by Kate Kisset
And when he mentioned Harlan and Boone would play later, he kept his tone annoyingly perfunctory, as if they hadn’t all known each other since grade school. He’d given her a speech he’d practiced, something he’d say to any other guest. By the time they reached her building, her heart was heading in a downward spiral.
“Thank you.” She tried to catch Colt’s eye.
“No problem,” he said, focusing on the key card. He opened the door to her bright sunny room where a tall ceiling, log walls, and cabin-like interior mimicked the style of the main building. Layers of crisp white bedding covered two double beds.
Mariah grinned. “That’s what you call Instagram-worthy.” She pointed to a sitting area in the corner with a plush sofa and a coffee table carefully styled with fresh white roses, wine, and snacks.
“Ahhh.” She inhaled the divine scent of something she couldn’t put her finger on. “What is that?” She took another whiff and pivoted to him. “Vanilla and . . .”
“Huckleberry, our signature scent.”
“I can already tell you’ve done an outstanding job here, Colt. The entrance, the lobby, the main hall, the grounds, this—” She turned in a full circle. “I can’t wait to see the rest of the place.”
“Well, thank you,” he said, scanning the room as if seeing it for the first time. “I’m glad you like it.” His focus swung back to her. “And it’s good to see you again, Mariah.” He finally met her eyes and walked over, handing her the key cards. “I’m sorry about the snafu. I didn’t know the name of your new company.”
“It’s fine.” She shrugged. “I guess I was just hoping we’d have a better reunion.”
“This is a reunion?”
“How long has it been since we’ve really talked to each other? I know it’s been five years since we . . . ah . . .” She paused, running her hand along the back of a chair, eyeing him carefully, wondering if he’d finish the sentence.
He furrowed his brows. “But we just saw each other at Boone and Becca’s wedding. And before that, at Christmas. You were wearing that red sweater dress. Remember? We all had drinks together.” His eyes slowly roamed from her face, to her neck, to her cleavage.
When he discovered she’d caught him, he quickly looked away.
“Nice to know you remembered my dress.” She smiled. “But we didn’t have a chance to be alone, it was so crowded. We haven’t ever really talked one on one, since—”
“You left,” he stated evenly, taking her off guard. There wasn’t any scorn in his voice, and he didn’t seem to be upset, which was a good thing. They’d never discussed her departure. Sure, they’d chatted about her adventures over the years at family functions but never brought up the timing of her leaving.
“You took off on that gap year right after and never came back, not for long anyway.” He gave her a simmering stare. She held her breath, holding his gaze, thinking for sure, he was about to say something else, but apparently he changed his mind. “Well, look, I’m going to let you get settled, and if you need anything, there are two phones. One by the bed.” He pointed, keeping a stiff, professional air, like he was hoping for a tip or something. “And another next to the snack tray. The list of services and numbers, and maps of the resort are all there.”
He gave her a nod before heading to the door. “I’m sure I’ll see you around. I hope you enjoy your stay here. Have fun.”
“Do you regret what we did?” she blurted. If she didn’t ask now, when? The damn question had been burning a hole inside her for five Christmases, Easters, and Thanksgivings. She’d never been alone with him long enough to ask.
Colt spun back to her.
“Because you act like you regret it.”
“I can assure you, I don’t,” he said quietly. His eyes locked on hers. “I don’t regret anything I’ve done with you, or any second we’ve spent together.”
“Then why are you being so distant?”
“I’m not.” He sighed. “I guess I am. I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting you to be here.” He ran a hand over his hair. “Wyatt’s working here. He’s probably taking your dad on a tour of the place right now. Your whole family could be here for all I know. I just wanted to keep things between you and me—between us—proper.”
She arched her eyebrows. “Proper isn’t the word my brother usually links with your name,” she teased. “According to Wyatt, your escapades are anything but.” Mariah didn’t like seeing him flinch. Colt wasn’t a man-slut, more of a habitual six-month dater.
And Colt’s love life wasn’t any of her business. She knew that rationally, but she was never rational around Colt.
“With you, I have to be proper, Mariah. You know that.”
The intensity of his stare gave her shivers as he slowly studied her, taking his time scoping every inch, from her boots to her hat.
“Proper,” she sputtered, half teasing, because she didn’t know what else to say.
Her heart hammered in her chest as Colt moved away from the door and approached her, coming close. So close she felt heat radiate from his body. He reached for her face, skimming past her cheekbone with his fingers, to her ear and above. “I want to see you without this hat.” He took it off, letting out an audible sigh that coursed through her bloodstream.
She froze as he gently touched her hair and settled on a strand he fondled between his thumb and index finger. “Damn, you’re stunning.” He quickly brought his hand back to his side and cleared his throat. “And you know what you do to me, Mariah, but there can’t be anything more than a friendship between us. Wyatt and your dad would kill me, if your other brothers didn’t finish me off first.”
“But you don’t regret that night, do you?”
“No.” The look he sent her erased any doubt. He moved to the door again, placing her hat on the small table near the entrance. “But there are rules that shouldn’t be broken.”
“But we already broke a big one. What’s the hurt in breaking one more?”
The sound of his sexy, throaty laugh gave her a contact high. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed it until she heard it. She found a spark in his eyes and held on, wanting to make the moment last as long as she could.
A flutter of movement and the sound of heavy wheels grinding over the walkway caused them to turn to the window. “To be continued.” She tentatively reached up and kissed Colt’s cool cheek. “That’s Aves.”
“God, you’re killing me.” He smiled, rubbing his cheek and stepping aside for her to open the door.
“You made it!”
“Yippee ki yay!” Her petite blonde friend laughed, barely making eye contact through her long bangs. Aves had been trying to grow out her pixie haircut for months. “I’m still not sure where the hell I am. I think I saw a coyote or a wolf-possum or something on the ride over.” Aves giggled, hugging her. “It’s good to see you.” She pulled out of the hug and spotted Colt. “Oh, hey, sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You weren’t.” Colt extended his hand. “I’m Colt Beckett”
“He’s an old friend of the family.” Mariah sent him a secret wink, hoping he received the message loud and clear. Teasing Colt Beckett was one of her favorite things to do. She hadn’t felt so alive in a long time.
“Avery Bailey. Thank you for having us.” Aves shook his hand.
“You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
The attendant entered the room with their bags. Mariah rushed to her purse for the tip.
“Put it away,” Colt said. “I’ve got this.” He handed the attendant a wad of bills.
“Thank you, sir.” The man nodded at the group and left.
Colt turned back to her, eyeing her as if she were a long drink of water that might quench his thirst. “Mariah.” He gave her a sly smile. “It was nice seeing you again.” Tilting his head to Aves, he said, “It was a pleasure.”
“Pleasure’s all mine,” Aves said primly. As soon as Colt turned, she gawked after him, bending for a better loo
k at his perfect butt. Aves closed the door behind him and gaped at Mariah. “Who the hell was that fine specimen?”
“That was Colt Beckett.” Mariah closed her eyes, remembering that warm summer night. “That’s the man who popped my cherry.”
Chapter Three
WITH A MICHELANGELO-painted sky outside his office window, and the light fading fast, Colt hit Save on the spreadsheet. Used to working his magic with numbers behind a desk, the need for customer approval in a service industry, was like stepping into a new world.
Sick of worrying, he ventured out of his office to the swanky bar area adjacent to the main building. He mingled with the guests under the twinkling energy-saving lights he spent ten grand installing and scanned the area for anyone who looked like they might need something.
After being satisfied his staff was on top of their game, he moved to one of the bars off to the side. It wasn’t in use, so he could observe the action and enjoy a beer in relative privacy.
Most of the guests were watching Harlan’s show near the stage in the corral area, but Colt could hear Harlan’s hit song “Heartbreak Kid” coming in loud and clear.
Colt managed to briefly touch base with his sisters-in-law between shows. Georgia, Harlan’s wife opted to leave baby Ruby home with his mom who was in town for Dream Maker’s opening. Georgia had just enough time for a little chit-chat before giving Colt a quick hug and rushing off to watch Harlan’s show.
Boone and his new wife, Becca, wanted to make the most out of his tour break and sleep in their own bed. They’d taken off right after his performance.
Even though they all lived in separate houses on the fifty-acre ranch they’d inherited, the Beckett brothers rarely saw each other.
With Colt knee deep in getting Dream Maker ready to open, and his younger brothers dominating the country airwaves, life was pulling them in different directions. He appreciated having them there with him on the biggest night of his life so far. And Mariah had come too. Mariah. How on earth was he going to handle having her there?
“Don’t you know the boss isn’t supposed to hide?” Wyatt chided, coming from behind. “I thought for sure you’d be with one of your lady friends tonight.”
Colt let the comment slide, but of course Wyatt had to stay on point. “You know, get a little something-something to ease the tension.” He propped an arm on the bar. “I’ll take one of those.”
Colt reached over the counter, dug into the ice, and plucked out a cold brew. “Although I’m not sure you deserve it,” he said, passing the bottle to Wyatt. “I don’t use women to ease the tension. And you sound like a douche when you talk that way.”
“You’re the only guy I talk to like that. The only man I know with so many girlfriends.” Wyatt twisted the cap off and took a swig.
“Just because I didn’t get married in my twenties like everyone else in Lonesome doesn’t mean I’m a player. I’ve been perfectly honest with every woman I’ve dated.”
“I didn’t call you a player,” Wyatt scoffed. “What’s gotten into you? You’re awfully touchy. Other than your mood, I think everything went well today.”
“It did.” Although Colt was already worrying about how he’d manage to keep his focus on Dream Maker’s opening with Mariah right under his nose.
“And the shows are going off with a hitch. Everyone seems to be happy. Your new general manager is beside himself. Trust me, all kinds of things can blow up on opening day. We pulled it off.”
“You could’ve told me your sister was coming.”
Wyatt narrowed his eyes. “You kidding? Do you think I can keep up with her? Mariah doesn’t tell me what she’s doing. I had no idea she was here until I ran into her in the gift shop fifteen minutes ago.”
Colt studied his friend while keeping up his standard blank, I-only-think-of-Mariah-platonically expression. He’d become an expert at hiding his feelings for her but that didn’t mean he wasn’t off in Mariah fantasyland thinking about how he could lose himself for years locked in her stare... He’d never met anyone else who had eyes that rich, mysterious shade of green.
“What are you so worried about?” Wyatt asked. “She’s not going to give you a bad review.”
“Just wanted a heads up, that’s all.” He shrugged.
“It isn’t a problem. Mariah’s like a sister to you. No matter how bad it gets, she’d never do anything to hurt your business. You’re family, buddy.”
Waves of guilt swept over Colt as Wyatt slapped his back. He hadn’t even kissed her. As much as he’d wanted to, he didn’t. But his thoughts—his desire, what he’d been craving since the second he saw her in that lobby—were enough to send him straight to hell.
They hadn’t been alone in a bedroom since the one night they’d slept together. He’d relived those precious hours in countless dreams. And today, when they were alone in her suite, he’d wanted to kiss her so badly he could barely look at her.
“Speak of the devil, she’s right over there.” Wyatt pointed to Mariah making her way into the bar, wearing a form fitting black dress that clung to her mouthwatering curves.
Oh, help me, Jesus.
“Go talk to her if you’re worried about what she’ll write.” Wyatt slapped Colt’s back again. “You need to lighten up, man.” Wyatt set his empty bottle on the bar. “I have to be back at six. I’m going to check on my guys one more time and head out.”
Colt forced himself to pull his eyes away from Mariah and focus on Wyatt. “Good idea. Get some sleep. And thanks for everything today.”
Wyatt started for the exit and turned back to him. “Well?”
Colt shifted. “Well what? You want a kiss goodnight?”
“You know it.” Wyatt laughed, strolling back to the path. “Go talk to her,” he shouted over his shoulder, pouring gasoline on a burning ember, the exact kind of encouragement Colt didn’t need.
Chapter Four
COLT TOOK ANOTHER PULL from his beer and set it down, watching every male in Mariah’s vicinity straining their necks for a better look.
Regardless of Wyatt’s naïve prodding, Colt had sworn to himself he wouldn’t go out of his way to talk to her. Sure, he’d be cordial and friendly, but anything else with Mariah was strictly off the table.
Colt strolled out of the shadows to join her and looked over his shoulder. Why? He had no idea. And that was the problem with him and Mariah. He couldn’t concentrate around her. And when he did manage to have a clear thought, it was X-rated. Everything he wanted to do with her was wrong, wrong, wrong.
But hell, she’d only be there for one night, and they were in public. Surely he could contain himself around her for a few minutes, couldn’t he?
Approaching from behind, Colt waited for Mariah to finish her sip of wine before angling around the couch and sitting next to her.
“Hi.”
Mariah turned, and it took a beat before she reacted, but when she did, she took his breath away. “Hey.” Her beautiful face lit up. Her eyes sparkled as they met his and locked on with a stare that threatened to destroy his resolve to play it cool in one blink.
“Are you enjoying Dream Maker?” he asked, trying not to notice the way her dress hugged her shapely thighs when she crossed her long legs.
“I am.” Her sultry voice washed over him like a warm, steamy fog. “You seemed really surprised to see me today.” She gestured to the couch. “So I guess this means you’re not bothered by my staying here.”
“Bothered” wasn’t the word he’d have used. Unless he put “hot and” in front of it. Mariah had the same effect on him she always had.
Going all the way back to when he’d hung out at the Walkers’ house as a kid, Colt had to fight his feelings for her. And it wasn’t intentional. He didn’t set out to fall for Wyatt’s sister, the only girl out of six kids, the youngest, the sibling every brother lost his shit to protect. His desire for Mariah was a pure chemical reaction. “No. I’m not bothered.”
She let out a visible exhale, and the te
nsion in her face and shoulders relaxed. “Good, because I wouldn’t be able to take it.”
God, she is so sweet. “So are you back in the main house with your dad?” The Walkers had a hundred-acre ranch nearby.
“Uh-huh.” She reached over and stroked his arm, captivating him with a gentle caress.
Jesus, man. She’s hands off. Get a grip.
“Since Dad’s heart attack. I thought it would be a good idea to have Lonesome as a home base while he gets back on his feet. I still have my apartment in Venice Beach.” She sighed, brushing her long hair off her shoulder, leaving a trace of lily of the valley and musk in the air. “I need to visit much more often. That heart attack was a big reminder from the universe that Pops won’t be around forever.”
“I’m sorry about your dad. It hit Wyatt hard too. But I’ll bet your family loves having you home.”
“They do.”
“And your father’s probably in a hurry to have you back at the house with him. Are you staying for breakfast tomorrow?”
“And lunch and dinner. I’m staying for the whole week.” She set her glass on the table. “Why do you ask?”
The thought of seeing her every day for the next week left him at a loss for words. He should’ve checked with the reception desk. “I don’t know, your ranch is a fifteen-minute drive from here? Your dad needs you?”
“It isn’t my ranch, Colt, but you already know that. And if my father needs me, I can be there in a heartbeat.” She shifted, narrowing her eyes at him. “Boy, you’re just dying to get rid of me, aren’t you?”
She did have a point. Life was a whole lot easier without having her as a temptation within arm’s reach.
“You’re acting like you don’t even care about me anymore. You know what?” she asked, grabbing her purse and rising. “I’m not sure I like you anymore.”
Aww, shit, shit, shit.
“Wait.” Colt scrambled to his feet, hoping she’d turn, but Mariah didn’t give him a second glance. She stormed through the bar area and out to the path leading to her building.
