Falling for Aspen: A Sweet Steamy, Curvy Girl Romance (Sweet Seasons Book 2)

by Lex Cole

  First, I cause him to wreck into me, now I assault him with my car door. What kind of day from hell is this?

  “What the ever loving fuck!” He bellows and I cringe as I step from my car.

  “I didn't mean to... I'm truly sorry,” I tell him, trying to blink the newly forming tears away before they fall.

  I will not cry in front of this man.

  He scowls at me like he wants to throttle me. I take a small step back, just in case.

  “Are you all right?” I ask him.

  “Do I fucking look all right,” he spits the words out while motioning to his truck. I glance toward his truck. The damage is minimal, a small dent and hardly any paint missing, but my guess is he's probably talking about the hassle it is to deal with an accident, no matter that it's not a serious one.

  There's now a growing line of cars behind his truck and my embarrassment ramps up tenfold. Panic sets in. Graden is a heavily traveled street on a normal day, take the fact that it's Friday close to five o'clock and it's decidedly worse.

  I can't believe this is happening.

  “Can we just switch information real quick so that...”

  “Hey, do you all need some help?” Comes a familiar voice. The same voice I've been dying to hear again for almost an entire week. I whip around, coming face to face with my driving distraction, Nash Phillips.

  His eyes widen a bit at the sight of me before a beautiful smile takes over his face, but it's quickly replaced with a look of concern.

  “Aspen, are you all right?” He asks, beelining right for me.

  “I, uh, yeah,” I say looking towards the angry man just a few short feet away from us.

  “She looks pretty fucking okay to me,” the man says, like he wishes that wasn’t the case.

  Nash turns his attention on the guy. “Yeah, well, for your sake, you better hope she's better than she's ever fucking been,” he growls and the look on the man's face becomes murderous.

  “Oh, yeah? If not?”

  “I'll fucking tell you what'll happen if not...” Nash says starting toward him.

  “Is there a problem?” An attractive construction worker approaching us says, pulling his hat off to scratch his head.

  “This motherfucker...”

  “Okay, Nash. Calm down, man. Listen, y'all better get these vehicles pulled over so this line can get going.”

  “You're right,” I say, heading over to my car.

  In an instant, Nash is by my side, putting his arm around my shoulders and guiding me back to the sidewalk. “Let me,” he says, in a gentle tone. His demeanor is calm as if no ill words were ever spoken to the guy with the truck.

  I nod and take a seat on the sidewalk. After he pulls my car over and the man pulls his truck over, the guy with the hard hat motions for the cars to go around.

  The man is on the phone now, fury still rolling off him, as he paces back and forth complaining about rear-ending me. I put my forehead on my knees, hoping the cop gets here soon. I want nothing more than to go home and take a long bath.

  I look up to see Nash making his way over to me after talking to his work friend. He's almost to me when the voice of the angry guy makes its way over to us.

  “... I know, fucking bitch needs to learn how to drive. She's lucky I'm feeling generous today.”

  Nash's calm facade cracks before me, morphing into something feral as he turns to face the man that's still pacing and is none the wiser to the fury he's just unleashed.

  I hurry to my feet as Nash steps into the guy's space.

  “What in the hell did you say?” Nash asks, balling his hands into fists.

  “What the hell is your problem?” The guy says.

  Oh, no, no. I rush over just as Nash grabs the man by his shirt collar, jerking him forward. They're nose to nose and the other man doesn't move a muscle.

  “You don't get to call her names. The fact of the fucking matter is, you were too damn close to her otherwise you wouldn't have planted your fucking bumper into hers. So, if any fucking bitch needs to learn how to drive, it's you, motherfucker,” he growls into the man's face, fury radiating from him.

  Before anything more can happen, the same construction worker comes over, successfully removing Nash from the situation. My heart is pumping hard and embarrassingly, I think my panties are wet. This is the second time now.

  Watching him defend me like that was amazing. I am honestly so turned on right now that I don't know what I would do if we were alone. I have never experienced something so arousing in my life. Witnessing his anger towards someone over me — a girl he barely knows — has me feeling something so entirely different that I don't know how to classify it. But what I do know is that it feels real and not at all like it was born from attraction alone.

  I stare as his friend talks to him, and I might as well have hearts in my eyes for how goo-goo I feel over him right now. My emotions are all over the place and I need to calm myself down. I look away before he finds me over here drooling. I dart a quick glance at the angry guy to see his eyes cast downward as he leans against his passenger side door.

  I sigh, wishing this had never happened.

  A few minutes later, the cop finally shows up. We exchange information; the officer takes our report and leaves. As soon as the cop is out of sight, the guy flies out of there, but not before flipping Nash off. So mature.

  I walk over to my car, thankful it wasn't worse and that I can drive it out of here, when I hear my name. I look up to see Nash making his way over to me.

  “Hey,” he says. “I'm sorry about that. Can I take you home? Or wherever you're wanting to go.”

  I frown. “Oh, how come? I mean, aren't you working? My car is fine. I can drive myself.”

  I watch his jaw tick and I can't figure out if I've made him mad or if he's holding something back.

  “No.”

  “No? What...”

  He cuts me off. “No, I can't let you drive your car. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you.”

  I let out a small laugh and say, “It's fine. He only dented my bumper, I'll be okay.”

  “Please,” he says and I realize he needs this somehow. So with that one word I find myself giving in.

  He takes my keys, tosses them to another guy wearing a hardhat, then leads me to his truck. It's big and high off the ground and I momentarily wonder how I'll get up into it without making a fool of myself. “I'll help you,” he says from right behind me.

  I smile at him as he opens the door. I place my foot on the board and grab the door handle, readying myself to get in. Before I know what’s happening, Nash's hands are on my hips and he's hoisting me into the truck. I’m not a small girl, but the effortless way he maneuvers me sure makes me feel like such. And the energy that zings through me at the feel of his hands on my body takes my breath away for a second. I don’t look at him for fear he’ll notice the impact he had on me.

  After I’m safely tucked into my seat, Nash slams the door. I place a hand to my chest, willing the wild thumps of my heart to slow. Once he hops in on his side, he starts the truck and turns to face me. The most beautiful smile I have ever seen lights up his handsome face.

  And the way he’s looking at me has butterflies engulfing my stomach. I thought it was a myth. It always sounded so silly to me — getting butterflies from just looking at a person. But it just happened and I like the feeling.

  “Where do you live, Aspen?” He asks me, his voice deep and sexy.

  I give him directions and we ride in comfortable silence for the two minutes it takes to get to my place. When he pulls into the driveway, he turns to face me again, this time handing me his phone. “Put your number in my phone, Aspen.”

  I don't know why, but I blush. “Okay,” I say, taking his phone. I input my contact information and hand it back to him. He taps the screen, then narrows his eyes at me giving me a crooked grin.

  “You give me a fake number?”

  I frown. “No.”

  “
I just called it.”

  Well, crap. “I completely forgot my things in my car. We have to go back. I can't even get in my house.”

  “It's fine. My buddy is behind us. He's waiting for me to back out so he can park,” he tells me.

  I turn around to see the guy idling on the street and feel relieved. I definitely am ready for that bath.

  Nash backs out and parks his truck on the edge of the grass. “Come. Let's get your stuff,” he says once the guy parks my Escape.

  Opening the hatch, I grab the utility tote which Nash quickly takes from me. “Damn, you got enough shit in here?” Nash says playfully, a grin on his handsome face.

  “Probably not, honestly,” I say, getting the rest of my stuff from the passenger seat.

  He says something to the guy that drove my car over then hands me the keys and walks with me to the front door. I open it, trying to recall whether or not I straightened up last night.

  We walk into my living room and I’m grateful to see that I did. He heads over to my dining room table before turning to me. “Where would you like me to place this?”

  He looks so perfect standing in my home. Like he belongs here. Which is silly because my duplex is way too small for someone as large as Nash Phillips. “Uh, over here,” I say, showing him to the space beside my recliner where I normally grade papers.

  He deposits the tote then turns to face me. “I'm sorry about what happened to you earlier. I hope you really are all right.”

  He looks so genuine and sweet. My heart aches to go to him, but I don't. “I am. I'm okay.”

  “Okay, good. Good,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, I gotta get back to the site. Save my number in your phone, sweetheart.”

  My smile grows as I allow myself to get excited at the prospect of a man like Nash being interested in me.

  “I will,” I say, but it comes out breathy and I blush.

  He gives me a cocky grin before walking to the doorway. He stops before fully walking out, turning to look at me. And I feel something powerful. It's like my body is being propelled. The air around us is once again thick, heavy with the promise of something more.

  The steady rhythm of my heart speeds up when I realize how much I want this man.

  My feet carry me to him.

  Nash

  I stop just shy of walking out. I turn around, needing to see her gorgeous face once more to get me through the rest of the evening. When our eyes meet, there's something there. It's strong and there’s no way I can ignore it.

  Before I know it, she's making her way to me, rising on her tippie toes to kiss my cheek, but I turn at the very last second and the kiss lands directly on my lips. A thrill shoots down my spine at the feel of her soft lips. Her small gasp of shock makes my cock thicken in my jeans.

  God, what I wouldn't fucking give to have those gasps filling a bedroom as I shove myself into her sweet heat. I turn that chaste kiss into something more, cupping the back of her head holding her in place as I control the pace. I run my tongue along her top lip and she eagerly allows me entrance. Surprising me, she slides her tongue against mine and I moan into her mouth.

  She tastes so damn good. From a piece of candy, chapstick, or fuck, maybe it's just her, it doesn't matter, all that matters is that I'm making out with Aspen Russell in her doorway like we're in high school. I'm fucking giddy with excitement for the possibilities.

  I am so hungry for her. I want her attention, her affection, her fucking love.

  It's never been like this. I've never felt so alive.

  The moment I take her ass into the palms of my hands, squeezing and pulling her close so she can feel me, she breaks the kiss. Her chest is heaving, my breathing is erratic. The last damn thing I want is for her to pull away. I'd rather her bring me inside, slam the door, and take advantage of me.

  “Oh, my gosh. I can't... that was...”

  “Fucking amazing,” I finish for her. Her face brightens with a smile I'd give anything to wake up to each morning.

  “Yeah, it was,” she says looking down, a light blush coloring her cheeks.

  My heart aches in my chest. I want this woman more than I've ever wanted anything. Out of nowhere my normal confidence wanes and concern creeps in, thanks to my sister's voice in my head. Fuck.

  I clear my thoughts and plaster a smile on my face for her. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, I notice her small intake of breath when I touch her. My cock throbs as my mind wonders to a place where Aspen is beneath me gasping for breath, begging for more.

  Shit. I gotta stop this and get out of here.

  I lace my hand in hers. “I have to go beautiful. Chris is probably what the hell happened to me by now,” I tell her, chuckling.

  “Oh,” she replies, turning a darker shade of red. “Okay. Well, thank you. For... everything,” she says, her eyes transfixed on me, her hand hanging on to mine firmly.

  If I didn't know any better, I'd think she isn't ready for me to leave.

  I smile again and hug her to me, loving the feel of her curvy body pressed against mine.

  “I'll call you later, Aspen,” I whisper into her ear and relish in the shivers that run through her body at my words.

  “Okay,” she says when I pull back. I walk out her door and towards my truck, turning for one last look before I get in. She gives me a gorgeous smile and waves. I flash her my cockiest grin while internally pumping my fist.

  ✽✽✽

  “I thought I'd never see the day,” Levi says, chuckling when I get off the call I just made to Chance.

  “What the hell are you talking about?” I ask him, though I already know.

  “Well, let's see, I had to separate you and that guy earlier. You looked like you might rip his head off. Then you took the girl home and stayed gone for like thirty minutes. You came back and got to work like nothing ever happened, working harder than I've seen you work in... hell, probably since I got here over a year ago. Motherfucker, you got it bad,” he says, clapping me on my shoulder, wearing a shit-eating grin obviously getting a kick out of himself.

  “Go to hell,” I tell him, trying not to smile because he’s right. “I'm getting out of here. I'll see your ass later.”

  “What the fuck, man? You ain't going to Mama G's? It's seventy-five degrees.”

  During the summer months, we hit up Mama G's religiously. Since it's turned into fall, I don't go nearly as much. I'm not one for ice cream when it's cool outside, but he's right, today's been fairly warm out. I have other things in mind.

  “Sorry man. I got things to do tonight. Your girl will be there, you don't need me.”

  “Bullshit. Mrs. Gina is gonna give you hell when she sees you next time.”

  She probably will, but she’ll get over it. I shrug and grab my lunch bag. “See you Monday, man,” I say, giving him a half wave getting in my truck.

  When I get to my house, I take a quick shower and dress in my nicest pair of blue jeans and a black Henley with dark gray sleeves. I want Aspen to see me in something other than my work clothes, although that's pretty much all I wear these days. I haven't been going out lately, just keeping to myself. I guess I'm sick of that same scene. Without realizing it, I think I've been ready for something more, something meaningful.

  I knock on her door twenty minutes later surprised as fuck at the bunching of nerves in my gut. She opens the door and my mouth goes dry.

  “Nash,” she says, her voice breathy. “What are you doing here?” She asks me, taking in my attire.

  I can't help it. I blatantly check her out, which only helps to harden my cock. “I-I, fuck. What are you wearing?” I all but groan.

  As if she didn't realize she had opened the door in silk pajamas, sans a god-forsaken bra, she glances down. Her hand shooting out across her tits like I would have missed those hard points aching for my attention.

  Her eyes flick to mine and embarrassment shows on her cheeks.

  “Can I come in, Aspen?” I ask. She nods and backs away fr
om the door. I shut it behind me. “Now, go put some fucking clothes on. I wanna walk around the park with you since the moon is full and the temperature's mild. But if you keep looking at me like that, I'm gonna lock this door and take you into your bedroom for a few lessons on how not to open a door to a starved man.”

  Her eyes widen but there's no mistaking the desire swirling in those gorgeous green orbs. She's tempted to take me up on my offer, and as much as I'd like to fuck her into oblivion right now, I'd like to spend time with her more.

  “Get your pretty ass in there and change,” I tell her and she finally turns, disappearing into her bedroom.

  I blow out a deep breath and try to get myself, and my overly excited dick, in check. By the time she comes out wearing a navy blue sweater with lavender stars on the front, black leggings, and boots, I'm a little more calm. Her dark hair is down around her shoulders, and she looks like a million fucking bucks. I've never been more happy placing my hand in a woman's to walk around in a public park.

  Aspen

  I don't think I've ever been this excited before, walking around Madden Park at eight o'clock on a cool fall night, my hand engulfed in Nash's large warm one. The weather is perfect, the night is perfect, and god, the man, he sure seems perfect.

  We've been having a light, fun conversation about life. Nash is thirty-one and I learn he's best friends with his foreman, Levi, the guy that stopped the fight from ensuing earlier today. Alvin's Construct All, the construction company they work for, is the only one in Chesabay Pines, so even though the fall weather is quickly approaching they have no shortage of work and will more than likely have enough to last through the winter months.

  He only has one sibling, a sister, Claire. She's Marie's mom and married to another friend of his.

  “Wow, your sister and your friend. How did that go over?” He chuckles and my heart does something funny.

  “About as well as you'd think,” he tells me his blue eyes gleaming brightly in the full light of the moon.

  I look away, hardly believing how he makes me feel. Seems crazy to think someone that looks like him would have any reason to have an interest in me. I don’t have low self esteem, I’ve just always been more on the nerdy side. I honestly wouldn’t guess me to be his type. But he sure seems interested in me and I can't help but eat it up. At least while it lasts. I don't let myself think about what might happen when this perfect night is over.