Taunting Callum: A Big Sky Royal Novel (The Big Sky Series Book 7)

by Kristen Proby

  They’d drive a saint bloody insane.

  And I’m no saint.

  The longer I’m in Montana with its wide-open spaces and kind people, I understand why my siblings enjoy being here so much. It’s one of the few places in the world where we have quiet. No prying eyes.

  Just peace.

  The sun hasn’t quite risen yet, but the sky is painted in pinks and blues, the birds chirping. When was the last time I took a minute to admire a sky and listen to birds singing the song of their kind?

  I couldn’t tell you.

  I’m on my second cuppa of the day. I haven’t been sleeping well. At first, I blamed jet lag. But I’ve been in town for several days now, and only one thing has been in the forefront of my mind.

  Aspen Calhoun.

  With her mane of fiery hair and those green eyes that can cut me in two with just one look—or set my blood to boiling in the blink of an eye.

  Each time I see her, it’s like a roundhouse kick to the face. She’s more beautiful than my memory gives her credit for.

  And I can’t get her out of my mind. She’s always there, both when I’m sleeping and while I’m awake.

  Of course, it’s just my luck that I’m attracted to a woman who doesn’t want anything to do with me. Not that I can blame her. I understand her anger. I was a complete prat. But I felt like we turned a corner yesterday when she finally accepted my apology.

  I check the time. I agreed to go for a run with David at seven. We usually go earlier, but I cut him some slack since he’s a newlywed.

  What red-blooded man wants to leave his wife so early in the morning?

  I have half an hour, so I go inside, change into my running clothes, and head up to the big house to see if Alice set out any scones or muffins for us to nibble on.

  I find I’m not disappointed when I reach the kitchen and see plates of both.

  I’ve just taken a bite of a scone when I hear my sister behind me.

  “Good morning.”

  I turn and frown at Ellie, who’s currently rubbing her sleepy eyes.

  “Why are you here?”

  She scowls. “We lost power up at the house last night. Someone cut down a tree, and it fell over onto some powerlines. All I know is that Liam and I slept here last night.”

  “Things like that don’t happen in London,” I comment and chew my scone. “I like it here.”

  “Me, too,” she says. “I feel almost like a normal person here. I know we aren’t, and we still have responsibilities, but for just a little while, it’s nice to unwind.”

  Exactly what I was thinking earlier.

  “I’m glad I ran into you,” Ellie says and reaches for a scone. “I need to ask a huge favor.”

  I frown. “Are you all right?”

  “Oh, yes, I’m fine. I just need something.”

  Ellie’s my baby sister. I’d do anything in the world for her. Saying yes and asking questions later is a given.

  “Name it.”

  She smiles but then bites her lip and looks down as if she’s nervous.

  “It’s sort of a lot to ask.”

  “For fuck’s sake, Eleanor, just ask already.”

  She sighs heavily. “Well, aren’t you moody this morning? Liam and I, along with Sebastian and Nina, are attending a benefit dinner and auction for the hospital this weekend. Aspen’s going to be sitting at our table, and we have an extra seat. Well, I think it would be lovely if you escorted her.”

  I narrow my eyes at my sister. “You’ve been warning me off her for years.”

  “No, I haven’t,” she says with a frown, staring at her scone. “I simply didn’t want you playing with her emotions, that’s all. But she’s going to be at our table, and there’s an available seat. It would be lovely if you joined us.”

  I lean on the counter and give it some thought. I’ve been chomping at the bit to spend time with Aspen. To get to know her better. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity to do just that.

  “Aspen’s not my biggest fan, Ellie.”

  “Well, I already mentioned the idea to her, and she was absolutely thrilled.”

  “Now I know you’re lying.”

  “Okay, thrilled might be stretching it a bit, but she didn’t hate the idea. It’ll be a fun evening, Callum. You’ve escorted countless women to functions over the years.”

  I blow out a breath and check my watch. “I have to go.”

  “Say you’ll do this. Please. For me. I never get to spend time with you, certainly not in a social setting.”

  “Are you sure Aspen knows and is okay with it?”

  “She’s perfectly fine with it,” Ellie says. “I assure you. I wouldn’t intentionally put either of you in an uncomfortable situation.”

  I shrug, nod, and wave at my sister as I hurry out to meet David on the veranda. He’s already stretching.

  “Good morning, Your Highness,” he says. He starts every day the same way, no matter how many times I tell him to call me Callum.

  “Good morning,” I reply as I set my watch for an outdoor run. “Ten today?”

  “Only ten miles?” David asks with a wink. “I thought for sure you’d want to go fifteen today after the long flight the other day and not much exercise since then.”

  Just the thought of ten miles has me exhausted.

  Or maybe that’s just the lack of sleep. And now that I know I’ll be escorting Aspen to a function, I’ll get even less rest.

  Blast it.

  “Is everything all right?” David asks.

  “Fine,” I say with a curt nod. “Let’s do this.”

  “What’s wrong with you,” Sebastian asks. It’s been a long day. After my run, I had business to see to until my brother rang me and invited me up to Whitetail Mountain to see our friend, Jacob, who owns the resort here. I’ve largely ignored the two men as I sipped my stout and admired the view of the valley below, wondering what Aspen is up to down there.

  “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”

  Sebastian and Jacob share a glance.

  “You haven’t said two words since you got here,” Jacob says. “You’re not typically a man of few words.”

  I rub my hand over my face and gesture for the bartender to bring me another pint. The pub is quiet this evening, so there aren’t any prying eyes or cameras pointed our way. I would typically enjoy some quiet time with my brother and Jacob, a few beers and some laughs.

  “Perhaps I’m still suffering from jet lag.”

  “Bollocks,” Sebastian says. “You shake jet lag off faster than anyone I know. You went for a run this morning.”

  I shrug. “How’s your wife?” I ask Jacob, trying to change the subject.

  “Grace is perfect in every way imaginable,” my friend replies with a sly smile. “Thank you for asking. Now, back to you.”

  I shake my head. “There’s nothing to say.”

  I’m not looking their way. Instead, I stare straight ahead at the wall of liquor bottles and a mirror where I can see our reflections.

  They share a glance again.

  “Women are bloody frustrating,” I grumble and push my hand through my hair.

  “And there we are,” Jacob says good-naturedly and claps his hand on my shoulder. “Let’s talk it out.”

  I shake my head and take a sip of Guinness. “I fucked up. I admit it, and I’ve apologized for it, for two damn years. She says she’s forgiven me.”

  “But?” Sebastian asks.

  “Something doesn’t sit well,” I reply. “I’m not sleeping. I can’t get her off my mind.”

  “I’ve never known a woman to catch your fancy like this,” Jacob says as he raises a brow. “If she’s so difficult, just move on.”

  “Tried that,” I say. “But I can’t seem to stop thinking about her.”

  “Well, then go to London and talk with her,” Jacob suggests.

  I laugh and shake my head. “She’s actually here, in Cunningham Falls.”

  Sebastian’s eyes n
arrow. “Aspen?”

  I nod.

  “The new owner of Drips & Sips?” Jacob asks. “I quite like her. She’s intelligent and has made good business decisions. Not to mention, she’s quite lovely to look at.”

  I stare at my friend. “You’re married to the most perfect woman in the world, remember?”

  “And I’m as dedicated to her today as the day I married her. It doesn’t mean I can’t admire a pretty girl. So, you fucked up, and she won’t speak to you?”

  “She’s speaking to me. Like I said, she says she’s forgiven me.”

  “So, what’s the problem?” Sebastian asks.

  “I don’t want her to simply forgive me. I want to get to know her better. I want to spend time with her. Ellie talked me into escorting her to the benefit this weekend.”

  “That’s a good start,” Jacob says. “Does Aspen know you’re taking her?”

  “According to Ellie, yes.”

  “Like Jacob said, it’s a good start. See how the evening goes and take it from there. And, Callum, my gut tells me that she’s not someone you can play with.”

  “No. She’s not. And I’m not interested in games with her. I can’t put my finger on why, but she’s different. I want to figure her out.”

  “I don’t know that we can ever figure them out,” Jacob says. “I’ve been with Grace for a long while now, and there are still moments I feel like I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

  “I’m going to try,” I reply. “I’m going to convince her that I’m not a daft idiot who just wants to get in her knickers.”

  “You mean, you don’t want to get in her knickers?” Jacob asks.

  “Of course, I do. But that’s not all I want.”

  “I do believe my little brother just admitted that he’s going to court a woman.” Sebastian raises his glass. “Cheers to that.”

  “Cheers indeed,” Jacob says. “I’d love to be a fly on the wall.”

  I laugh, but inside, I’m nervous. I’ve never had to work for a woman’s affections before. I have a feeling Aspen’s going to make me work harder for this than I’ve ever worked for anything in my bloody life.

  Whenever I have something on my mind, the best way to work it out is exercise.

  Now is no different.

  David and I took our run yesterday and discovered a whole network of amazing paths that wind through town and along the lake. There must be hundreds of miles of them, and we decided the best way to explore them is by bicycle.

  We spent the morning at a local cyclery shop and walked out with two state-of-the-art bikes that will be a joy to use. I’ll simply store them at Sebastian’s home for anyone who might fancy a ride.

  I refuse to wear spandex. I’m not trying to win any races. Instead, we’re dressed in our typical casual wardrobe of cargo shorts and T-shirts. We did invest in helmets and riding gloves, though.

  There’s no sense in being foolish.

  The path is clean and paved as we ride along the lake, the glistening blue of the water sparkling through the trees. The foliage is changing color, going from green to orange and yellow.

  It’s a stellar day.

  We’ve just passed a new home construction site when my bicycle blows a tire.

  “Bloody hell,” I mutter as I climb off the bike and stare at the flat. “Tell me you have a kit with you to fix this.”

  David, with his mouth in a thin, unhappy line, shakes his head. “Negative, sir. I didn’t think to buy one. I’ll just call and have someone come and get us.”

  “Everything okay?”

  I glance back to see none other than Aspen Calhoun come riding up behind us. Her eyes widen when she recognizes us, but she slows and stops next to me.

  “Flat tire.”

  She glances down at my tire, then hops off of her bicycle before leaning it on its kickstand and fidgeting with a small pouch under her seat.

  “I can fix this,” she says. “It’ll only take a minute.”

  “I can call someone,” David offers, but she’s already shaking her head and squatting next to my bike.

  “I’ll have it done way before anyone can get here,” she says. “Looks like you ran over a nail back there. I wish the construction crews were more thorough when they clean up. You’re not the first person to meet this fate on this trail. Jerks.”

  She fiddles with something, and suddenly, my tire is full of air again.

  “You’ll want to replace the tire soon, but this will at least get you through today.”

  “Aspen.”

  She doesn’t look me in the eyes, just returns to the pouch under her seat and stows her tools.

  I grip her arm just above the elbow, and she turns those eyes up to me. She looks…unsure.

  “Thank you. You saved the day.”

  “I’m not even wearing my cape.” She winks and turns to go, but I’m still holding onto her, so she raises a brow and looks down at my hand, then back up to my face. “You have my arm.”

  “So I do.” I want to kiss her so bloody badly, my lips hurt. “I didn’t realize you enjoyed cycling.”

  “I’m just trying to soak in all of this amazing weather,” she says. “Like I said the other day, it can leave in the blink of an eye around here. And I’m not a big fan of winter activities. Too cold.”

  “What other activities do you enjoy?” I ask.

  “Let’s ride and talk,” she suggests, and I immediately agree, pushing off on my bike and riding next to her. David keeps a safe distance behind us, never letting me get out of sight but not listening to our conversation either.

  I’m just thrilled that she didn’t roll her eyes and ride away, leaving me in the dust.

  “I like to hike, ride my bike, and sometimes I jog, but not if it’s too hot. I do not like to go camping or boating.”

  “Why is that?”

  She shrugs a shoulder. “I just don’t. I pay a mortgage so I have a roof over my head. Sleeping in a tent doesn’t sound fun in the least.”

  “No camping.”

  “Day trips are really all I have time for anyway. Drips & Sips is more than a full-time gig.”

  “When is the last time you went on holiday?”

  “I’ve never taken a vacation.”

  The bike wobbles beneath me as my head whips over to stare at her, and I have to stop myself from falling.

  “Never?”

  “Nope.”

  “That’s incredible.”

  “I don’t have much time for travel.”

  “If you could go anywhere at all, where would you like to go?”

  “The Maldives,” she says without hesitation. “The photos make it look like heaven, and I heard it’s sinking into the sea. I’d like to see it before it’s gone.”

  I can take you there tonight.

  I want to do just that. Whisk her away for an incredible holiday in paradise.

  But I don’t think she’d be open to that. Not yet.

  “What about you?” she asks.

  “Me?”

  “Yes, is there somewhere in the world you haven’t been that you’d like to visit?”

  I frown, thinking it over. “I’ve been pretty much everywhere,” I say. “Actually, there are some things in Alaska I haven’t seen that I think would be fascinating.”

  “You could take an Alaskan cruise,” she suggests. “If you like water, that is.”

  “I don’t mind the water, but I think what I want to see would best be done on foot.”

  “You want to walk across Alaska?”

  “Parts of it,” I say with a laugh. “You look appalled.”

  “That doesn’t sound fun at all. If I’m on vacation, I don’t want to hike in the middle of nowhere. I want to sit on a gorgeous beach with a cold drink and a hot cabana boy.”

  I raise a brow. “Cabana boy?”

  “Sure. He can fetch me things and just look good.”

  “Hmm.” I’ll make sure any servers in the Maldives who come into contact with us are female.<
br />
  I’ll be the only man she ogles.

  “Well, this was fun, but I have to turn back,” she says as she comes to a stop and takes a drink of water. “I have the afternoon shift at the café.”

  “You take different shifts?”

  “Yeah, we rotate. It’s fair that way. Although I’m around for both shifts many days, particularly when we’re shorthanded. Have a good day.”

  “Wait.”

  She stops and raises a brow at me.

  “What time shall I pick you up on Saturday?”

  “I’ll just meet you there.”

  “That’s not how this works. If I’m escorting you, I’ll pick you up.”

  She bites her lip, and just when I think she’s about to say no, she says, “Seven works.”

  “I’ll see you on Saturday at seven, then. Have a good day, Aspen.”

  She waves. “You, too.”

  I watch her ride away, her ass sitting perfectly on her seat. For the first time in too bloody long, I feel hope catch in my chest.

  I can’t wait for Saturday.

  Chapter 5

  ~Aspen~

  “I would kill for your hair,” Monica says as she takes my red curls from a riot of craziness to a sexy, sleek, and sophisticated ‘do.

  “And I’d kill to have you live with me so it looks like this every day. Because, trust me, it doesn’t. It’s usually a frizzy mess.”

  “Nonsense,” Monica says. “It’s not frizzy at all because your best friend made you start using decent hair products to keep it tamed. You’re welcome, by the way.”

  “Your makeup has never looked better,” Natasha says, stepping back to take a look at her handiwork. Both of my friends came over to help me get ready for this charity event, where apparently, I’ve been roped into going as Callum’s date.

  I’m still not entirely sure how that happened, except that I’m doing Ellie a solid.

  That’s right, it’s for Ellie.

  “When do I get to see?” I ask.

  “Perfection takes a minute,” Monica says as she continues fussing with my hair. Natasha comes at me with yet another brush.

  “I don’t need perfection,” I reply. “I just need: I don’t look like Quasimodo.”