7. Aspen
Aspen
The next morning, the whole town watches as the fire department mobilizes, heading for the meeting spot that’s been picked. A camp has been set up and they’re on the way. I smile and wave at them, hoping that they all come home. That this is just a small blip in an otherwise beautiful summer.
But there’s a haze of smoke on the mountains and I can smell ash in the air. Like there’s a huge campfire around here somewhere. Instead of what’s actually happening.
I glance back at Fiona and she’s arguing with Monroe. He’s trying to get permission to help the police department. His leg still drags a bit so I understand her reluctance to go along with his crazy plans.
Harper is here and Monroe is up at the camp helping to get wood cut back around it. Just to help out.
Right now it’s not too dangerous. But he’s going to be home this afternoon because at that point they’re telling everybody to stay off as much as possible.
So civilians are being warned to stay away. Naturally my sister’s boyfriends are insisting on trying to help. They’re strong men that don’t like to do nothing.
My heart twists in my chest and I can’t help looking up at the resort. I hope to hell that Hunter isn’t doing anything stupid.
Men. What are you doing to do with them?
My mind wanders into forbidden territory and I flush, my imagination filling in all the blank spots in my experience.
But like I’ve conjured him up, all of a sudden I see Hunter wandering down the street, his hands in the pockets of his jeans. His eyes find mine and it’s like the street tilts sideways. My whole body quivers and my head swims with desire unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.
I can feel the callouses on his fingers touching my skin even though he’s still so far away. Can taste his lips on mine.
I clear my throat and fight the urge to run when he finally walks up to me. “Hey, you want to go to the diner? I haven’t had breakfast yet and I’m starving.”
“Sure.” I smile slightly as his hand catches mine. Tingles erupt under my skin and dart up my arm, warming my skin. I flush dark red and he eyes me suspiciously but with a smirk.
“I wish I could read your mind right now. I have a feeling it would be very educational.”
Huffing, I push him towards the diner. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”
He grins cheekily. And I fight the overwhelming urge to climb him like an overgrown, muscular tree.
The wind shifts and I glance back at the mountain. Little dust devils dance on the street and I shiver.
“Come on, sparkles. Let’s eat. And then I’ll show you around the resort if you want.”
I nod my head but inside I’m just wanting to see his room. See where he sleeps.
See where I’ll dream that he makes love to me tonight.
But I smile and let him lead me around until we get to the diner. We step inside and I groan when the smell of eggs and toast and pancakes hits me. He grins.
“I’m sensing that you’re about to ask for a giant stack of pancakes instead of bacon and eggs.”
I snort. “I like pancakes and french toast.”
He grunts as he helps me into a seat and then sits across from me. “You like sugar.”
I grin happily and order my pancakes happily. Along with an orange juice. “Nothing wrong with starting your day with sugary goodness.”
He shudders. “No thank you. I like my bacon and eggs. Maybe an omelet if I’m feeling like it. And my black coffee. Don’t you like coffee?”
“I like a good latte or cappuccino.”
He crinkles up his face. “Jesus. More sugar.”
I grin at him. “Absolutely. It’s the way to my heart.”
“It’s the way to a heart attack or diabetes.”
“Pfft! Don’t say things like that. I’m very good most of the time. If I’m eating at home I just have some toast and my fancy machine makes killer cappuccinos.”
“Well, I suppose that’s slightly better.”
“Alright. Now that you’ve groused about my weakness, what’s yours?” I ask him, pouring a mountain of syrup on my pancakes that the waitress just brought. Hunter digs into his eggs and lifts a brow at me.
“What makes you think I have a weakness?”
“Everybody has a weakness,” I grin, taking a huge bite and watching his blue eyes darken to stormy skies. My pussy clenches and I suck in a startled breath.
His full lips part in a wicked smile. “I guess if I had to pick a weakness, it’s sassy little brunettes.”
I point my fork at him and swallow roughly. “That’s cheating. I want a real answer.”
He sighs and sits back. “I guess my weakness has always been staying in one place. I feel this urge to roam. To see new things, meet new people, explore.”
My throat gets tight and I fight to swallow my food. “Yeah,” I answer roughly. “I feel that way sometimes too. But I can’t go anywhere. My cousins need me.”
He reaches out and catches my hand. “If you want to go somewhere why don’t you just tell them?”
“Because they still think of me like a little kid!” I huff.
“If I try to leave the next thing I know, there’s going to be some emergency that means I need to stay here and help out.
And I know they’re already working up to it because Harper’s pregnant and won’t admit it but when she does, she’s gonna need rest. And she’s been feeling so sick. Fee can’t do it all alone.”
“The place looks like it’s doing well enough that she could hire someone to help out and you could go.”
“Yeah. If only,” I mutter.
“If you don’t have the nerve to tell them, they’re never going to know. Sometimes you have to let the people in your life know what’s in your mind. Most people can’t read other’s minds.”
I nod my head, the taste of the rich, sweet pancakes turning into ash in my mouth.
“Yeah. I’ll think about it.”
“You do that.” He waves at my plate, his eyes sparkling. “And finish your breakfast. You’re probably going to need all that energy to explore the resort.”
My lips curl at that word. Explore. My favorite word.
He takes another bite and I watch him chew, my eyes falling to his arms, taking in those delicious muscles, the sinewy ropes that look like they could hold a girl all night long.
And I chew another bite and pray that I don’t do anything crazy. Like bite his forearm, leaving my mark for everyone to see.