9. Ambrose
CHAPTER NINE
AMbrOSE
H alle-fucking-lujah!
Aspen has given me the golden ticket to entering her heart, and I will not squander it. I’m going to invest in this time we have, put all my efforts into it, and cross my fingers until it flourishes Aspen’s feelings for me in return.
Smiling like a damn fool, I kiss her once more before lifting her from the counter.
She squeals, her arms flinging around my shoulders and legs wrapped around my waist. “Don’t! I’m too heavy.”
“You insult me. If I carried you down a damn mountain, I can carry you around my house. And I better never hear you say you’re ‘too heavy’ again. You’re perfect, like pocket size.”
She frowns. “I am not pocket size.”
“Sure you are. If your ex is any sign of what your previous partners were like, I can safely say you never had a man big enough for the job.”
She opens her pretty mouth to argue before pausing a moment. “I can’t dispute that truth.”
I nod. “That’s what I thought.”
Enjoying the feel of her firm ass cheeks molded in my palms, I walk us into the living room. I’d prefer the bed, but that may push my luck. The couch is safe, still allowing us to be close and comfortable while we play the speed dating version of twenty questions.
Placing her back on the couch where I left her to sleep earlier, I cover her back up with my down comforter. Not wanting her to overheat, I pull the couch back into its original position, away from the fireplace. This way the floor is open if things spice up between us, and fuck if the idea of taking her hard on my bear skin rug doesn’t excite me.
Patience , I remind myself. We’ll get there. I just need to convince her I’m worth it.
Once I have her settled, I ask, “Would you like an adult beverage now? I make a mean cocktail.”
Her lips pucker as she silently decides before answering me. “I like a good Colorado Bulldog.”
“Atta, girl,” I say with a grin. “I knew we’d get along flawlessly.”
Aspen laughs teasingly. “Because I like to drink?”
I shake my head as I retreat to my kitchen, feeling her eyes follow me. I peek over my shoulder and smile when my assumption is correct.
“Not because you drink. Its cause you picked my favorite nightcap. Birds of a feather….”
She smiles, watching me from the couch. “Do you want me to help? I can put the chili away while you make our drinks.”
“That’s sweet of you, darlin’, but I’m going to throw the lid on the pot and place it in the fridge once it’s cooled. Makes it easier when we pull it out for lunch tomorrow.”
“Oh, am I staying for lunch now?” She smiles wider, a challenge in her voice. “You’re awfully confident something will happen between us if you think lunch together is on the agenda tomorrow.”
“Please,” I say with poise. “The manifestation was already in the works the moment we made eye contact on the mountain. I’ll have you moved in with me before noon tomorrow. Therefore, yes, we will eat lunch together.”
She shakes her head like I’m ridiculous. Can’t say I blame her.
Had someone else told me before meeting her I would claim some strange woman as my partner within twenty-four hours of meeting, I would’ve agreed it’s ridiculous, too.
Things changed though, perspectives are clearer. She’s here and I know she’s the one for me. I feel it with utmost certainty, deep in my cells.
“You might change your mind about your interest in me once you learn who I am,” she mutters, her voice sounding tired.
“I doubt that very much,” I say sincerely as I return to her with our drinks. I hand her the glass, sitting directly beside her and throwing my arm around the back of the couch behind her head.
A gentleman would give her space for the oncoming interrogation. Lucky for me, I’m no gentleman. There will be limited space between us as long as I can help it.
“Alright,” I say after taking my first sip of my drink. “Bring on the questions.”
My dream woman wastes no time getting down to business. “You’re single, right? No girlfriend or wife?”
“Single and available—you’re the only one on my radar. I don’t condone cheating of any kind.”
“Good. I feel the same. And I’m recently single.” Groaning, Aspen pinches the bridge of her nose. “Geez. I sure know how to pick the winners.”
Taking another sip, I say, “It’s fine, Aspen. You saved the best for last.”
Before she can protest, I ask my question. “You said you’re finishing your doctoral in forest science at CSU. That’s badass. What made you want to pursue a field in forestry?”
“Oh.” Her brows shoot up her forehead. She seems genuinely surprised I’m interested in her studies.
“Well, I’ve always enjoyed being out in nature. Spent most of my childhood exploring the wilderness with my earth-loving parents. During these adventures, I’d collect bugs, rocks, and leaves—whatever caught my attention. I’d spend hours drawing my treasures in my journals and jotting descriptions of my findings. I was convinced I was going to discover a new species of something, and I’d talk anyone’s ears off about it. You can imagine how popular that made me amongst my peers. Didn’t stop me from continuing my hobby. And here I am—two bachelor degrees in plant and animal science, a master’s in forestry management, and soon a doctorate in forest science.”
Goddamn! The woman is super brainy. She’s impressive. And I’m digging her geeky energy.
Aspen pauses, eyeing me. “Um, why are you staring at me with a goofy grin?”
Caught, my smile widens. “Can’t help it. You’re stinking cute. Listening to you talk about your love for what you do, instilled in you from when you were a kid, is wholesome. Not everyone is brave enough to turn a hobby into a career. I applaud you for going the extra lengths to make your dream a reality.”
Aspen stares at me for a beat, her eyes going misty with unshed tears.
“That’s probably one of the nicest things anyone has said to me regarding my choice in career,” Aspen says. “Most people couldn’t care less about my aspirations.”
“Good thing I’m not most people,” I state, wanting to keep talking and learn everything I can about her in our brief window of time.
“What’s the plan after graduation? You want to go into field research for the Colorado State Forestry Department, teach at the university, or join the state’s conservation management services? You got lots of options with all those extra letters after your name.”
My woman gets a dreamy look on her face, smiling as she continues. “Research is where my heart is, but it rarely pays enough. I’d like to continue my research while working part-time or full time in a company offering flexibility in the schedule. I’m open to using my skills in other avenues as long as I can continue my research and publish my findings.”
“Sounds like you got a plan.” I pause, thinking about mentioning my company needing a forest scientist to help my brother’s case load.
Working part time with us would give her the flexibility she needs to continue doing the field studies she’s passionate about. O’Mara Timber would benefit having someone of her education and tenacity on our crew. I shelve the idea, ready to present the offer when the time is right.
Aspen cocks her head at me quizzically. “Does it bother you?”
“Does what bother me?”
“That I’m, you know, book smart. I spend most of my time invested in my studies. Most of the guys I’ve come across have a hard time with me being more educated than them and correcting them when they’re wrong.”
Hearing her talk about other dudes has me squeezing my glass, imagining it’s the neck of every guy who turned her down for being intelligent. I don’t like the fact they hurt her with their rejections. Their fragile egos cost them an amazing woman.
Sucks to be them. She’s mine now.
“I know I gave you shit for being chained to a dead tree, but I know better now. If a man can’t handle your brains, they can go find someone far less. You didn’t lose out on anything, darlin’. They’re idiots for not snatching you up when they had the chance.”
Her entire face brightens like I handed her the moon. “Really?”
“Yeah, really. I’ll never have, nor do I want, all the fancy degrees you have. But I’m not going to be intimidated because you do. That’s boy mentality, and I ain’t no boy. I’m a thirty-six-year-old man who can handle having a partner who is more educated. Does it bother you I only have a bachelor in business management or that I prefer getting my hands dirty over sitting behind a desk in a suit?”
She shakes her head with a lazy smile. “Not at all.”
“Good to know. I’m a sixth generation logger and damn proud of it. My brother and I started our own business fresh out of college and put the knowledge that our grandpa, dad, and uncles passed down to us to good use. It’s been fourteen years and our logging company is going strong. There’s room for improvement, but overall we’re solid.”
“What would you improve?”
Opportunity comes knocking. It’s too easy, and I will not waste the chance to pitch my offer.
“For starters, Alan—that’s my brother—has way too much on his plate. He manages a lot of the corporate end of the business while also working as our forest engineer. I’ve got my hands full handling the crews and working on-site. I can’t help relieve his work load when my plate is already full. We really need a third person to help…someone with an expertise in forest management to help design and direct cutting operations.”
Aspen nods in understanding.
Perhaps I need to be more subtle. “Someone in the forest science industry looking for part-time or full-time work would be a great fit.”
“Oh, for sure,” Aspen agrees, completely overlooking what I’m putting down. “A forest scientist would be a great addition to your company. For example, I’ve learned all about forestry management and know how to design grids for felling.”
“Exactly,” I say, fighting a grin. “What do you say? You want the job?”
Caught off guard, Aspen sputters around her drink. “M—Me?! You’re offering me a job?”
“I am. You interested?”
“I mean, yeah, but I’m not done with my schooling. And besides, how do you know I’m as knowledgeable as I claim to be? Don’t you want to review my resume or question my references?”
Pleased I have her on the hook, I relax deeper into the cushions, hiding my victorious smile behind my drink. “Sounds like you got a good six months to get that all together.”
Before Aspen rejects my offer without considering it first, I ask her another question. “What are your views on kids? Do you want a family someday?”
The time rolls on with the two of us going back and forth questioning each other on everything heavy like our morals, political stances, and religious beliefs, to the mundane like does the toilet seat need to be down or is Sweetest Day a real holiday.
As I assumed, our values, likes, and dislikes are nearly identical. The only places we differ is when it is acceptable to put up a Christmas tree and our choices in literature.
Mystified, Aspen shakes her head at me. “I can’t believe you read Twilight ?”
“Why not?” I ask defensively. “It’s a classic.”
“No, Wuthering Heights is a classic.”
I point an accusing finger at her. “Cathy and Heathcliff were toxic as fuck. Bella and Edward are ride or die.”
Her face scrunches up in that cute way it does when she gets combative. “Who are Bella and Edward?”
Flabbergasted, I palm my forehead. “Are you kidding me? They’re the main characters in Twilight . You can’t knock it if you haven’t read it.”
“Why would I want to read a book about sparkly fairies?”
“Hey! They’re vampires—not fairies.”
Aspen waves her hand dismissively. “Same thing.”
“Not even close.”
“Sorry, but I’m not a paranormal fan. I’d rather read a contemporary romance.”
Teasing her, I give her a thumbs down. “Boooring.”
She giggles, sounding wickedly adorable. “Says a man who would prefer reading fade to black. I want to read the sex on the page. Who’s the boring one now?”
She’s got me there. Steamy romance will always win.
Lost in my laughter, my hand falls on her knee where her shirt has ridden up her thigh, exposing her tantalizing skin. I subconsciously rub her leg, enjoying the ease of our conversation and marveling at how flawlessly Aspen’s personality fits mine.
Excited to hear what else she wants to learn about me, I say, “Next question.”
As she eyes my hand on her bare knee, Aspen asks, “Speaking of questions, where are my clothes?”
“The dryer.” Hopefully, shrunk into nonexistence.
Aspen gives me a pointed look. “And why are my clothes in the dryer?”
“They were soaked.” Why is she asking me about something obvious? My eyes scan her head for any injuries I may have missed. “Did you hit your head, too?”
“I’m not concussed, Brose. Why am I wearing your shirt? Did you undress me?”
Ah. Right. I’m going to need to tread lightly.
“You were shaking from the cold. I was concerned you were experiencing hypothermia. My only focus was to get you warm fast.”
“By removing all my clothes and dressing me in something dry,” Aspen states matter of fact.
“Yes, after I took us in the shower.” There. That wasn’t too bad.
My woman does a double-take. “We showered together?!”
Mayday! Mayday! I need to defend my reasoning quick.
“It was the fastest way to get you warm. I kept my jeans on to give you a barrier, washed you down, and dressed you as fast as I could.”
Aspen purses her lips. “I see. So you saw me naked first.”
“I averted my eyes as much as I could,” I admit, recalling her perfect body exposed on my bed. “And then I moved you to the couch, placed you in front of the fire, and covered you with my blanket.”
Aspen is quiet for a moment. “How long was I sleeping?”
“Maybe an hour. I cleaned up the floors and bathroom before working on the chili.”
“And then you went back into the shower to take care of yourself.” She’s not asking, but stating the facts.
“My focus was on you the first time in there. I still needed to clean the day off of me.”
Aspen sets her drink down on the end table beside her before turning back to me, her eyes hooded in a come hither way. “Are you sure your focus wasn’t on me your second time in the shower?”
Oh, darlin’. You have no idea what you’ve unlocked.
Draining my glass, I set it down before giving her my honest answer. “Yes, I was imagining you with me while I worked my cock.”
Her mouth parts on a sexy little gasp. She swallows loudly before asking, “And what exactly were you imagining us doing?”
I smirk, happy she’s curious. “I was imagining you splayed beneath me while I licked my way up your body to that pretty little cunt between your legs.”
Aspen whimpers, clamping her legs shut with my hand caught between them.
Too late. I already smell her heady musk thickening the air between us. She’s turned on, and I’m betting she’s already dripping with her arousal.
I’m an opportunistic man. If I see something is working, I keep running with it.
Slowly, I pry her one leg away from the other as I say, “I imagined your pussy all wet and slippery, eager for my tongue before I buried my face between your legs, eating you within an inch of your life.”
My woman’s luminous skin flushes a deep shade of red, even in the muted light of the fire glowing in the embers. Either she is shy or super inexperienced—maybe both. It rattles the cage of the feral beast I have locked away inside, eager to test my theory on her.
Leaning in, I run my hand further up her toned thigh as I continue sharing my daydream.
“You tasted sweet, filling my mouth with your cream as you screamed, ‘More. Just like that.’”
“Jesus Christ,” Aspen whispers, her thighs shaking under my touch. She’s affected by me as I much as I am by her.
My hand creeps up further, close enough to her apex to feel the dewy heat of her wanton snatch against my skin.
“My dick was drooling for you. But I didn’t stop tongue fucking you until you were begging for me to fill your pussy with my raging hard cock. I stuffed your tight cunt, damn near splitting you with all of me inside of you. And then I fucked you, slowly, until you were ready for me to rut you hard.”
“Brose,” she all but moans, her legs falling the rest of the way open on their own accord.
“What, Aspen? Do you like knowing I was thinking of you while working my dick?”
“Yes,” she admits timidly. She dips her head to hide her gaze from me.
Nu-uh. I need to see her pretty eyes dilating when I tell her the rest of my fantasy.
With my free hand, I tilt her head until her gaze meets mine.
“I’m no gentleman, Aspen. I did what I needed to do to take care of you when you were in need, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like what I saw while I took care of you. Fuck, darlin’. Your tight little body would feel so good wrapped around me. I couldn’t have the real thing, so I let my imagination have the little visual I had.”
Aspen bites her slightly fuller bottom lip, eyeing me up and down like I’m a porterhouse steak and she’s coming off a long fasting.
For someone I expect hasn’t had a ton of bedroom experience, Aspen doesn’t seem scared. She’s definitely interested in what it is I’m offering.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out she’s been waiting for a man like me, someone to worship her—body and soul.
My spirited woman doesn’t need to wait any longer.
Releasing her chin, I motion to my crotch where my dick is tenting my sweats to the point it could rip through the thin, soft fabric.
“See what you do to me? I’ve been in a state of permanent hardness since I met you.”
Instinctively, Aspen’s tiny pink tongue dips out of her mouth to lick her lips. The need to feed my shaft down her throat is strong.
Not yet. We have time to do that later.
Right now, I need to get her off as many times as I can. I need her so dick drunk and addicted to me she’ll never want to leave my bed.
“It’s yours if you want it, Aspen. All you need to do is ask.”
Aspen’s chest rises and plunges with her ragged breath. “Please.”
“Please what?” I coax, barely hanging on with how close I am to making her mine. “I need to hear you give me permission.”
She sucks in a ragged lungful of air before uttering the words I was yearning for. “Please, Brose. Make me feel good.”
My hand covers the soft curls of her mound while I lay her gently on the cushions of the couch.
“Anything for you, darlin’.”