And Then You Kiss

by Heather A Buchman

  Tucker agreed; the girl was magnificent. She had long, dark hair, that looked almost black, and the most beautiful eyes. In the sunlight, they looked violet.

  He recognized the look on Jace’s face when he met the girl. Blythe, that was her name. His brother’s eyes lit up, and when he shook her hand, he held on longer than he should have. He watched, and the slow burn of envy crept up his spine.

  Tucker was rarely envious of his brother. Today was different. He wished he had been the one to hold Blythe’s hand longer than appropriate, gaze into her eyes, and ask if he could see her later. He would’ve handled it differently, of course, but no less effectively.

  What was most surprising was how unaware Jace was of his feelings, or maybe he was blocking them. Sometimes he wondered if he could feel Jace more than Jace could feel him. Even if they were a thousand miles apart, Tucker could predict Jace’s mood, whether he spoke with him or not.

  ***

  Tucker hadn’t wanted to spend Thanksgiving in Crested Butte, but his parents had insisted. His dad was looking forward to reconnecting with his cousin who was Ben’s dad. Ben had extended the invitation when he and Jace reconnected a few weeks ago through Renie.

  “We were close once,” their dad said. “Nothing specific happened that resulted in our drifting apart, it happened naturally.

  “My parents always spent Thanksgiving in Crested Butte. A few years after my dad died, we decided to spend the holidays in Aspen. You two were a handful, and it was easier on your mom if we stayed home. We weren’t kids when you and your brother were born.

  Jace told Tucker he felt as though his father was winding down his life. It seemed important to him to reconnect with people he’d lost touch with. That was the only reason Tucker agreed to come along on a day he normally kept to himself.

  ***

  Tucker Rice was an artist. One who was anxious to get back to work. He hadn’t decided what his next project would be. Perhaps when he did, his angst would diminish.

  Up until last week, he’d been in Spain. He’d He spent the summer as much of his time there . Since as he got home was able. Since he’d gotten back to the States , he’d been adrift. At first he thought it was jet lag, but even after a week, he wasn’t feeling any better. He was moody and sullen. Maybe a new project would help.

  The most recent work he’d done was in bronze. He’d completed several sculptures using the lost wax process, and sold them all. Even the one he intended to keep for himself. He considered block prints as the next medium he’d explore, but painting was beckoning him.

  It had been three years since he painted. Watercolor was his medium of choice in two-dimensional work. He could paint quickly; a sense of accomplishment came immediately. There were days he could do three or four full-sheet paintings before noon. He longed for that kind of release.

  There was more to his bad mood than lack of a project. He was beginning to feel as though his life was aimless. In Spain he was all about creating art, having fun—and having sex. That was the extent of it.

  There had been a time in his life he thought he’d have love, a family, everything his parents had, but that dream vanished.

  There was something about the dark-haired beauty that beckoned him though. It was strong enough that he couldn’t ignore it. Even if he started something with her, he knew it wouldn’t last. It never did, he always lost interest quickly. There’d been one woman in his life who’d been able to hold his attention. And he’d lost her, in more ways than one.

  “I like her,” he stated.

  “What’s that?” Jace asked.

  “I said I like her.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “The friend. I like her.”

  “Yeah, I do too.”

  “No, Jace, that isn’t what I mean. I’m attracted to her.”

  “I know you are.”

  “Ah…so you’ve decided to come clean. You felt it too.”

  “I was ignoring you.”

  “What should we do?”

  “Let her choose.”

  “This could get ugly.”

  “Maybe she won’t choose either of us,” Jace ventured.

  Tucker shook his head and laughed. “Right.”

  Chapter 2

  “This place is spectacular,” Blythe said to Renie. “I thought your mom’s place was beautiful. This is, I don’t know, almost too much for words.”

  “It is, isn’t it?”

  The southern face of Mount Crested Butte was visible from the ranch, if you looked north through the valley of tall grasses. A river ran through the center of the valley; cattle roamed the south side of the river, and horses were kept to the north. Blythe couldn’t imagine how beautiful it must be in winter, when snow covered the ground and the surrounding mountains.

  Crested Butte was known for spectacular wild flowers, so in the spring, the ranch must have been breathtaking. But the fall, with the Aspens showing their golden splendor, mixed with the reds and oranges of the other deciduous trees against the backdrop of the deep blue Colorado sky, she couldn’t imagine a more beautiful place on earth.

  They road in silence for a while taking it all in.

  “Tell me what you know about them,” Blythe said once they were further out on the trail.

  “I don’t know much about Tucker. He’s an artist. They share a condo in Aspen, and it’s full of his work.”

  “What kind of art?”

  “Everything from what I saw. He’s a painter, but a sculptor too. Jace said he gets bored with one medium and moves on to another.”

  “Where did he get the scar?”

  “Scar? You mean Tucker? I don’t know. I didn’t notice to be honest.”

  “He seems broody.”

  “Then you’re perfectly suited to one another.”

  “Very funny. Jace seemed more interested than the broody one.”

  “Jace is a good guy,” Renie answered wistfully.

  “Regretting your choice? I’d be happy to reconsider Billy Patterson if you’re thinking of letting him go. Although . . .”

  “Although what?”

  “The baby.”

  “Don’t give it too much thought Blythe. There is no way I’m ever letting go of Billy Patterson. He’s mine, and I intend to hold on tight.”

  Blythe had been hot for Billy for a long time, but admittedly, she didn’t know him very well, not the way Renie did.

  “I’m happy for you.”

  “Thank you Blythe. I know that wasn’t easy for you to admit,” she teased.

  “What should we do tonight?”

  “I know what I’ll be doing, and I’m sure it won’t interest you.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’ll be at home, with my future husband and our baby.”

  “Ugh. You’re right. Doesn’t interest me at all. Why did you invite me if you don’t plan to spend any time with me?”

  “I’ve been with you since first thing this morning, I’ll be with you all day tomorrow too.”

  “So I’m on my own tonight. That’s what you’re saying.”

  “Poor Blythe. Whatever will you do?”

  “I was hoping to stumble on a cowboy or two out on our ride. Where are they anyway? Isn’t this a ranch?”

  Renie laughed, but didn’t answer.

  They turned around and rode back toward the house. Renie probably could’ve ridden for another hour, but Blythe always lost interest in it before her friend did.

  She wondered how Renie would react if Jace was as interested as he appeared to be when they met. Would she tell Blythe she didn’t want her to pursue him?

  On the other hand, there was something about the broody one that intrigued her. It wasn’t his looks; they were identical twins. It was more. Maybe it was because he hadn’t paid any attention to her. She was always more attracted to guys who didn’t appear to be attracted to her.

  Ben Rice and Billy Patterson were sitting at the kitchen table talking to Jace and Tucker when they
came back in the house. Liv, Paige and Mark were in the kitchen.

  Renie didn’t see the baby. “Where’s Willow?” she asked, bending down to kiss Billy.

  “Downstairs with Ben’s boys,” he answered, kissing her back.

  Blythe saw Renie raise an eyebrow.

  “It’s okay,” he said. “We have to let her go sometime. She’ll be fine. Jake and Luke are great with her.”

  “Can’t we wait until she’s at least in double digits before we cast her off into the world alone?”

  “You’re so maternal,” Jace said.

  “She is, isn’t she?” Billy sounded proud.

  “Does that surprise you?” Blythe asked.

  “Not at all, actually.” Jace turned so he was facing her directly. “How ’bout you Blythe? Are you maternal?”

  “Uh, no,” she laughed. “Billy picked the right girl, no question. Renie will love Willow to pieces.”

  “You wouldn’t love her?” asked Tucker. Everyone turned and looked at him when he did.

  Blythe’s face turned red. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t love her. I said I’m not as maternal as Renie is.” She stood and went into the kitchen, not that the rooms had much separation.

  “What’s wrong?” her father asked when she put her arms around his waist.

  She pointed in the direction of the table. “That man over there was mean to me Daddy,” she said in her best little girl voice.

  “He was? Let’s see who I can get to beat him up for you. Any takers over there, or will I have to send my wife after him?”

  Paige slugged him.

  “See? She can take all of you, even the mean one.”

  The guys at the table were still looking at Tucker.

  “What?” he finally asked.

  “Maybe you should apologize,” answered Jace.

  “For what?”

  “You’re making this too easy for me,” Jace muttered.

  Tucker got up and went into the kitchen. “I’m sorry I offended you. Although I’m still not sure what I said wrong.”

  “Nice apology man,” said Mark. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know why.”

  Blythe scowled.

  “Come on,” Tucker said to her. “Go for a walk with me.”

  “Why would I want to do that?”

  “So you can get even with me for hurting your feelings.”

  “Shouldn’t I refuse to go for a walk with you? Wouldn’t that hurt your feelings?”

  “I bet you can do a whole lot better than that given the extra time.”

  Blythe put on her jacket and followed Tucker out the front door.

  She studied him from behind. He had strong shoulders and a tight little butt, powerful thighs, and those arms. How much time did he spend at the gym? She hoped not too much, she couldn’t stand guys that talked about working out all the time.

  When he got to the bottom of the porch steps, he stopped, turned around and put his arms around her waist. He startled her, but having him that close—wow. His green eyes were piercing, and she wanted to run her fingers through his long sandy blonde hair. Other than the scar on the left side of Tucker’s face, it was the only way the two brothers were easy to tell apart. Jace kept his hair cropped short, Tucker’s was long.

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered as his hand came up and cupped the back of her neck. “Forgive me?”

  “What are you doing?” she said, pushing away from him.

  His arm went back around her waist and he pulled her into him again. “Apologizing,” he answered.

  “That was an apology? You’re a little gropy with your ‘I’m sorries,’ aren’t you?”

  The arm around her waist tightened. “Couldn’t help myself,” he answered.

  She put her hands on his shoulders to push him away, but his hold was unyielding.

  “You’re magnificent,” he murmured.

  “What’s goin’ on out here?” Jace asked, coming out the front door.

  Blythe tried to break free from Tucker’s hold, but he tightened it instead.

  “I’m apologizing,” Tucker answered.

  “Looks like you’ve got my girl in a death grip,” smirked Jace.

  Blythe blushed and pushed at Tucker harder. “Are your arms made of steel?”

  “No, that’s his will,” laughed Jace.

  Tucker didn’t answer. He didn’t let go of her either. And when she looked back at him, his eyes were focused on her mouth.

  “Go away,” he finally growled.

  Surprisingly, Jace turned toward the front door. “This isn’t over,” Blythe heard him say before he went inside.

  “What was that all about? I’m not going to be a—”

  Before she could finish her sentence, he kissed her. And it wasn’t a chaste kiss. It was exactly the kind of kiss she expected from him. He plundered her with his mouth. His hand moved from the back of her neck up to cup her head. When she tried again to pull away, he went deeper, harder.

  When his other hand came up to cup her breast, she twisted away from him.

  “Stop it,” she said. “Really, stop.”

  He did, and then she was sorry she asked him to. He let go of her and started to walk away.

  “Wait. Where are you going?” she asked.

  “For a walk,” he answered.

  Just as she was about to turn and go back in the house, he said, “Are you coming or not?”

  She was intrigued enough to follow him.

  He walked toward his truck, stopped, and opened the driver’s door.

  “I thought you were going for a walk.”

  “Changed my mind. Come on, get in.” He motioned in the direction of the door.

  “You want me to drive?”

  “No, I don’t want you to drive,” he mimicked her. “Get in and slide over.”

  She wasn’t sure why, but she found herself doing everything he told her to.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Have you eaten?”

  “No.”

  “To dinner.”

  They drove the rest of the way into town in silence. When they got there, he kept going, toward the ski area. He parked in the Grand Lodge parking lot and held the door open for her.

  Instead of going into the hotel, they walked to the courtyard next door. As much as Blythe wanted to ask him where they were going, she doubted he’d give her a straight answer. She remained patient, intrigued by him once again. He held her hand in his, and she liked the feel of it.

  He took her into Django’s, a wine bar, which was packed.

  They were greeted by a very young, very cute blonde who asked if they had reservations.

  “We’ll sit at the bar,” Tucker answered, pulling Blythe along behind him.

  “There he is,” said the man behind the bar. “How the hell are you?” He came around and gave Tucker one of those man hugs where they patted each other on the back a little too hard.

  “Chris, this is Blythe,” Tucker introduced them. “Chris and his wife, Kate, own the place. Where is she anyway?”

  “She’s in the back, but I know she’ll want to see you. I’ll get you seated and then go get her.”

  “We can sit at the bar, it’s fine.”

  “No, no. I’ve got a table right here for you.”

  The periphery of each table was draped in fabric that hung from the ceiling, as this one was. It didn’t make the table completely private, but it lent an air of romance.

  “I like this place,” Blythe said once Chris left the table.

  “Me too.” He leaned toward her. “It’s sexy.”

  She laughed. It was sexy, but it wasn’t the word she expected to him to use.

  “I’ll order for us.”

  “Do I have any say in it?”

  That was the response he expected from her. If she had demurely agreed, he would’ve been disappointed. He wasn’t interested in her meekly responding to him. He wouldn’t care if she fought him every step of the way, challenged him, argued with him. That’s wha
t he wanted. He saw the fire in her, and he wanted it.

  Her phone chirped and she put her hand in her pocket. “Do you mind?”

  “Go ahead,” he answered. “Then turn it off and put it away. I want your undivided attention tonight.”

  She excused herself and went outside. He liked that. She wasn’t the type to answer her cell in a room full of other people that it might annoy.

  Where are you? Renie’s text said.

  At Django’s. Let my mom know okay? she answered.

  How long will you be there?

  No idea. Turning cell off now. Let everyone know. Thanks.

  Blythe stood outside a few minutes longer, in an attempt to compose herself before she went back in. Tucker was the most interesting man she’d ever met. Maybe too interesting. He wouldn’t bore her, of that she was certain.

  She didn’t know what to make of him though. He acted as though he didn’t like her very much, yet his kiss told her something else entirely.

  There was a fire lit in the middle of the courtyard and she walked over to it. Let him wonder.

  He was grinning when Chris came back to the table and sat down.

  “Kate will be out in a minute. She can’t wait to see you. Tell me Tucker, how are you?”

  “Same as always Chris. Nothing much changes with me.”

  They chatted for a few minutes while Tucker looked over the wine list. “Where’s your date?” Chris asked when enough time had passed that if she had gone to the ladies room, she should be back.

  “Outside. Making me wait.”

  “Ah. This explains the grin. It’s nice to see you this way. How long have the two of you been together?”

  “About an hour.”

  “Ah, I see. That explains a lot. I’m going to enjoy watching the drama unfold tonight. Thank you for bringing her here.”

  Kate approached the table, and both men stood.

  “Tucker Rice. Is it ever good to see you.” She kissed him, on the lips. “How was Spain? Fight any bulls, or were your escapades limited to senoritas?”

  “Careful darling,” warned Chris. “His date will be walking back in any moment.”

  “Tucker, I’m so pleased. A date? Someone special I hope?”