One Hundred Ways: An Aspen Cove Romance

by Collins, Kelly

  “Luke?” Sam set her hand on Riley’s. “Honey, you need to get out more if you think he’s an asshole. Assholes beat you up or burn down your house. They don’t play guitars, singing songs of apology.”

  Riley took one more look at Luke, who was still focused on her. “That’s an I’m sorry song?”

  “They don’t get much better than that. What did he do that needs an apology?”

  In the scheme of things, he didn’t do much more than most people in her life. “He didn’t give me the benefit of the doubt.”

  Sam shook her head like she got it. Dalton looked at her like a fish out of water. His eyes bulged, and his mouth opened and closed.

  Sam turned to him and said, “This is one of those times where you’d be better off nodding and smiling.”

  He closed his lips and did as she said.

  Luke finished his song. Riley picked up her glass and gave him a silent toast before she turned back to Sam.

  “You want flaming instruments?” She opened her purse and dug around for a pen and slip of paper. When she found one, she made a quick sketch of a guitar. “Something like this, but about five feet tall?”

  “Yes, is that possible?” Samantha bounced in her seat. She looked up and saw someone she knew. “Look who’s here.” She pointed to a group of men at the pool table. “Those are the Lockharts. Name about says it right. Hearts locked up tight. They date but don’t commit.”

  “Are you two going to gossip about the men in the bar or talk sculptures?” Dalton was already halfway out of his seat.

  “Both. Go play pool.”

  Dalton gave Sam a kiss before he took off toward the pool table.

  “I can do the sculpture, but I’m not sure how to add the fire.”

  Sam looked down at the rough drawing. “What about sparklers or something like that?”

  Riley saw her vision and didn’t think sparklers would do it. She scribbled a few more things on the paper. "What if I put several holders on the back of the sculpture and we put something like a jackpot fountain?”

  “A what?”

  “It’s a firework that’s like a sparkler on steroids. It will shoot sparks and whistle for a good amount of time, enough to get a reaction from the crowd. The only issue is, someone would have to light them.”

  She looked around the room now filled to standing room only and nearly ninety percent men. “We do have some hunky firemen; but then again, I think you’ve already noticed.”

  Riley took a big gulp of her wine. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Of course not. Let’s fill your glass up so we can toast to your new life in Aspen Cove.” She held up their empty glasses, and somehow through the crowd, Cannon appeared with refills.

  They clinked glasses and looked around the room. Another person had taken the stage, and when Riley scanned the room, she saw Luke by the pool table with the Lockharts and Dalton.

  “It should be illegal to have all of them in the same room.”

  Riley ignored Sam and turned over the paper to sketch another instrument on the backside. While she tried to disregard the testosterone weighing the opposite side of the room down, she couldn’t—and each time she looked, Luke was watching her.

  “How detailed do you want these?”

  “What’s your skill set?” Sam turned the sketch to face her.

  Riley’s heart slammed into her chest. What would happen if she messed this project up? Sam would be giving a concert, and her fans would see Riley’s work.

  Part of her wanted to shut it down right away and tell her she couldn’t do it, but she did owe them something, if only to try.

  “I can’t say what I can make is what you’re looking for, but I sure as hell will try to build you something you can be proud to stand by.”

  Sam reached for the pen and drew lines shooting from the head of the guitar. “I was thinking if you could get the shape down, that’s all I care about. We could put some of your jackpot fountains shooting left and right. Try to keep the sparks contained to the stage. I thought about having one, but what about two? One for each side of the stage, then Luke and Thomas can light them up for the finale.”

  “Okay.” Riley's hands shook as she folded the sketch in half and shoved it and the pen back into her purse. “When do you need them? Did I hear three weeks?”

  Sam made the perfect shocked emoji face, with her eyes squinted shut and her teeth showing in a broad grin. “Yes. Is it possible?”

  Riley took another big swig of wine and laughed. “I hear anything’s possible here in Aspen Cove.”

  “You’re catching on.” Sam got up and picked up their empty glasses. “Drinks are on me. I’ll bring a fresh one back.” She turned to walk away and stopped. “Oh, and I’ll have whatever supplies you need delivered.”

  Before she could say anything else, Sam was gone and Luke was standing in front of her. “Do you need another glass of wine?”

  She shook her head. “No, Sam’s bringing me a refill.”

  “Great.” He shifted on his heels. “I am sorry, Riley. It’s that—”

  “I get it. You don’t have to apologize anymore. It’s all good.”

  He leaned over. He was so close she could smell his minty breath. “Is it all good?”

  After two glasses of wine, it was definitely good. Good thing she lived within walking distance, because she could stumble back to her apartment.

  A shadow fell over the table, and a large man with dark hair and blue eyes patted Luke on the back.

  “Are you going to introduce me?”

  Luke stood up. He went head to head with the handsome man, but Luke wasn’t nearly as wide.

  “No, Noah. Go back to Cross Creek and find your own girl.”

  Noah pulled out a chair and sat beside Riley. “We don’t make them this lovely in Cross Creek.” He offered his hand. “I’m Noah Lockhart.”

  She took his hand and was surprised hers nearly disappeared in his palm. “Riley Black.”

  His brows shot up. “Dalton’s sister?”

  “No.” She shook her head, and her hair tumbled around her shoulders. “I’m his cousin.”

  “She’s a welder,” Luke added.

  Riley wasn’t sure if he thought that was cool or if he mentioned it to turn Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome off. Not many women picked up a welding gun and went to work.

  “Welding? That’s awesome. Maybe we can call you if we need some work done.” Luke moved beside Riley and crossed his arms over his chest like he was a standing sentry. “My brothers and I own Lockhart Construction. We refurbed the Guild Creative Center.”

  “Beautiful building. I’ve got a studio there.”

  “You’re an artist?”

  To say so felt like a lie. Didn’t she have to sell something to be legit? “I’m working on it.”

  “You know the saying, 'The harder I work, the luckier I get.' Who taught you to weld?”

  “My father, but he passed this year. I’m carrying on the legacy.”

  “Why welding? It’s a bit out of the norm.”

  Riley giggled. She looked up at Luke for a moment. “What I like the most is the way I can take something hard and rigid and make it bend to my will.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Bend to her will? Luke didn’t take Riley to be the alpha female type—but then again, he hadn’t considered much about her beyond her fabulous curvy figure and her pretty face.

  He leaned against the window, dropping his hands to his sides.

  Mike, in an uncharacteristically friendly gesture, moved under Luke’s fingers for a pet.

  Riley looked at the cat, then up to Luke. “Looks like you made a friend.” She reached over and traced her fingers up Mike’s back until her fingers touched his and a tingle raced up his spine. “They say animals are good judges of character.”

  She smiled wide, and he swore the entire bar lit up.

  “Is that right?”

  She shrugged. “That’s what I hear. Then
again, Mike only has one eye, so maybe he’s off his game.”

  Across the room, Dalton called for Noah.

  “Looks like I’m being paged.” He set his hand on hers. “Save a dance for me for later?”

  She looked at Noah like he hung the moon. “You bet. All we need now is music.” Her eyes traveled up to Luke. “Are you going to entertain us again?”

  Noah rose, and Luke took his seat. “In a bit. I was hoping you’d entertain me first.”

  Noah walked away, leaving the two of them alone at the table.

  “He has a reputation as a player,” Luke said.

  “Does he?”

  He nodded. While he’d never actually seen Noah be anything but respectful, he’d never seen him with the same woman twice. “He’s not a forever kind of guy.” He didn’t know why that slipped out. “If that’s what you’re looking for.”

  Riley moved to the side so she could watch Noah walk to the table. He said hello to a few people he passed, then took up his pool cue.

  “I’m not looking for anything, but he seems okay. Besides, it seems to me everyone has a reputation at some point.” She looked around the room.

  Luke followed her line of sight and noticed Meg sitting at the bar scowling at him, so he turned to focus on Riley.

  “Do I?”

  She laughed. “With others, or with me?”

  He leaned back in the chair and tried to relax, but he could feel Meg’s daggers.

  “It’s your story, you fill in the blanks.” He knew he had a reputation, but he considered being responsible and on top of safety in the small town a good thing.

  “I’ve only heard good things about you.”

  She said it like it was a lie that stung her tongue.

  “But your experience is different because I was trying to uphold my original reputation?”

  “The jury is still out as far as my opinion goes. Your apology went a long way to healing the wounds to my fragile ego.”

  “Fragile? This word coming from a girl who likes to bend things to her will?”

  She let out a deep breath. “As with everything, there’s the dream and the reality. I fear I’ve been the one to bend all my life. I’m like a young sapling always trying to weather the storm.”

  There was a hint of sadness in her voice that made him want to pull her into his arms and hold her.

  “I’m sorry about your father.” He considered his family and knew how difficult it would be to lose his father, brother or sister. While they might not live in close proximity, they stayed in touch. He was in the process of convincing his father to move to Aspen Cove. Lloyd Dawson was looking for some help on his ranch, and while his father was happy in Wyoming, Luke knew he could be happy here, too.

  She turned her almost empty wine glass around and around. The blood-red liquid left splashed up the sides and beaded down to pool at the bottom.

  “I miss him. He was a troubled man, but he was a good man.” She picked up her glass and finished it off. “I should probably get going.”

  Without a thought, he laid his hand on hers. “Stay.” He looked over his shoulder to see Noah break for the next game of pool. He didn’t want to set Riley up with him, but he’d use the man to keep her here. “Besides, you promised a dance to Noah.”

  Her eyes grew wide. “You want me to dance with Noah?”

  He shook his head. “Nope, but I don’t want you to go either. I’d like a chance to repair your opinion of me.”

  “I don’t have an opinion of you anymore. I thought you were an asshole, but I think I was wrong.”

  He rose from the table. “Now that I have a clean slate, let me buy you a drink, and I’ll endeavor to create a better first impression.”

  She laughed. The sound was like a song that filled the air. “You can’t have a second first impression.”

  “Nope, but you can have a first second impression. Let’s hope I do better this time around.”

  She slid her glass toward him. “Thanks for hanging out with me.” She looked past him and waved to someone at the bar.

  When he turned around, he saw Meg slide off the barstool and walk toward them. “Watch that one,” he warned.

  She plastered a smile on her face. “Oh, I will. My father shared his wisdom before he died.” She glanced at the approaching Meg. “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.”

  “Which is she?” he asked.

  “Probably someone I should keep closer.”

  He leaned in so close, he could smell the citrus scent of her shampoo. “Which am I?”

  “The jury is still out.”

  He straightened up. “I’ll send a glass of wine over right away.” He waved to Cannon at the bar and pointed to Riley, then held a finger in the air. “The next song is for you.”

  “Hey, handsome.” Meg sidled up to him, putting her hand on his lower back and tucking her thumb in the belt loop of his pants. “My drink is almost empty, too.”

  Luke looked at Meg. “You’re right. I’ll have Cannon send you over a water.”

  Her eyes narrowed, and her lips pursed.

  “How come I only get a water?”

  He moved to the side, so she’d have to let him loose. “Because you’re driving, and cars and alcohol don’t make great friends.”

  “Aww, you care.”

  “Sure, I care enough to protect everyone from stupidity, and driving while under the influence is stupid.”

  “That’s as bad as driving with full tanks of flammable gas,” Riley added.

  Luke turned so Meg couldn’t see him. “Almost.” He took a step toward the stage. “Don’t forget what your father told you.”

  Cannon showed up with a glass of wine for Riley. He turned around and said, “Meg wants a glass of tap water. Put it on my tab.”

  Inside, he laughed all the way to the stage. It wasn’t that he disliked Meg; he didn’t like her. There was a difference. One thing was certain: he didn’t trust her. She was sugary sweet on the outside, but something told him she was bitter on the inside.

  On the other hand, Riley was trying to be salty on the outside, but her sweetness came shining through.

  He climbed up on stage and tapped the mic.

  “This one is for all those people who are rigid and hard."

  About eighty percent of the men in the bar hooted and howled.

  Luke chuckled. “Yeah, wasn’t going there. This song is about learning to bend.”

  He sang a country song about trust, love, and forgiveness. The whole time, he kept his eyes locked to Riley’s, who never once took her eyes off him. Something had changed in their dynamic, and all it took was a minute of time, an apology and a song. Throw in a glass of wine, and he was well on his way to a new reputation.

  He strummed a few tunes until he played an upbeat song that got several people moving on the small dance floor.

  Noah left the game he’d lost and strolled over to Riley. He couldn’t hear the conversation but saw her rise and offer him her hand.

  Luke didn’t care to watch them dance. It made his stomach clench and ache when Noah moved her around the dance floor to the beat of the music.

  Someone called out for a slower song, but he’d be damned if he’d play something that put Riley into Noah’s arms. When he finished the song, he set his guitar against the wall and made his way to Riley’s table.

  “They make a cute couple, don’t they?” Meg asked. She scooted her chair closer to the one he took.

  “They’re not a couple. They recently met.”

  Meg frowned, then replaced the dour look with a smile. “They could be. We could be.”

  “Look Meg, I’m not looking for anyone or anything.”

  She leaned in and set her head on his shoulder. “I’m not just anyone, Luke, and I’m certainly something, but you’ll never know unless you try.”

  “That was fun.” Riley came back all smiles and bright eyes. “I haven’t danced in years.”

  Noah looked over his shoulder t
oward his brothers, who were standing by the door, looking impatient to leave.

  “Thanks for the dance, beautiful. I’ll stop by the diner to see you.”

  “That sounds great. See you then.” She flopped into her chair and took a long drink of wine.

  “I can’t believe Noah Lockhart danced with you.”

  Riley wiped the sweat from her brow. “Why is that?”

  Meg shrugged. “I don’t know. You don’t seem his type.”

  Luke separated himself from her. “He has a type?”

  Meg laughed. “Probably not, but you seem more of a forever girl, and the Lockharts… they don’t seem your type.”

  Luke moved so he was equidistant between Meg and Riley. “Do you have a type, Riley?”

  She rested her elbows on the table and her head on her hands. “I do. My prerequisites include honesty, kindness, compassion.”

  Meg rolled her eyes. “Boring. What you need is exciting, good in bed and has a job.” She took her lipstick from her purse and slicked on another coat of pin-up girl red. “Take Luke here, for instance.” She scooted her chair so they were side by side again. “He’s a fireman, so I would deduce he likes his women hot with a lot of sizzle.”

  “You want another wine?” He lifted from his seat and walked to the bar without waiting for an answer. Riley was a bit tipsy, but she wasn’t drunk, and he’d make sure she got home okay.

  “Are you doubling up tonight?” Cannon asked when Luke got to the bar. His eyes went to the table where the two women sat.

  “Oh hell, man, I can’t get rid of one.”

  “Which one do you want to ditch?”

  “I’ll take a glass of red and an exit strategy. Can you tie Meg down while I run?”

  Cannon poured the wine and flagged over a guy from the pool table. He whispered in his ear and waited for the guy to disappear. “I got you covered. Give it five minutes.”

  Luke walked back with Riley’s wine. “Here you go.”

  “Thank you.”

  He sat opposite Meg, trying to put more distance between them.

  “Empty-handed again. You only have wine for the new girl?”

  Luke ignored her. “What did I miss?”

  Riley giggled and then laughed. “I think Meg has a plan for world domination.”