One Weekend in Aspen
Page 1
Table of Contents
Synopsis
Praise for the works of Jaime Clevenger
Other Bella Books by Jaime Clevenger
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-five
Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-one
Chapter Thirty-two
Chapter Thirty-three
Chapter Thirty-four
Chapter Thirty-five
Chapter Thirty-six
Chapter Thirty-seven
Chapter Thirty-eight
Chapter Thirty-nine
Bella Books
Synopsis
Fresh out of a ten-year relationship, Emily Brookstone wants to let loose. But she’s not exactly the let-loose type. When she gets invited to spend a no-strings-attached weekend in Aspen with eight other women, the words “good for you” come to mind. Maybe a fling with a charming stranger is just what she needs.
Alex Murphy travels the world for her job. She has no trouble getting dates wherever she lands and life is full of short-term escapades and fantasy weekends. Yet finding someone to share life with feels impossible. Until she meets Emily.
What happens on one snowy weekend in Aspen could change everything. But is a gamble on love worth all the risk?
Praise for the works of Jaime Clevenger
Just One Reason
I had a lot of fun reading Just One Reason. I enjoy diving into a traditional romance where I know exactly what I’m going to get, and then being delighted with a host of clever details that make the story feel fresh and brand new. This book checked all the boxes on my list of what I want in a good book.
-The Lesbian Review
I don’t want to spoil things, but I was cheering this couple on and I wasn’t disappointed. Communication happens and it is beautiful and sweet, but not without a splash of angst. This book gave me all of the feels and really hit a home run with thoughtful, meaningful dialogue.
-Digby M., NetGalley
This is the third installment of the Paradise Romance series. I have gotten so much entertainment out of these books. I love the characters and friend group. That while each story focuses on a new budding relationship, the same characters pop in and we see that they continue to progress in their respective partnerships. There is always so much more depth and satisfaction when the writer can put people through the ringer so that they come out on the other side shiny and happy. Overall, this is another great addition to the Paradise Romance series.
-Bookvark, NetGalley
All the Reasons I Need
One of the reasons I love Three Reasons to Say Yes so much is that Clevenger wrote such strong secondary characters in Kate and Mo. I fell for them almost as much as the main characters, so to have them get their own book I was excited. This is a story about two best friends since college that have a ton of chemistry but have never done anything about it. …If you are looking for a well written, angsty romance, look no further. This is an easy romance for me to recommend. I think with this series, Clevenger is at the top of her writing game and I can’t wait to see what she puts out next.
-Lex Kent’s Reviews, goodreads
This book is the second installment in Clevenger’s Paradise Romance series. It’s not necessary to read the first book, Three Reasons to Say Yes, to enjoy Kate and Mo’s story… All the Reasons I Need is a thoughtful summer romance full of emotion. It let me imagine myself on a tropical beach, napping in a hammock, and sipping an exotic drink with a little umbrella in it. There’s just something about beautiful sunsets and waves crashing on the beach that make falling in love seem easy.
-The Lesbian Review
Three Reasons to Say Yes
This is without a doubt my new favourite Jaime Clevenger novel. Honestly I couldn’t put it down from the first chapter. …All in all this book has the potential to be my book of the year. Truly, books like this don’t come around often that suit my reading tastes to a tee.
-Les Rêveur
…this one was totally my cup of tea with its charming relationship and family dynamics, great chemistry between two likable protagonists, a very convincing romance, some angst, drama and tension to the right extent and in all the right moments, and some very nice secondary characters. On top of that, the writing is technically very good, with all elements done properly. Sincerely recommended.
-Pin’s Reviews, goodreads
This was a really easy story to get into. I sank right in and wanted to stay there, because reading about other people on vacation is kind of like taking a mini vacation from the world! It’s sweet and lovely, and while it has some angst, it’s not going to hurt you. Instead, it’s going to take you away from it all so you can come back with a smile on your face.
-The Lesbian Review
Party Favors
This book has one of the best characters ever. Me. Or rather you. It’s quite a strange and startling experience at first to be in a book, especially one with as many hot, sexy, beautiful womenin it who, incidentally, all seem to want you. But believe me, you’ll soon get used to it. …In a word, this book was FUN. It made me smile, and laugh, and tease my wife. I definitely recommend it to everyone, with the caveat that if you don’t like erotica you should probably give it a pass. But not only read it, enjoy it, experience it, also find a friend, or a spouse, or even a book buddy online to talk to about it. Because you’ll want to, it’s that great.
-The Lesbian Review
I’ve read this book a few times and each time changed my decisions to find new and inviting destinations each time. This is a book you can read time and time again with a different journey. If you’re looking for a fun Saturday night read that’s sexy and hot as hell then this book is 100% for you! Go buy it now. 5 Stars.
-Les Rêveur
The story is told in the second person, present tense, which is ambitious in itself—it takes great skill to make that work and for the reader, who is now the narrator, to really connect to the thoughts and actions that are being attributed to them. Not all of the scenes will turn everyone on, as we all have different tastes, but I am pretty sure there is something for everyone in here. And if you do as you’re told and follow the structure the author uses, you can dip into this book as much or as little as you wish. An interesting read with some pretty hot interactions.
-Rainbow Book Reviews
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Other Bella Books by Jaime Clevenger
Call Shotgun
A Fugitive’s Kiss
All the Reasons I Need
Just One Reason
Moonstone
Party Favors
Sign on the Line
Sweet, Sweet Wine
Three Reasons to Say Yes
The Unknown Mile
Waiting for a Love Song
Whiskey and Oak Leaves
Spinsters Ink
All Bets Off
About the Author
Jaime Clevenger lives in Colorado with her wife, two kids, two cats and one golden retriever. She works as a veterinarian and is occasionally guilty of bringing cute furry projects home. On days off, her favorite thing to do is write but she also enjoys swimming, hiking, teaching karate, and reading. She loves to hear a good story—especially a love story—and is always ready to listen.
Copyright © 2021 by Jaime Clevenger
Bella Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 10543
Tallahassee, FL 32302
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.
First Bella Books Edition 2021
Editor: Heather Flournoy
Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso
ISBN: 978-1-64247-227-1
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.
Acknowledgments
Some stories get more TLC than others and this one got a lot of snuggles in its journey from idea to finished book. Thank you, Corina, for your patience when I complained, for your hugs when I needed them, and especially thank you for reading this story that one last time—and liking it. Knowing you’re in my corner makes all the difference.
Thank you to my writer friends and beta readers for your encouragement, advice, and most of all friendship. Each of you helped me in so many ways: Laina, thank you for teaching me the importance of sticking with a story; Aurora, thank you for convincing me to go for the romance; Sandy, thank you for wanting this story and giving me a kick in the butt when I needed it; Rach, thank you for knowing what the story needed at just the right moment; Alix, thank you for putting yourself in the character’s shoes and reminding me to think of how they would feel; Shawn Marie, thank you for being so positive throughout and for turning me on to a cool editor.
As for that cool editor…Thank you, Heather, for the push and for believing in this story. It was a pleasure working with you. Thanks also to everyone at Bella. I appreciate all that you do to get our stories out to readers. Lastly, thank you to the folks who read this story. I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter One
Emily Brookstone read the invitation again, then carefully folded the embossed paper and slid it back in the envelope. Of course Katherine had used expensive cardstock. The woman had class, that was for sure. It also came as no surprise that she’d included plane tickets. She’d taken care of all the details. All Emily had to do was say yes.
“You do realize you can’t say no,” Gianna said. “These Aspen weekends are legendary. You basically have to win the lesbian lottery to get an invite.” The invitation had been delivered by courier that afternoon, and Gianna had paced around the apartment until Emily had finally opened it. She’d leaned over Emily’s shoulder and read every word aloud with little shrieks of excitement. “God, I wish I worked for Katherine.”
“No, you don’t.” Emily flipped the envelope facedown. “She’s a tyrant. I do my best to stay out of her way.”
“But she’s a sexy tyrant. Who hosts sex parties.” Gianna pursed her lips. “Are you honestly thinking of turning her down?”
Of course she’d decline. Right? “Going on that dinner cruise with her and her friends was one thing. But a trip to Aspen? And this isn’t an offer to go skiing.”
“No, this is an opportunity to have your fantasies fulfilled. Did you read that part? Come on, Em, you know this would be good for you. Eight women, one weekend, and all you need to do is come up with a little fantasy.”
“Yeah, that’s not intimidating at all.”
“You have to go. Please?” Gianna gave Emily a pleading look. “I need minute-by-minute tweets on the whole thing.”
“No.”
“You haven’t even considered it. Okay, forget about how much I want the scoop on this. You know it would be good for you.”
Would it be good for her? Technically there was nothing to stop her from going. She had the time off—Katherine had made sure of that by booking her in advance for that particular weekend, then canceling but promising to pay in full. Logistics, however, were beside the point. She was not someone who went to sex parties. Just thinking about it made her lightheaded. And a little shaky. The fact that her client was the host made it even more absurd to consider, especially considering Katherine wasn’t simply another client.
While she might be difficult to work for, Katherine had done wonders for Emily’s business. She was ridiculously rich and well connected, and her lucrative referrals were the reason Emily could keep a limited client list. Besides that, she was beautiful and charismatic. Katherine had countless admirers, and Emily had been drawn to her, too, the first time they’d met. But she’d carefully kept things professional. The dinner cruise invite had caught her off guard. And now this.
“Katherine’s never come on to me, but do you think…” Emily’s voice trailed as she wondered if she wanted to finish the sentence.
“Emily, she’s not inviting you to try and seduce you. This is about having sex with a bunch of other people. Ooh, I bet there’s an orgy.”
“An orgy?” How had she been invited to a party where an orgy was even a possibility? “Maybe you could go instead of me.”
“Sure. Katherine won’t notice the difference.” Gianna stuck out her tongue. After a moment, she took a breath and her tone softened. “Em, you need this. I mean, I need it too—let’s be real—but you need it more. This is a chance for you to put yourself out there and meet people.”
“Maybe I could join a hiking club.”
Gianna’s eyebrows bunched together. “Since when do you hike?”
“My point is, I’m still getting used to thinking of myself as single. I haven’t even kissed someone since Cass.”
“Which is why you need to go to Aspen.”
Emily shook her head. “I need to start slow. It’s only been two months.”
“Two months since you moved out, yeah, but how long has it been since you got lucky?”
“Too long.” Emily didn’t want to admit exactly how long. The lack of sex in her marriage hadn’t been a secret, but seven years was flat-out embarrassing. “I can’t jump back in the saddle at a sex party.”
“You never told me you had a thing for cowgirls.” Gianna’s brown eyes sparkled mischievously. She picked up the envelope and rubbed it like a magic lamp. “One fantasy fulfilled. What should I wish for?”
“Don’t look at me. With my luck, I’d wish for a cowgirl and end up with a pony.”
Gianna laughed, playfully swatting Emily with the envelope. “So you do have a thing for cowgirls!”
“At this point I wouldn’t turn one down. Leather chaps are hot.”
“Mmm…So are nice tight jeans and a cowboy hat.”
“Don’t forget the rope,” Emily added.
“How could I?” Gianna held the envelope up t
o her lips and kissed it. “I’ll take a cowgirl, too, Genie. And make sure she’s kinky.” She looked back at Emily. “Now if only you could sneak me along in your luggage. Do you think this is at a lodge? Or is Katherine renting a house?”
“I’m not sure. She’s mentioned she owns a ski cabin in Aspen—and a villa in Nice.”
“Must be hard. San Francisco, Aspen, Nice. How do you pick? I think I’ll take my sex weekend in Nice. Croissants and sex? Oui, oui.”
Emily smiled. Despite their joking, her anxiety about the whole idea of a sex weekend hadn’t gone away. “I still don’t get why she invited me. I’m not like her—or any of her friends. I’m not some socialite. I don’t have any connections. And at the moment, my life is such a mess that I’m sleeping on my best friend’s couch.”
Gianna tilted her head. “And loving every minute of it.”
“Every minute. I really am grateful. And I promise I’ll be out of your hair as soon as I can afford my own place.”
“I’m only teasing. I like you here. Besides, you pay your share.” Gianna paused. “I do worry about you, though. Cass did a number on your head, and even if you don’t want to talk about it, we both know you’re not over that mess. Aspen could be exactly what you need.”
“Or it could be a total disaster.”
“But think of the stories you’ll be able to tell me after. All those sexy women. Bow-chicka-bow-wow.”
Gianna jiggled her chest and Emily couldn’t help laughing. She eyed the envelope again. “This is ridiculous…a sex fantasy weekend. Who does that?”
“Katherine.” Gianna pushed the envelope closer to Emily. “It might be ridiculous, but I wasn’t joking when I said it’d be good for you.”