Chapter 10
Aspen was secretly glad that Nolan’s car had still been in the driveway when they’d left for dinner so she wouldn’t have to deal with him again. She unfortunately knew his type all too well, and she knew he’d spend the rest of the weekend asserting his fragile masculinity by trying to bully her.
It wouldn’t work, of course. She’d met and dealt with plenty of similar creeps during her years in the military. And while she was more than willing to keep knocking him back into place, he wasn’t worth the effort.
But, more than that, she didn’t want Eve to have to deal with his bullshit. Eve had been positively glowing all day, and that light had dimmed the instant she saw him. Even if she knew nothing about how he’d treated Eve—Eve’s reaction was more than enough for her to hate the guy.
Aspen glanced at Eve as she pulled into a spot in the half-full parking lot for the company that would be shuttling them to the restaurant. After a day on the slopes, the last thing she’d wanted was to get dressed up and go out to dinner, but the smile that lit Eve’s face as she watched a blaze red Sno-Cat creep its way down the hill more than made the extra effort worth it.
Even in the dim parking lot light that filtered into the car, Aspen was spellbound by the way Eve’s eyes sparkled with delight when she turned to her. Goddamn, she is so fucking beautiful.
“Have you ever been to this restaurant?” Eve asked.
“No. Never.” Aspen shook her head. She’d heard great things about the five-star alpine bistro perched at the top of the mountain, but she’d never had an occasion fancy enough to warrant trying to secure a reservation. Or someone worth the effort. Under different circumstances, she could imagine herself bribing everyone she knew to get them a table. Eve deserved a night like this as a date, and part of her was annoyed that the restaurant’s killer views would be wasted on an event Eve was dreading. “It’s supposed to be incredible, though.”
“I’d imagine so,” Eve muttered. Her shoulders lifted and fell with a heavy, resigned breath, and she shook her head. “My parents wouldn’t bother with it, otherwise.”
Though she’d only spent an hour or so with Killian and Elizabeth Morrison the night before, Aspen knew that was very much true. And though she should probably keep her opinion to herself, her frank, “That’s because they’re desperately trying to prove they’re worth something to a bunch of people who think having money makes them superior,” slipped out before she could stifle it. She grimaced. “Shit. Sorry.”
“No.” Eve turned in her seat and placed a hand high on Aspen’s leg to hold her attention. “That’s actually pretty accurate.”
Aspen’s pulse stuttered as Eve’s index finger swept a light arc across her inner thigh. She was sure Eve meant it to be reassuring, but it kindled the ember of arousal in her that had been quietly burning since their almost-kiss on the mountain into a blaze. For as much as she wanted to spread her legs to invite Eve’s touch higher, it’d be unwise to wade into the vipers’ nest that awaited them when she was painfully turned-on, and she bit her lip as she covered Eve’s hand with her own. Her stomach sank at the way Eve immediately tensed as if she’d been caught doing something wrong and she so very gently lifted Eve’s hand from her thigh. “Beautiful girl,” she said, infusing as much warmth into her voice as she could, “if you keep that up”—she held Eve’s gaze as she dragged her thumb over the center of her palm—“we will not be making it to dinner.”
“Oh,” Eve exhaled, her fear from a moment ago replaced by an almost bashful understanding. “Sorry. I wasn’t trying to—”
“Turn me on?” Aspen finished for her with a smile. When Eve nodded, she lifted Eve’s hand to her lips and kissed her knuckles. “I’m afraid that’s just not possible. You are, without a doubt, the most compelling woman I’ve ever met.”
Eve looked like she wanted to believe her, but she shook her head as she protested, “I’m not.”
Aspen’s throat tightened, and she sucked in a sharp breath as she leaned forward to murmur, “You are,” directly to Eve’s lips before sealing her words with a kiss so Eve couldn’t shrug them off. Eve was brilliant and kind and funny, and she deserved to be celebrated for the incredible woman she’d become despite the myriad of hurdles life had thrown in her way. “I am absolutely fascinated by you,” she whispered against Eve’s lips before kissing her again. “I could spend forever learning everything there is to know about you, and I’d still want more.”
“God, Aspen,” Eve whimpered, her voice cracking around Aspen’s name as she melted into her.
Aspen released Eve’s hand to thread her fingers through her hair and hold her close as their kiss deepened, gentleness replaced by a beautiful, burning surrender and unmistakable hunger that stole the air from her lungs. Aspen kissed her slowly. Adoringly. God, she poured so much fucking reverence into the kiss that her eyes stung from the depth of it all.
She pressed closer, pouring everything she had, everything she felt, everything she didn’t even know how to put into words into each slide of her tongue and every lingering moment of connection when she’d suck on Eve’s lower lip, reluctant to let her go even for a moment. Her pulse thundered in her ears, and she felt absolutely drunk on the light, swirly feeling that erupted in her chest. It was like being trapped in a chaotic free fall, and she never wanted it to end.
It eventually did, though, as all things must, and she exhaled as shaky, “My god, Eve,” as she nuzzled her cheek, lingering in the moment as her pulse slowly came back to normal.
“What happened to not getting turned on?” Eve groaned low in the back of her throat and dropped a chaste kiss to Aspen’s lips. “Seriously,” she continued, sounding more amused than angry. “How am I supposed to mingle with my parent’s friends after that?”
Aspen giggled. “Sorry?”
“No, you’re not,” Eve argued, but there was no mistaking the smile in her tone.
Aspen shivered as Eve’s thumb tenderly traced the curve of her cheek. “I just want you to know how special you are,” she whispered.
“With you, I feel special.”
“Good.” Aspen kissed her again softly. Flashing lights outside the windshield drew her attention, and she sighed when she saw a cluster of people climbing into the Sno-Cat that would take them up the mountain. She wanted nothing more than to whisk Eve away in the opposite direction, but that decision wasn’t hers to make. “Looks like they’re loading the ‘cat. Do you want to try to catch this one?”
“Not really,” Eve confessed as she followed Aspen’s gaze. “But we should.”
Aspen waited for Eve to look back at her. She was heartened by what she saw when Eve finally did. Yes, a tenor of resignation still shadowed those beautiful blue eyes, but unlike the night before there was a spark of confidence, too. “Okay, then,” she agreed. She killed the engine and dropped the keys into her jacket pocket. “Let’s get this over with. Sit tight, beautiful. I’m gonna get the door for you.” The smile Eve gave her in response had her floating around the car to the passenger door, and she dipped her shoulders in a short bow as she pulled it open with a flourish. “M’lady.”
“God, you’re charming,” Eve laughed, obligingly placing her hand in Aspen’s as she slipped out of the car.
Aspen tucked their hands into the pocket of her coat as they hurried to catch their ride. She smiled her thanks to the attendant who held the large metal door open for them with a cheery, “Last two seats are yours!”
Like herself and Eve, the other occupants weren’t exactly dressed for a night on the mountain, and she was glad for the heater that was working overtime to ward off the chill and the neatly folded blanket that waited for them on their seats. She didn’t miss the curious looks that were thrown their way as they settled in, but only the woman seated catty-corner to them addressed them directly.
“Eve, congratulations on upgrading from the douche.”
The comment was so unexpected that Aspen couldn’t contain the bark of laughter that escaped her. She grinned at the cute brunette who looked to be somewhere close to hers and Eve’s ages as she looped her arm around Eve’s shoulders and pulled her close “Thank you.”
“Yes, thank you, Lydia,” Eve chuckled as she leaned into Aspen’s side.
Lydia arched an elegant brow as she turned in her seat and held her hand out to Aspen. “Lydia Alexander.”
“Aspen Collier-West,” Aspen said as she shook Lydia’s hand. “A pleasure.”
“Indeed,” Lydia drawled as she pulled her hand away. “You are absolutely—”
Aspen grinned, curious what this bold woman’s assessment of her might be, but Eve interjected, “Lydia and I went to school together at Dana Hall Academy,” effectively cutting her off.
“We did,” Lydia confirmed with a little pout.
Eve smiled and shook her head in amusement at her antics. I didn’t think you were coming this year, Lyd.”
“Well, Jonathan couldn’t make it, so I had to take one for the team.” Lydia rolled her eyes. “You know how it is.”
“Unfortunately,” Eve commiserated. She smiled up at Aspen as she explained, “Lydia’s family owns The Alexander Group.”
Aspen arched an impressed brow. “The media company?”
Lydia inclined her head in a small nod. “That’s the one.” She leaned forward to tap Eve’s knee as she prompted, “Tell me about the show you did in Paris. I was so pissed I had to go to that stupid summit in Lucerne that week and couldn’t make it.”
Aspen caressed Eve’s shoulder as she sat back and listened to Eve fill Lydia in on the highlights of her career since the last time they’d seen each other. It was entertaining to watch the pair together but, more than that, she marveled at the way Eve’s entire demeanor lit up as she spoke about her work. After the way Eve had broken down before even entering her parents’ house and seeing her with Killian and Elizabeth, Aspen had known she must truly love what she did to buck their expectations, but it was still quite something to behold. Eve’s eyes shone with a confidence that made them glow like blue fire as she spoke of the new photos that she’d exhibited and the shows she’d headlined.
Aspen found herself more and more enchanted by this complex and talented woman, until a question from Lydia made her eyes go wide.
“…Fumiko-san told me one of them was of an exploding volcano?”
A flush colored Eve’s cheeks. “I just happened to be there when it erupted. I mean, no one was really expecting it right then, of course, but…”
Lydia laughed. “Oh, so you ‘just happened’ to be in Indonesia, right outside the danger zone and in perfect sight of an active volcano?”
“No one can predict volcanic eruptions, Lydia,” Eve said equably, but there was a twinkle in her eyes. “Now let me tell you about the next exhibit I’m planning. I was in South Africa a few months ago and the quality of the light out in the savanna is just unbelievable. I was also in Namaqua just in time for the wildflowers to bloom…”
Aspen’s gaze was still glued, a bit wide-eyed, onto Eve and so she didn’t miss the flicker of disappointment that flashed across her face when the Sno-Cat stopped in front of the restaurant at the top of the mountain. She pressed a gentle kiss to Eve’s temple as she resisted the urge to suggest they ride back down and go elsewhere for the evening instead. She wanted so badly to shield Eve from the forces that stole her joy and broke her down to the point she had a panic attack in the driveway of her parents’ house. But her role this weekend wasn’t to shield Eve from trouble, it was to support her as she got through it.
Still, she offered Eve a thinly veiled out as she tilted her head toward the warmly lit cabin-inspired restaurant and asked, “Shall we?”
Eve nodded. “May as well.”
Aspen sighed at the resignation that pulled Eve’s smile into a frown. “You sure?”
“Yeah.” Eve’s eyes fluttered as she lifted her chin to kiss Aspen softly. “We can do this.”
“I know you can, but you shouldn’t have to,” Aspen murmured. Her throat tightened at the tenderness that softened Eve’s expressive eyes when they blinked open, and she hummed low in the back of her throat as she caressed Eve’s cheek. “I will whisk you away the moment you say so,” she promised. “Even if I have to deck the driver and steal his keys to do it.”
Eve’s eyes seemed to bore into Aspen’s soul as she leaned in and kissed her again. “Thank you.” Her gaze drifted across the aisle, and a delicate blush colored her cheeks as she muttered, “Shut up, Lyd.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
Aspen didn’t need to look at Lydia to know her protest was accompanies by an all-too-knowing smirk, and she nuzzled Eve’s cheek one last time before pulling away. “Come on, beautiful girl. Let’s get this over with.”
Eve nodded and pushed the blanket from her legs as she stood. After Aspen folded the blanket and joined her, she took Aspen’s hand and laced their fingers together. Her shoulders lifted and fell with a deep breath as she stared out the Sno-Cat’s window, and she hiked her chin determinedly. “Here we go.”
Aspen squeezed Eve’s hand as she led them down the aisle behind Lydia, who had also taken Eve’s statement as her cue to move. She nodded to Lydia, who waited for them on the platform that did double-duty as a dining porch for the restaurant in the warmer months with a steely expression that said she was looking forward to the next few hours as much as Eve was, when they joined her, and together the three of them made their way inside.
After leaving their jackets at the coat check, they made their way to the dining room, and Aspen was disappointed but not at all surprised that Killian and Elizabeth spotted them immediately.
“And here come the parents of the year,” Lydia muttered.
Aspen sniggered. “Seriously.”
Lydia turned to her with an arched brow. “So, you’re acquainted?”
“We had dinner together last night,” Eve supplied, her slight frown morphing into a forced, polite smile as her parents drew near. “Mother. Father. This venue is incredible.”
Aspen had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at the way Lydia rolled her eyes when Elizabeth preened, “It really is. Everyone has raved about the view. I’ve already spoken to the manager about hosting an event here next season.”
“That’s wonderful,” Eve responded woodenly.
Aspen squeezed her hand. “It’s good to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Morrison.”
“Killian and Elizabeth, please,” Eve’s father insisted with a polished smile. Still, his tone was pleasant enough, and Aspen didn’t miss the surprised look Lydia shot her in response.
“Of course, sir,” Aspen replied politely. Eve’s parents might not like that Eve was queer, but they liked prestige, and Aspen hadn’t missed the way Killian had perked up when she’d mentioned attending the Academy. So, if she needed to throw in a few half-assed sirs and ma’ams to remind them of the potential she provided, so be it.
Pleased by her response, Killian turned his attention to Lydia. “Ms. Alexander. We’re so glad you could make it.”
“My family, as always, appreciates the invitation,” Lydia replied with a patently fake smile.
Though neither Killian nor Elizabeth looked particularly pleased to see Lydia with Eve, they were both placated by Lydia’s mention of her family. Aspen wanted to roll her eyes at the way they so clearly only cared about gathering as much power in one place. Stuff like this was why she’d gladly abdicated her role as the heir to West Enterprises to her sister. Sure, she could play the game, but Alder actually enjoyed it.
Lydia seemed to enjoy it, too. Mischief tugged at her smile as she gestured across the room toward a stunning woman with wavy, shoulder-length blonde hair. The woman radiated power and sophistication in her tailored cranberry red dress that hugged her curves to perfection and black Louboutin heels accentuated her long, shapely legs. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I need to touch base with Felicity Bancroft about something.”
Aspen didn’t miss the way Eve’s parents’ smiles tightened at Lydia’s suggestion someone else was more important, but Elizabeth replied smoothly, “Of course.”
Grabbing onto the out Lydia presented, and knowing the Morrisons wouldn’t do anything to cause a scene, Aspen lied, “Oh, I haven’t seen Felicity in years.” She ignored the interest that piqued the Morrisons’ expressions as she asked Lydia, “Do you mind if we join you, just to say a quick hello?”
Lydia winked at her conspiratorially. “The more the merrier.”
Aspen squeezed Eve’s hand as she turned to her. “Is that okay?”
Eve nodded. “Sure.”
“Excellent.” Aspen inclined her head toward Killian and Elizabeth. “If you’ll excuse us as well?”
Killian nodded. “Absolutely. Go. Network. We’ll touch base again soon.”
I’m sure you will , Aspen thought even as she steered Eve away from her parents. Once they’d put half the room behind them, she lifted Eve’s hand to her lips to kiss her knuckles. “You okay?”
Eve just squeezed her hand and nodded.
“God, I need a drink if I’m gonna get through this,” Lydia muttered as she stopped a passing server and retrieved a glass of red wine for each of them. “How do you know Felicity?” she asked Aspen after she’d sent him on his way.
Aspen smirked around the rim of her wine glass. “I don’t. But they were clearly annoyed that you thought she was more important, and I knew they wouldn’t make a scene, so I figured I’d pile on.”
Lydia cackled. “Oh, I like you.”
“I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not,” Eve quipped dryly.
Aspen smirked and lifted her glass toward Lydia in a little toast. “I do. And the feeling is mutual.”
“They welcomed you much more warmly than I expected,” Lydia probed delicately.
“She wowed them at dinner last night,” Eve supplied.
Aspen shrugged and pulled Eve closer. “They like that I’d attended the Air Force Academy.”
“Ah. Yeah, I can see how that’d do it. That’d go over well with some of their contacts in DC. I thought it was a business thing.”
“Oh, there’s that, too,” Aspen shared with a wry chuckle. “I just don’t think they’ve realized it yet.”
Lydia’s lips pursed thoughtfully. “What’s the business?”
“Nothing as refined as TAG,” Aspen answered. “West Enterprises is into a little bit of everything, honestly. My father is big on diversification.”
Lydia’s eyes widened. “Goddamn. Talk about holding an ace up your sleeve.”
“Yeah, well, I just care about making things easier for Eve,” Aspen replied honestly.
“Christ, you really are a white knight, aren’t you?” Lydia teased, though not unkindly. She clearly approved. Her eyes sparkled as she asked Eve, “How do you not just jump her when she says shit like that?”
“I honestly don’t know,” Eve said. “I just have an overdeveloped sense of decorum, I guess.”
“We’re working on it,” Aspen joked. Her stomach fluttered at the pretty blush that warmed Eve’s cheeks, and she couldn’t resist leaning in to drop a light kiss her perfect lips. “You’re adorable.”
“You both are,” Lydia countered. She heaved a sigh. “But I really do need to talk to Felicity about a thing. And the Morrisons are watching us like hawks. So let’s go get your fake reunion over with, and then you two can slip off somewhere more private for a little lapse in decorum while I talk business. Deal?”
Aspen glanced at Eve. She smiled when Eve’s blush deepened just a touch as she bit her lip and nodded her consent, and squeezed her hand as she told Lydia, “Deal.”