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  Jumping a bit, she turned and answered him, “A guy I work with.” Glancing at her watch, she saw it was close to ten. And she was still exhausted. “I’m going to call it a night. See you in the morning, Colt.”

  Colt stood there as she bolted. His mercury eyes were narrowed as he recalled the affection in her voice talking to the guy named Erick. She had never said that she didn’t have a boyfriend.

  Shutting off the lights and making sure the door was secured, Colt and his dogs headed up the stairs as well. Pausing by her door, Colt walked in without a second thought.

  He stood in the doorway and took in her room. A huge wrought-iron bed was along the far wall. An iron crown was in the wall and extending from it were streams of silk that went to each bed corner. White silk.

  The room was enormous, and not very full of girly items. There was nice antique furniture but nothing that would allow anyone to get an insight into Aspen. His eyes moved back to the bed; the covers were a pale cream with blue accents.

  “Colt.” Aspen’s startled voice reached him. “What are you doing in here?”

  He gazed at the woman walking across the thick pale carpet toward him; every step she took increased his passion.

  “Are you dating anyone?” His voice was graveled.

  “You came into my room to ask me that?” Her arms crossed over her chest.

  “Just answer the damn question, Aspen.”

  Unsure about his tense posture, she didn’t hesitate. “No, I am not dating anyone. If I was, I wouldn’t have kissed you.”

  “But you have kissed me,” he stated. “And will continue to do so.” He stepped closer to her and kissed her gently. “Good night, my Aspen.” And he was gone.

  “I just don’t understand him,” she muttered, touching her lips.

  Chapter Seven

  The next morning, Colt was gone when she got up. Her drive was plowed and there was a note for her on the table.

  Baby:

  I had to get going and you were so peaceful sleeping there, so I left you alone. Next time we do this, we will be sharing the same bed. I promise you that. I will see you around town; don’t hide from me or these feelings.

  Take care of yourself, my Aspen.

  Until later,

  Colt

  Baby? My Aspen? Ignoring the fluttering in her stomach, Aspen put the note to the side and fixed herself a light breakfast. She was going to be late for church if she didn’t hurry.

  Sitting with her family in the pew, Aspen found it hard to concentrate on the service. Her mind and her eye kept wandering up to where Colt sat with his family. She escaped immediately after the sermon was over.

  Although technically on vacation, Aspen still had work that she could do. That was the excuse she gave to her family. She kept to herself for the next few days, talking on the phone to Kelly and her family, but not venturing out very much.

  So it was near the end of the week before she went back into town. Parking her car in one of the lots, she began walking down the street. Nodding to people she passed along the way, Aspen headed to buy some wrapping paper.

  Inside the store, she heard a voice she knew. Colt. Smiling at the thought of seeing him again, she walked toward where she figured he would be. Aspen came around the corner just in time to see a woman kissing him. It was no simple on-the-cheek kiss, either. This was full mouth-on-mouth.

  Backing away, Aspen disappeared, leaving them. Blinking back the hurt, she focused on her mission. Wrapping paper and a few other things as well. She was standing at the checkout counter when Colt’s large body settled next to hers, his breath fanning across the back of her exposed neck.

  “Hello, Aspen.”

  She shivered as she felt his gaze run over her. His look alone made her tremble.

  I can’t believe he is talking to me after that hussy had her mouth on his. “Colt,” she replied curtly. Then her attention was fully on the cashier.

  “Haven’t seen you in a few days, how are you doing?” His hand ran down her back.

  Stepping away from his touch, she speared him with a glare. “I’ve been working.” Signing the receipt, Aspen waited for her copy and shoved it in her pocket. “Nice to see you again.” Looking at the cashier, she said in a much kinder voice, “Thank you. Have a nice day.”

  “Aspen, wait a minute,” Colt called out following her to the door.

  Taking a fortifying breath, she turned to face the man who occupied her thoughts. “Yes, Colt? I’m busy.”

  “What is going on with you?” He kept his voice low, well aware of the nosy observers around them.

  “Nothing. I have been working at home and need to get back to it.” Her gaze flickered up to his face and narrowed. “Apparently you have as well. Not really your color, is it?” She reached up and wiped off the lipstick from the corner of his mouth before wiping it off on his leather jacket.

  “Ahhh, I see,” he murmured. “She doesn’t mean anything to me,” he tried.

  “I don’t care if she does or not. Excuse me.” Aspen did a one-eighty and left the store.

  Five seconds passed before Colt shoved through the door and headed off after her. Aspen was already getting ready to cross the street. “Jesus, she moves like lightning.” He struck out after her.

  Waiting for the light, Aspen tried not to feel hurt by what she had witnessed. It was school all over again. She gave him what he wanted and he moved on. Well, almost all he wanted, so perhaps that was why he moved on.

  The light changed and as she took a step she froze at the sound of her name being yelled, “Aspen! Hey, Aspen. Wait.”

  Taking a quick look around, Aspen found a guy waving at her and moving toward her at a slow jog. Totally intrigued, she waited. The man was about six feet tall and he had darker skin with coal black hair, which hung past his shoulders. Very good looking.

  He slid to a stop before her. “Oh, God, I didn’t think I would run into you. I was going to be coming to your house if I didn’t see you soon.” He flashed a brilliant white smile that echoed the sparkle in his dark eyes. “Thanks for waiting.”

  “I’m at a bit of a disadvantage here, you seem to know me and I can’t place you.”

  He grinned again, flashing a dimple in his left cheek. “Sorry, although, perhaps I’m a bit hurt you don’t remember me. Of course, in school I was very quiet. I’m Julian, Julian Fox.”

  Recognition lit her eyes as she looked into the face of one of her classmates. “Omigod, Julian, I didn’t recognize you. Look at you, you look amazing.” She hugged him easily and felt his arms settle around her in return.

  “You, too. I guess we both changed a bit since high school.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek.

  “Do you live here? Or are you just home for the holidays?” Aspen asked, still holding one of his hands.

  “I’m recently back. Sorry about your brother.” He squeezed her hand.

  “Thank you.”

  He blinked and then grinned. “Okay, so I have to tell you that I saw you a few years ago, giving a lecture.”

  Her eyes grew round. “You were there? In California?”

  “Sure was. I went to school down there as well. But, anyway, you gave such an amazing speech. I was blown away that it was the same shy girl I had gone to school with.”

  Aspen laughed, a pure, lighthearted sound. “I must confess, that was my first speech and I had been given it about an hour before. My professor was supposed to do it, but he came down with something and could barely stand upright, so he gave it to me. I had never been so terrified in my life.”

  “First speech? You have a gift. Your tone reflects what you are feeling and it is so obvious you feel real passion for what you do, and it came across. You had us all hooked. I hoped I would have been able to catch up with you that day, but you disappeared so quickly,” Julian admitted.

  “What were you doing there? What is your area of study?” Aspen wondered.

  “I’d be more than happy to tell you, but I am still not used to thes
e cold winters. Got time to grab a bite to eat with an old classmate?”

  Looking up, Aspen saw Colt standing there watching them. Dropping her gaze back to Julian, she smiled. “I have plenty of time to eat with an old classmate and a friend.”

  “Wonderful. Let me get that for you,” he said, taking her bag from her and offering his arm.

  “Thank you.” Without another look at Colt, Aspen headed off across the street toward the diner with Julian.

  * * * *

  Colt stood out in the cold, ignorant of it seeping into his bones. He wanted to punch that man in the face for daring to kiss his woman. He couldn’t identify who it was and that tore at him even more.

  His sister yelling at him drew his attention away from the seductive sway of Aspen’s hips as she walked away from him. “What, Lizzy?” he asked as she appeared beside him.

  “We were wondering if you wanted to get a bite to eat from the bakery before we go.” She placed her hand on his tense arm.

  “Let’s get something to eat, but at the diner instead.” At the hesitation on his sister’s lips, he added, “My treat.”

  “Okay, I guess,” she responded in a low tone.

  “Lizzy, I wish you would just take the money and use it. I have enough and it is a gift for you and Dale. Not your husband. I don’t like you living like you do.”

  “He’s Dale’s father,” was all she said, but she did hug him. “Thank you, though.”

  “I love you, Lizzy.” He picked up Dale, who was at his leg. “So, ready to go eat?”

  “Eat. Eat. Eat,” Dale chanted.

  “Before you ask,” Lizzy said as they made their way safely across the street, “That man with her is Julian Fox.”

  Julian Fox. That name didn’t ring any bells for him. “Were they in the same class?”

  “Yes, they were. He was a bookworm like Aspen. Hasn’t been back for very long, but I think he is planning on staying.”

  Colt took his sister and nephew to a table where he could see Aspen. Dale was put between him and Lizzy. The waitress walked over and cooed, “Oh, Colt. Good to see you again. Haven’t seen you in here in a while.” She trailed her pen down between her breasts and asked, “See anything you like?”

  “Lizzy,” he said, ignoring the advance, “What do you want?”

  As they were placing their order, Dale slipped off his chair and began meandering around through the diner. Most people in Tuttle were used to Dale stopping by to visit. It was unbelievable how inquisitive that child was.

  A sultry voice broke in after the waitress left with their order. “I believe he belongs to you.”

  Colt felt his body respond to that voice and her presence as it always did. Then he looked beside his Aspen and saw Dale standing there with her, his hand tucked securely in hers. The child had a goofy grin on his face.

  Lizzy’s eyes welled up with tears. “Oh, no, not again. I’m so sorry, Aspen.” She took her son and put him in his chair. “Can’t you sit still for a minute?” she snapped at the boy.

  “Bye, Dale,” Aspen said. “Lizzy.” Then she was gone, totally ignoring Colt.

  * * * *

  Aspen sat with Julian at a small booth in the back of the diner. They were deep in a discussion about hybrid synergy, which was what, in a roundabout way, they both worked on.

  A small tug on her shirtsleeve captured her attention as a young voice piped up, “Hi.”

  Looking down, Aspen couldn’t help the smile that this little boy brought to her face. It was Dale. “Hi yourself,” she responded, scooting over on the booth so he could join her. “Where’s your mother?”

  Dale waved at Julian and said, “Hi.” Then he pointed to Aspen and continued, “She’s pretty.”

  Julian nodded in agreement, “That she is. That she is.” Meeting Aspen’s gaze, he asked, “Who does he belong to?”

  “Lizzy Buchan, used to be Larkin.”

  “Oh. I see.” Julian nodded.

  “I’ll be right back; I am going to return him.”

  “I’ll be waiting,” Julian said as he settled back and ate some more of his food.

  “Okay, little man. Let’s get you back to your mama.” Taking hold of his hand, Aspen walked him through the tables to where she saw Colt sitting. Dale walked easily with her, his hand pressed comfortingly inside hers.

  Stopping by the table, between Lizzy and the empty chair, Aspen said softly, “I believe he belongs to you.”

  Aspen watched as Colt’s head jerked up at the sound of her voice. Not looking in his direction, she handed the wayward child over to his momma and said goodbye to them both and walked back to her table. It was as if Colt wasn’t at the table at all.

  Back at her table, Aspen and Julian were soon deep in discussion. That halted when a shadow fell over them both. Colt stood there, fire raging in his eyes.

  Blinking a few times, Aspen recovered and made the introductions. “Julian, I don’t know if you remember Colt Larkin or not. Colt, Julian Fox.”

  The men shook hands, taking stock of each other.

  Colt focused his attention back onto Aspen. He took in how she leaned into Julian when they were talking, how her eyes shimmered with excitement and passion. He hated that another man made her sparkle.

  “Was there something you needed, Colt?” Aspen asked when he had just stood there for a while, watching her.

  “Just this.” As fast as a bull leaves the chute, his mouth was pressed on hers. One hand wrapped in her ponytail, holding her head immobile as his tongue plundered the treasures of her mouth.

  Her body responded immediately and Aspen had to stop herself from holding him closer to her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw what she needed.

  Splash!

  Colt drew back with a hiss as ice water dripped down his face. Anger sparked in Aspen’s gaze as she glared at him. Her hand wiped water off her own face. “What the hell was that for?” he thundered.

  “Don’t lump me into that same category as your floozies. How dare you!” she seethed. “How dare you kiss someone else earlier and then put your lips on me.” Shoving him out of her way, she snapped to Julian, “Let’s go.”

  Aspen took in all the stares of people watching her and her rage grew, “What’s the matter? Haven’t any of you seen a man get water thrown in his face? Mind your damn business.”

  Stopping at the cashier, she hesitated when Julian put his hand on her and said in a calm voice, “I got this.”

  Fighting hard for control, Aspen said, “Thank you.” Pausing at the door, she looked back; the diner was silent as the patrons gaped between her and Colt. She looked back at him. He stood in front of the booth they had used, wiping his face with a cloth napkin.

  But he watched her. His chest heaved as he stared at her, with silver fire blazing in his gaze. There was such fortitude and grit in them it intimidated her.

  Still, her own eyes narrowed as she lifted her chin. She could be extremely haughty. She was no longer that little bookworm they thought her to be. Then she left with as much dignity as she could muster.

  * * * *

  The corner of Colt’s mouth turned up. He loved this side of her, so alive, so vibrant. He would admit he deserved the water at least, if not a slap, for what he did to her. But as she stood by the doorway of the establishment taking on the people of the town and him, she had never been more beautiful.

  He could tell she was trying to control her emotions. His Aspen, always about being in control. Never letting loose and giving in. But her display today was proof positive that she had fire, an amazing fire deep within her. And he was the man to release it to the world.

  Her eyes shot brown diamond daggers at him, her look scathed. Royalty of the highest caliber—that was his Aspen. His. And he would be damned if some man like Julian Fox was going to get his claws into her passion.

  So, with an almost imperceptible nod at her, he conceded the round to her. Colt swore at that very moment that Aspen Lajoia Townsend would be his by Christmas. She was
what he needed, he was what she needed. Ashton had known it and by God, it was going to happen.

  He loved her.

  Chapter Eight

  Curled up under the thick quilt, Aspen rocked back and forth on the couch. “I can’t believe I did that, Mama. I actually tossed a glass of water in his face.”

  Looking at her husband, Shoya tried hard not to grin. “Well, from what you said, he had it coming.”

  “But, Mama,” Aspen protested, “I let my emotions control me.”

  This time the look Shoya gave her husband was a bit more concerned. Ever since Aspen had been kissed by Colt Larkin at the Christmas party all those years ago, their daughter had become emotionless.

  Once a child who was full of imagination and life, she had retreated into a world of study. Not that it was a bad thing, but she lost that creative spark that had made her unique.

  And since she had run into Colt, that expression was back. These displays of emotion were wonderful, even if Aspen didn’t see it that way herself. “Sweetie, emotions aren’t such a bad thing. They tell you that you are alive.”

  Aspen’s eyes snapped open. “The only thing they have done for me is make me look like an idiot. That is not anything good.” She buried her head back under the quilt.

  Shoya glanced to her husband for help. Smoking his pipe, her father, Patrick, spoke in an offhand manner, “Well, I could always beat him for touching my little girl.”

  Shoya rolled her eyes in exasperation. But it got a reaction from Aspen. She ripped the quilt off her head as, “No!” exploded from her mouth.

  “No?” He asked in his deep voice. “Well, what would you have me do? My daughter, my only living child, comes to me in tears. What else can I do?”

  “It was just a kiss, Papa,” she said, defending Colt now. “I was only mad because I saw another woman kissing him earlier.”

  “So, he’s using you?” A dangerous edge filled his voice.

  “No, Papa. Don’t hurt him. Please.” Big eyes turned to her mother. “Mama, help me out here.”