AspenTrilogy (Boxed Set)

by Cindy Stark

  He picked it up and handed it to her. "Are you going to invite me in?"

  "Of course." She chuckled over her embarrassing behavior and took a step back. He looked so…impressive. She shut the door and turned to him. "You look very nice."

  He crooked a brow and surveyed her with a gaze that left her sizzling. Taking her hand, he pulled her near. "And you are exquisite, my angel."

  "Thank you." His obvious appreciation made her feel all the more beautiful. "I just need to put on my shoes." She held up the strappy silver heels.

  "May I?" He took her shoes, leaving butterflies fluttering inside her.

  She sat on the couch, and he kneeled in front of her. He lifted her foot, his roughened fingers sending tingles through the sensitive skin on the side of her arch. "One of these days, I'll be ready in time," she said, pretending his actions weren't as intimate as they seemed.

  He slipped the shoe over her foot, his deft fingers working the buckle. As he lifted her second foot, he glanced up at her. "I don't mind in the least." A sharp dagger of desire pierced her heart. She knew in that moment why she'd pushed them that first night.

  Every cell in her body begged to be closer to him.

  She sighed as he finished and stood, holding out his hand to her. She stood, picked up her purse and her black satin coat, allowing him to help her into it.

  "I'd make you bring something warmer for the ride, but my SUV is already heated."

  "This is plenty warm. I'll be fine." At least as long as she had him by her side.

  * * *

  Scott kept the conversation light during the twenty-minute ride into Pinecone, and Katy was grateful. Their slight derailment earlier in the week seemed to be a thing of the past, and she hoped it would stay that way. She couldn't be sure there wouldn't be bumps in the future, but she didn't want to consider them now.

  Scott pulled his SUV into the hotel parking lot, and Katy was surprised to see her company had provided valet parking. The event was always held at the biggest hotel in town. She was sure it would hardly be called a hotel by big city standards, but it was the only meeting space in Pinecone and the surrounding areas large enough to hold the event.

  Didn't matter. Somehow Mr. Winward's assistant, along with whatever party-planning business she'd hired, had transformed the quaint little hotel into a magical winter wonderland.

  Tiny white lights covered the stark branches of the trees, bringing them to life with warmth and beauty. Potted evergreens complete with crystal lights and silver ornaments lined the entrance into the hotel.

  Scott exited his truck and walked around to her door. He held out a hand, helping her from her seat. It was as though she'd somehow been transformed into a princess, and he was her attending prince. He held up his elbow, and she took it, allowing him to escort her inside.

  The more elaborate decorations had been saved for the interior of the hotel. Wisps of sheer white fabric floated down from the ceiling to piles of glimmering fake snow. More lighted trees, evergreen and bare branches, filled the corners of the ballroom, making her feel as though she truly were outside. The decorating committee had even managed to hang little lights from the ceiling, mimicking the night sky she'd shared with Scott on their sleigh ride.

  The masterpiece was the large Christmas tree placed in the center of the dance floor. Silver satin ribbons cascaded down from a glittering bow at the top. Ornaments of white, silver and clear glass hung from the limbs while cherubic angels peeked from the branches.

  "They go all out, don't they?" he whispered in her ear.

  "Apparently so. This is my first ball, so I really have no idea what to expect. But I'm impressed so far."

  "You can say that again."

  The party had barely started, and people currently mingled as waiters with appetizers circled the room. More waiters carried sparkling flutes on their trays. One stopped and offered drinks to them. Scott looked at her. "No, I'm good for now," she said.

  "No, thanks," he said to the man.

  "I feel like I need to keep my wits about me for the moment. It's not going to look good if I get drunk in front of Mr. Winward."

  "True. We all know what happens when you've had too much to drink."

  She elbowed him. "Funny." She turned, hiding the smile that crossed her lips.

  Dinner was a treat of prime rib or chicken marsala, complete with a succulent rice dish and chocolate mousse for dessert. She and Scott, along with several other people including Kevin and his wife, had been placed at Mr. Winward's table. Jeffrey Winward was also in attendance with Nina on his arm, but they'd been seated several tables away from them.

  Katy couldn't have been more relieved. Nina's barbs would have ruined her evening.

  Conversation mostly flowed without her input, although she'd been sure to compliment Kevin's wife on her beautiful dress. Scott held his own with her boss, talking politics and the particulars of what was taking place with the construction on their building.

  She wasn't sure how she could have ever thought he might not be a man to be admired. He might not have made the best choices in school, but look what he'd achieved since then.

  "Katy?"

  She turned toward her boss.

  "Make sure you get me the figures on what has to be spent from our building grant before I leave for Fiji right after Christmas. We need to make sure every dime of that money gets charged to the project, or we'll lose it. Work with Scott. I'm sure there are plenty of things he can bill us for before the end of the year."

  Scott laughed. "You can count on me, James. And when you get to Fiji, make sure to visit the Naitasiri region, if you get a chance. And don't forget to present yaqona to the local chief."

  Mr. Winward's cheeks pushed back in a rarely seen jovial smile. "My wife was spouting something about that. I guess I'd better pay attention." He shifted his gaze to Katy. "Why don't you take Katy out and dance? She looks a little bored sitting here listening to us talk."

  She raised her brows, earning a laugh from her boss.

  "Besides, if I had a date as pretty as yours, I wouldn't be talking to someone like me. Enough work's been done for now. Tonight, you should relax and enjoy."

  "Good of you to remind me. I wouldn't want Katy to feel ignored." He stood and held out a hand to her. "Care to dance?"

  "I'd love to." She carefully concealed her attraction to Scott as she stood and let him lead her to the dance floor. He slipped a hand across her back, his fingers warm on her skin, and held her hand with his other in a formal dance pose.

  The strains of a waltz cascaded through the wintry scene, and he moved them around the floor with ease.

  "I had no idea you knew how to dance."

  He teased her with a smirk. "I had no idea you knew how to dance."

  She snorted. "Good point."

  "You think because I grew up in a small town that I have no concept of the finer things in life?"

  "I'd be completely wrong if I did."

  He grinned. "Damn right."

  "You've obviously expanded your horizons much farther than I have. When were you in Fiji?"

  "A few years ago. Mr. Roberts had been asked to give advice on a building structure there, and he invited me along with him. We explored the area a bit before we returned home."

  "Again, you surprise me."

  "Why? Because I know something about the world? Small town doesn't necessarily mean less educated."

  "I know that. I grew up here, remember?"

  "Then you shouldn't be so surprised."

  "It's just interesting how a person can know someone her whole life, but never really know him. I remember Joe Roberts, but to me, he was the older man I'd see going into the hardware store. I never knew him beyond that. Never knew he was a world-traveler, or that he had that kind of expertise."

  "You really need to get out of your protected little shell more often and start experiencing the life that's happening around you."

  His words stung, but she couldn't get angry. "You're ab
solutely right. I feel like I've missed out on so many things."

  "At least you're trying new things now." He twirled her. "See what's above us?"

  She glanced upward to find a sprig of mistletoe hanging right above her head. Looking around, she found several more scattered across the ballroom ceiling.

  "I couldn't. This is a work function. I couldn't."

  He twirled her again, bringing her close to another sprig hanging near the tree. "Winward's across the floor, out of sight. No one's going to notice. No one's going to care."

  He lowered his head to hers, his lips caressing hers with a whisper of a kiss. "See? It's all good."

  She relaxed and gave a soft laugh. "Okay. You're right." She snuck another quick kiss, before she pushed him away. "Not quite the same as last weekend, but still good."

  "Careful, Angel. You don't want to tempt me. You know where that leads."

  She blushed, remembering the intimate things he'd done to her. "Maybe I do."

  He shook his head and leaned close to her ear. "And they say I like to flirt with danger?" The deep timbre of his voice brought goose bumps to her skin.

  She nearly tripped when she realized Nina and Jeffrey were dancing close enough to have seen her and Scott kiss, but thankfully neither seemed to be looking in their direction. "How about that glass of champagne now?" She was thirsty, and it was a good excuse to move away from Nina. "We aren't required to spend any more time in Mr. Winward's company, and I'd really like a taste before we go home."

  He held out an elbow for her. "Whatever your heart desires."

  The rest of the night passed like a fairytale. Scott didn't kiss her again, but he'd held her closer than would be appropriate for a professional relationship. She didn't care. For once, she just wanted to live for the moment.

  He drove her home and walked her to the porch, waiting while she unlocked the door.

  "Would you like to come in?"

  A quick smile crossed his lips. "I'd better not."

  She ran her fingers down his lapel, not wanting him to leave. "Afraid I'll seduce you and take you against your will?"

  "It's been known to happen. At least the seducing part. Pretty sure it wasn't against my will, though." He took her chin, placing a soft but searing kiss on her lips. "Can I call you?"

  Disappointment cycled through her because their evening was at an end. Then again, there was always the next day. "I was kind of hoping to ask you for a favor. I'd planned on picking out a Christmas tree tomorrow, and I need someone to haul it home for me. I could ask my dad, but…"

  "You want a tree? I'll take you to get a tree. What time?"

  "Two?"

  "I'll be here." He placed another quick kiss on her lips and turned. When he reached his truck, he looked back. "Dress warm. Warmer than last time. Thermal underwear. Wool socks. Your turquoise coat will work fine."

  "Again?" she asked.

  He grinned. "Again."

  * * *

  Katy gave herself a goal of being ready thirty minutes before Scott was scheduled to arrive so that she could be certain she wouldn't keep him waiting. Sure enough, he rang her doorbell right on time.

  She wore roughly the same clothes she'd worn on their first date with the exception of a different sweater, but she still couldn't shake the memory of each article of clothing as he'd removed them from her body.

  Scott surprised her again. Instead of heading in to town, he drove her straight to his house.

  She raised her brows at him as he opened the passenger door to let her out.

  "Don't ask. You know how I roll. You'll find out when we get there."

  He didn't lead her toward the house, but to the large garage sitting off to the side, instead. He lifted the door, and Katy's attention was snagged by a shiny Harley parked to the side. She approached the handsome piece of machinery, running a finger along the smooth black lines. "I should have known you'd ride."

  He grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Wait until spring. I'll take you for a ride up in the mountains and show you the wildflowers. It'll be a day you'll never forget."

  Her? On a motorcycle? A month ago, she wouldn't have considered it. "Promise?"

  He stopped next to a covered mound and glanced at her. "Never doubt it. Give me the chance, and I'll take you wherever you want to go."

  Her heart flopped as a happy grin spread across her lips.

  "Okay, it was a little corny, but you get my drift."

  She nodded. He meant what he'd said about wanting this to be a meaningful relationship. The only problem was, she had to reconcile him with those who didn't understand her new need to live. That would not be an easy feat.

  He jerked the canvas off the mound, showing off a beautiful blue snowmobile.

  "Seriously?" Riding in a slow-moving sleigh was one thing.

  "You want a tree? You're getting a real tree. Those scrawny, half-alive things are not trees. They're former shells of trees."

  He lifted the trailer hitch and pushed the trailer out the doorway. The thought crossed her mind that the show would have been much better if he hadn't been wearing so many layers of clothes so she could watch his muscles bunch and strain from his efforts. Did that make her shallow? She smiled. She didn't care either way. She enjoyed a nice display of muscle as much as the next girl, and the fact that she currently had a guy who liked to show off, worked out well for her.

  The impressive machine rumbled as he backed it from the trailer, down into the sparkling snow that covered his yard. Next, he pulled a sled from the garage and hooked it to the back of the machine. He filled the gas tank, grabbed a tarp and some rope, along with a sharp ax and secured them inside the sled.

  He pulled a few more items out of one of the many drawers that lined the side of the garage. "Hope you like the Steelers," he said as he tugged a black knit cap onto her head, tucking wayward strands of her hair behind her ears. "Cute." Black goggles followed and he nearly took off her nose, trying to adjust them on her face.

  "I think I can do this." She fit the rubber glasses to her cheeks.

  "I know. I'm just finding excuses to touch you." He didn't wait for her response, but pulled on an identical Steelers cap and goggles, though he left the goggles resting on his forehead instead of over his eyes. He had snow pants for them both, hers a little too big, but they'd provide the protection she needed.

  The helmet he gave her fit better than the pants. He sat his helmet between his knees as he straddled the snowmobile. A second later, the engine growled to life. He tested the throttle a few times, making the sleek, mechanical animal roar even louder. His eyes glimmered with excitement as he met her gaze. "Ready?"

  She stepped forward. Sweet Mary, what had she gotten herself into? She'd wanted wild and exciting? She'd definitely found it.

  Her emotions jumbled, mixing anxiety with excitement, as she climbed aboard the machine and tentatively placed her hands on his waist.

  "You're going to want to scoot a little closer to me."

  She moved forward on the seat until she was an inch from him.

  "Closer."

  She exhaled and scooted until her crotch was flush against him.

  "Mmm...that's perfect."

  She had the distinct impression he was messing with her. "Do I really need to be this close, or is this just you wanting to touch me again?"

  He laughed. "You already know the answer to that question." He throttled the engine again, before he lowered his goggles and slipped on his helmet. "Hang on tight."

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  The snowmobile moved, and Katy locked her gloved fingers around Scott.

  He took them across open fields that sparkled under the afternoon sun. At first, he kept the machine at a respectable speed as he followed along a barbed wire fence. But once he cleared it, he opened the throttle, sending them rocketing over the glittering fields.

  At the edge of a grouping of pines, he stopped long enough to detach the sled. "We'll come back for that in a while." Then they
were off again.

  An exclamation caught in her throat as he bounded over a hill, catching a small amount of air. When they landed safely, she released her breath and grinned. This was the wildest, craziest thing she'd ever done, and she loved it.

  He slowed as they reached bigger slopes and turned his machine so that it angled up the incline. The snowmobile rumbled as he took them over a rise and down into another valley where he circled them around a field so many times she felt dizzy. At the edge of a lake, he stopped. She was almost certain it was the same spot where they'd seen the wolves the week before. He climbed off the machine and helped her off, too.

  "Like that?" he asked, removing his helmet and lifting his goggles.

  His question reminded her of what he'd asked when they'd made love. She smiled, wondering if he was thinking the same thing. "I loved it." She gave her head a slight shake. "It was insane."

  He nodded, a self-satisfied expression settling on his features. "I knew you would. I think you have an untapped rebel hovering just beneath that good girl surface."

  "Could be." She had to admit she was kind of proud of herself for stepping out of her comfort zone. "I think I'm starting to see the benefits of living it up a little bit."

  "Hey, what good is life if you ain't living it? Might as well be dead."

  "Yeah. I think I know a few people like that." She removed her safety gear and glanced at the pristine area filled with snow-covered pines that sat eerily quiet. She inhaled, filling her lungs with crisp, fresh air. "Isn't this where we saw the wolves?"

  "It is. They were just beyond those pines over there."

  Katy turned, seeing nothing but wilderness.

  "If you look around, you can spot their tracks."

  She widened her eyes as she glanced down, and sure enough, dog-like prints could be found throughout the area.

  "Don't worry," he said, reading her thoughts. "With all the racket we made coming in, they've headed farther into the hills. They'll come back later when things quiet down."

  She smiled. "I trust you to keep me safe."