not listen to all the gossip about you and Hannah? What made her trust you?"

  "I don't know. I guess she was smart enough to trust her heart above everything else." He sized up his friend. "Does Katy have a problem with you?"

  "I think she wonders if I'm still a fuck up. How do I get her to take me seriously?"

  Luke seemed to mull over the question as he took a drink of beer. "I don't know. I guess just keep showing her the
real you, and she'll have to decide for herself. We all know you've moved beyond your dumbass years. She'll figure it out, too."

  "Thanks, dude." He rolled his eyes. "I knew I could count on you for some sage advice."

  Luke laughed and headed back to his wife. Scott pulled the phone from his pocket and scrolled through his address book until Katy's number appeared. He stared at it, aching to call.

  Distance makes the heart grow fonder.

  The old saying circled around his mind for a few moments before he put his phone away. He needed to give her space. Give her time to miss him.

  The Christmas Ball was only a day away. He'd see her then, and he'd do everything he could to win her heart.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Katy's pulse thrummed against her throat as she fastened the clasp of her teardrop zirconium necklace. She dropped her hands, brushing them over the sparkling jewels on her bodice, and down the folds of her silver gown. She loved it.

  She'd taken a chance, ordering it online, but it fit her perfectly. She'd had her moment of panic Monday night when she'd realized she only had a few days and nothing to wear to the ball. But her perfect dress had arrived Thursday afternoon with still a day to spare. She'd ripped through the packaging, tugging the dress from its folds of tissue paper, and then nearly cried because she couldn't call her mother or her best friend to share her fun news.

  But they'd never understand. They'd judge Scott and call her stupid for seeing him, and she couldn't handle their criticism at the moment.

  She allowed herself a second to feel bad, and then she smiled. Scott would be there momentarily, and she'd dance in his strong arms and forget all her troubles. She glanced at the clock. Five minutes…and she didn't have her shoes on yet.

  She fell to her knees, digging through the pile of shoes covering her closet, searching for her silver heels. She found one, but was interrupted by the doorbell. She growled and flung boots and flats out of her way until she discovered the second, and then she raced for the door.

  Her heels nearly fell from her slack fingers as she stared at the vision standing on her doorstep. God, he was beautiful with his spiked hair, perfectly trimmed goatee and black tuxedo. "Wow," she said breathlessly, and he laughed. She did drop a shoe then.