Excerpt from BREATHLESS: Aspen Book Ten
Laurel Ewing pulled the navy-blue, summer sweater from her head and tossed it on the growing pile of discarded clothes on her bed. The fear that she’d never find anything decent to wear deepened. “This is pointless.” She should have said no to blind dating. No to all dating. Period.
“I thought it looked fine.” Afton Searle, best friend extraordinaire, lifted the sweater and held it up for Laurel to inspect again. She rolled her eyes. Afton could make anything look good with her long blond hair and enviable figure.
With Laurel’s auburn hair and fair skin, she had to be a little more discerning. “I don’t want fine. I want classy. Or sexy. Or how about devastatingly hot?” She’d never been considered beautiful in the past, by herself or the guys around her. Tomboy would be a better description, at least until recently.
“You’re devastatingly hot in anything you wear.”
You can say that,” Laurel tossed over her shoulder, not bothering to look at Afton. “You’re engaged to a man who adores you.” In fact, the greatest factor in her decision to date for the first time had been their romance. Seeing the happiness Afton had found when she’d fallen in love with the sweet and handsome Corey Kendall left her wanting.
Corey hadn’t been another weight in Afton’s already heavy load. Instead, he’d helped Afton through some unbearable times, leading Laurel to think she might find a guy to love her like that, too.
Since then, she’d discovered dating wasn’t as easy as it looked. Finding someone she might be interested in who was also interested in her had been defeating. “You’ve forgotten what it’s like trudging through the dating swamps, looking for a prince among all the warty, rude, and seriously-lacking toads.”
Laurel turned and held up a red silk blouse she’d only worn twice. Afton shook her head. “Clashes too much with your hair.”
“You’re not helping.” She reined in her frustration and continued the search. There had to be something suitable.
“Don’t worry. You look beautiful just the way you are.”
“Like this? I should go mostly naked then? Just my bra and panties?”
“You did say you wanted to be sexy.” She laughed, bringing a smile to Laurel’s face.
“Seriously, though. I want to make a good impression. You know what they say about first impressions. And don’t give me the crap about if he’s the right guy, he’ll love me no matter how I look. He’s my first real date with potential. A successful entrepreneur.”
“Don’t forget hot. And charming.”
Laurel snorted at her friend’s description. They both knew she was looking for someone strong and steady. Handsome was nice, but not necessary. “If what you say about him is true, I don’t want to blow it.” She wanted to find a guy and get out of the dating pool as fast as possible. No telling how many piranhas swam in those dark and dangerous waters.
“He’s a great guy. Don’t worry. Your only concern tonight is if there’s any chemistry. If you hit that critical point, you will be perfect for each other.”
The guy sounded too good to be true. But if he was half the man Afton promised, she could work with that. She didn’t need the perfect guy. Just someone she could count on, who wouldn’t break her heart. As much as she’d tried to convince herself otherwise, she dreaded the thought of being alone forever.
Laurel emptied her lungs with a slow breath. First dates were stressful enough. Blind dates pushed her boundaries of sanity. She wasn’t shy. Hell, she’d interviewed tons of people in search of the perfect news or human interest story. But add in the potential new love interest factor, and her brain went to mush.
“Let me have a look.” Afton stepped in front of her closet and rifled through her clothes. “Wear this one.”
Laurel had already decided against the forest green button down blouse. “That won’t work. Too plain.”
Afton arched a brow. “That’s what accessories are for, my dear. Put it on.”
She took it with an exasperated sigh. The fabric was soft and comfortable, but had a slight sheen, making it dressier than a plain cotton shirt. She assessed the blouse with fresh eyes as she buttoned it. The color did look good with her hair. “It’s not very sexy.”
“Undo an extra button. Show a little cleavage. It’s not against the law.”
No, but it was unnatural for her. She slipped the button out of its hole and gave the shirt another opportunity to impress. She turned to the side and glanced in the mirror. The darts around the midsection did taper the shirt to her curves, and with the one button undone, it hinted at sexy. Subdued sexy.
“Finish it with that chunky metal heart necklace you have, and I think we have a winner. Perfect for dinner at Pinecone’s finest restaurant.”
Laurel didn’t meet her friend’s gaze but turned to choose her necklace instead. “We’re not going to Pinecone. We decided to stick closer to home and meet at Sparrow’s.” After a long moment of silence, Laurel glanced at her in the mirror.
“We decided? Or you did?”
She flashed a warning look at her friend. “Does it matter? You know I dread going to Pinecone, and he didn’t seem to mind. Plus, if I drive myself, which I wouldn’t if we went into Pinecone, I can leave early if things don’t work out. Win-win in my book.”
Afton gave her a look that said she was crazy. “If you’re both happy, then I guess that’s fine. I would have gone for the nice dinner out of town, but whatever.”
Laurel chose to ignore her taunt. “Cowboy boots or heels?”
“I’d go for heels, just to dress it up a bit.”
Of course, she would. Afton said she didn’t need to dress to impress, but they both knew she did. For now, she’d convince herself that the reward would be worth the effort. All she wanted was a decent guy who could be happy with small town living and a normal, quiet life.
Didn’t seem like it was too much to ask.
****
Laurel shifted her old yellow Jeep into park and wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans. Breathe. Just breathe for heaven’s sake.
Her heart thudded loudly, fueled by a mixture of excitement and nerves. What if he was Mr. Right? What if the man of her dreams waited just inside Sparrow’s Bar and Grill? Her odds were fifty-fifty. It could happen.
As she headed toward the door, she scanned the parking lot, looking for a vehicle she didn’t recognize. Because her date was basically a stranger in her small town, whatever he drove should be easily recognizable. She scanned the half-filled parking lot twice and found nothing out of the ordinary.
This was okay. She had arrived a little early because her nerves demanded it. That didn’t make him late.
She hoped he wouldn’t be late. That would mean more time to worry for her.
Breathe, Laurel.
Fresh air, thick with the scent of pine, helped to lower her anxiety. The evening was beautiful with the warm summer sun headed toward slumber in the western sky. The heat of the day had passed, promising a beautiful mountain night in its wake.
The perfect atmosphere for lovers. Maybe, just maybe, she might meet a man she could love, too.
Sparrow’s familiar scents of sizzling steaks and beer greeted her as she entered. Several people acknowledged her with a friendly nod. She returned a brief smile before she shifted her gaze from table to table looking for a tall guy with dark hair, as Afton had described him. After checking the front area, she headed toward the back where the loud music mellowed and several guys played pool.
Not there, either.
With her nerves skittering just beneath her skin, she claimed an out-of-the-way seat that faced the front of the bar and focused on calming her nerves. Becky, the bartender, took her order and returned with a glass of white wine a few minutes later.
Dating sucked. No doubt about it. The whole process was ridiculous. She shouldn’t worry about what he thought of her. Maybe he should try to impress her, instead. Maybe she’d take one look at him and not want him to. Then she’d be left to deal with the sticky process of extricating herself from the situation without hurting his ego.
Odds were one of them wouldn’t be going home happy tonight. Possibly both. Possibly--
“Hey.” A male voice pulled her from her doomsday reverie.
Laurel lifted her gaze with hope rising in her heart, only to have it flash freeze. Tall, dark, and handsome. One of Corey’s friends if she remembered right. A ladies’ man who didn’t know how to take no for an answer. With midnight eyes and sensuous lips, she could safely assume he’d kicked up plenty of dust on the multitude of broken hearts he’d left as he plowed on to the next.
Which was exactly why she’d blown him off when they’d briefly met more than a year ago on the night Afton had been unjustly arrested. Laurel never forgot a face. He’d been an outrageous flirt who’d come on far too strong. Knowing how devastating he could be to her, she’d shoved his flirtatious teasing back at him with some well-placed words.
Then everything fell to pieces with Afton’s arrest, and she hadn’t seen him since. She could have asked Afton’s fiancé about him if she’d been interested, but she knew enough to avoid disaster before he could wreak destruction.
She glanced behind him to ensure her date hadn’t arrived. The last thing she needed was a good-looking man to scare away her potential soulmate. “Hi.”
“Are you going to tell me your name this time?”
She laughed as her cheeks heated, surprised that he’d remembered their conversation from that long ago. “No.” Because if she did, he’d ask for her number next. Then if he actually did call, she wouldn’t know what to do.
He shook his head. “Still playing hard to get? Doesn’t matter. You’ll tell me eventually.”
No, she wouldn’t. She glanced behind him again, worried her date would walk in and see them together. Not a great first impression. “I hate to seem rude, but I’m waiting for someone. A date,” she added just in case he didn’t catch the hint.
“Oh, really? Me, too.”
She exhaled with relief. Dangerous player avoided. Score one for her.
He glanced at his watch, and a small frown settled in his expression. “She seems to be running behind. Anyway, nice to see you again.”
He gave her a brief nod before he strode away to claim a nearby table where he could also watch the front door.
She made a face behind his back and then looked away. Who was he dating anyway? Had to be someone from Aspen, or he wouldn’t be in her town. Lexie? Or Mallory? She’d bet it was Mallory with her long, dark hair and pretty, blue eyes. She’d be just his type.
She lifted her glass and sipped to avoid the awkwardness of being alone.
Five minutes passed. Then ten. She grew anxious, wondering if her date had stood her up. Mr. Flirt had caught her sneaking glances far too many times, and she feared he’d think she was lying. She’d consumed more than half of the glass of wine she’d ordered, and her evening was on a serious downhill slide. She heaved a sigh of frustration.
Why did she put herself through this?
She drained the rest of her glass, not wanting to waste the excellent vintage and stood. Without looking in the flirt’s direction, she headed toward the front of the bar. A night at home with the dogs sounded better and better.
“Looks like maybe we’ve both been ditched,” he called out before she could safely escape.
She turned toward him. “Apparently so. That’s the last time I let a friend pick a date for me. She promised he was hot, successful, and charming.”
His eyebrows shot upward.
Maybe her date had a good reason, but he could have texted her if he wasn’t going to make it. Leaving her hanging was nothing but rude. “Seems more like a loser to me. If he thinks I’m waiting any longer, he can think again.”
“You’re here on a blind date?”
She shrugged. “People do that. It’s not uncommon.” It didn’t mean that she couldn’t get her own dates. Afton had insisted.
A devilish grin slid across his lips as he shook his head. Then he laughed. “I don’t suppose your friend is Afton Searle.”
Laurel stared at the charming ladies’ man for a long moment as the gears in her brain circled. “No. You’re not my date.”
“Charlie Blackmore.”
She held back her groan. Afton wouldn’t lie to her. She’d said the guy had recently moved to Aspen and that he was someone Laurel didn’t know. She’d also said his name was Charlie.
“It appears I’m your guy for the evening. Hot, successful, and charming, huh? Not a bad way to be described. I suppose I can’t be too mad at Afton for not telling me you were my date.”
Laurel shook her head, inwardly groaning with embarrassment. He did meet the physical criteria Afton had mentioned, but... Afton had said they’d never met, but Laurel clearly remembered Charlie talking to them both on the sidewalk outside Sparrow’s. Still, she couldn’t picture her friend lying just to get her here.
“Speak for yourself. She’s certainly going to hear it from me.” She swiveled, her cheeks warm as she stepped away.
Charlie caught up to her and took her elbow as she tried to flee. “Hey. Where are you going? I thought we had a date.”
She controlled her automatic jerk reaction and cautiously extricated her arm from his instead. “There’s no sense wasting your time or mine when I already know this will never work. I’m not your type, and you’re not mine.”
“Ah, come on. We’ve both put effort into getting here tonight, and we both need to eat. We should have dinner and plot how we’ll get even with Afton for setting us up. After that, we’ll part ways, no harm, no foul.” He lifted his brows in a hopeful look that tugged a smile from her.
She should say no before this fiasco went any further. But he was easy to look at, and he’d agreed they’d part ways with no hard feelings. Not to mention, she had her heart set on not cooking. “She would deserve it.”
“So, that’s a yes?”
Dammit. Any other girl would just agree and not worry. “Yes.”
The grin that curved his lips lit an unwanted spark inside her. She knew without a doubt that he was a ladies’ man, and she had no intention of getting herself tangled up with that, but damn, he appealed to the feminine inside her. Must be the age-long instinct to want a man who appeared strong and virile.
Charlie Blackmore was all that and more.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE BREATHLESS: Aspen Book Ten
“I thought it looked fine.” Afton Searle, best friend extraordinaire, lifted the sweater and held it up for Laurel to inspect again. She rolled her eyes. Afton could make anything look good with her long blond hair and enviable figure.
With Laurel’s auburn hair and fair skin, she had to be a little more discerning. “I don’t want fine. I want classy. Or sexy. Or how about devastatingly hot?” She’d never been considered beautiful in the past, by herself or the guys around her. Tomboy would be a better description, at least until recently.
“You’re devastatingly hot in anything you wear.”
You can say that,” Laurel tossed over her shoulder, not bothering to look at Afton. “You’re engaged to a man who adores you.” In fact, the greatest factor in her decision to date for the first time had been their romance. Seeing the happiness Afton had found when she’d fallen in love with the sweet and handsome Corey Kendall left her wanting.
Corey hadn’t been another weight in Afton’s already heavy load. Instead, he’d helped Afton through some unbearable times, leading Laurel to think she might find a guy to love her like that, too.
Since then, she’d discovered dating wasn’t as easy as it looked. Finding someone she might be interested in who was also interested in her had been defeating. “You’ve forgotten what it’s like trudging through the dating swamps, looking for a prince among all the warty, rude, and seriously-lacking toads.”
Laurel turned and held up a red silk blouse she’d only worn twice. Afton shook her head. “Clashes too much with your hair.”
“You’re not helping.” She reined in her frustration and continued the search. There had to be something suitable.
“Don’t worry. You look beautiful just the way you are.”
“Like this? I should go mostly naked then? Just my bra and panties?”
“You did say you wanted to be sexy.” She laughed, bringing a smile to Laurel’s face.
“Seriously, though. I want to make a good impression. You know what they say about first impressions. And don’t give me the crap about if he’s the right guy, he’ll love me no matter how I look. He’s my first real date with potential. A successful entrepreneur.”
“Don’t forget hot. And charming.”
Laurel snorted at her friend’s description. They both knew she was looking for someone strong and steady. Handsome was nice, but not necessary. “If what you say about him is true, I don’t want to blow it.” She wanted to find a guy and get out of the dating pool as fast as possible. No telling how many piranhas swam in those dark and dangerous waters.
“He’s a great guy. Don’t worry. Your only concern tonight is if there’s any chemistry. If you hit that critical point, you will be perfect for each other.”
The guy sounded too good to be true. But if he was half the man Afton promised, she could work with that. She didn’t need the perfect guy. Just someone she could count on, who wouldn’t break her heart. As much as she’d tried to convince herself otherwise, she dreaded the thought of being alone forever.
Laurel emptied her lungs with a slow breath. First dates were stressful enough. Blind dates pushed her boundaries of sanity. She wasn’t shy. Hell, she’d interviewed tons of people in search of the perfect news or human interest story. But add in the potential new love interest factor, and her brain went to mush.
“Let me have a look.” Afton stepped in front of her closet and rifled through her clothes. “Wear this one.”
Laurel had already decided against the forest green button down blouse. “That won’t work. Too plain.”
Afton arched a brow. “That’s what accessories are for, my dear. Put it on.”
She took it with an exasperated sigh. The fabric was soft and comfortable, but had a slight sheen, making it dressier than a plain cotton shirt. She assessed the blouse with fresh eyes as she buttoned it. The color did look good with her hair. “It’s not very sexy.”
“Undo an extra button. Show a little cleavage. It’s not against the law.”
No, but it was unnatural for her. She slipped the button out of its hole and gave the shirt another opportunity to impress. She turned to the side and glanced in the mirror. The darts around the midsection did taper the shirt to her curves, and with the one button undone, it hinted at sexy. Subdued sexy.
“Finish it with that chunky metal heart necklace you have, and I think we have a winner. Perfect for dinner at Pinecone’s finest restaurant.”
Laurel didn’t meet her friend’s gaze but turned to choose her necklace instead. “We’re not going to Pinecone. We decided to stick closer to home and meet at Sparrow’s.” After a long moment of silence, Laurel glanced at her in the mirror.
“We decided? Or you did?”
She flashed a warning look at her friend. “Does it matter? You know I dread going to Pinecone, and he didn’t seem to mind. Plus, if I drive myself, which I wouldn’t if we went into Pinecone, I can leave early if things don’t work out. Win-win in my book.”
Afton gave her a look that said she was crazy. “If you’re both happy, then I guess that’s fine. I would have gone for the nice dinner out of town, but whatever.”
Laurel chose to ignore her taunt. “Cowboy boots or heels?”
“I’d go for heels, just to dress it up a bit.”
Of course, she would. Afton said she didn’t need to dress to impress, but they both knew she did. For now, she’d convince herself that the reward would be worth the effort. All she wanted was a decent guy who could be happy with small town living and a normal, quiet life.
Didn’t seem like it was too much to ask.
****
Laurel shifted her old yellow Jeep into park and wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans. Breathe. Just breathe for heaven’s sake.
Her heart thudded loudly, fueled by a mixture of excitement and nerves. What if he was Mr. Right? What if the man of her dreams waited just inside Sparrow’s Bar and Grill? Her odds were fifty-fifty. It could happen.
As she headed toward the door, she scanned the parking lot, looking for a vehicle she didn’t recognize. Because her date was basically a stranger in her small town, whatever he drove should be easily recognizable. She scanned the half-filled parking lot twice and found nothing out of the ordinary.
This was okay. She had arrived a little early because her nerves demanded it. That didn’t make him late.
She hoped he wouldn’t be late. That would mean more time to worry for her.
Breathe, Laurel.
Fresh air, thick with the scent of pine, helped to lower her anxiety. The evening was beautiful with the warm summer sun headed toward slumber in the western sky. The heat of the day had passed, promising a beautiful mountain night in its wake.
The perfect atmosphere for lovers. Maybe, just maybe, she might meet a man she could love, too.
Sparrow’s familiar scents of sizzling steaks and beer greeted her as she entered. Several people acknowledged her with a friendly nod. She returned a brief smile before she shifted her gaze from table to table looking for a tall guy with dark hair, as Afton had described him. After checking the front area, she headed toward the back where the loud music mellowed and several guys played pool.
Not there, either.
With her nerves skittering just beneath her skin, she claimed an out-of-the-way seat that faced the front of the bar and focused on calming her nerves. Becky, the bartender, took her order and returned with a glass of white wine a few minutes later.
Dating sucked. No doubt about it. The whole process was ridiculous. She shouldn’t worry about what he thought of her. Maybe he should try to impress her, instead. Maybe she’d take one look at him and not want him to. Then she’d be left to deal with the sticky process of extricating herself from the situation without hurting his ego.
Odds were one of them wouldn’t be going home happy tonight. Possibly both. Possibly--
“Hey.” A male voice pulled her from her doomsday reverie.
Laurel lifted her gaze with hope rising in her heart, only to have it flash freeze. Tall, dark, and handsome. One of Corey’s friends if she remembered right. A ladies’ man who didn’t know how to take no for an answer. With midnight eyes and sensuous lips, she could safely assume he’d kicked up plenty of dust on the multitude of broken hearts he’d left as he plowed on to the next.
Which was exactly why she’d blown him off when they’d briefly met more than a year ago on the night Afton had been unjustly arrested. Laurel never forgot a face. He’d been an outrageous flirt who’d come on far too strong. Knowing how devastating he could be to her, she’d shoved his flirtatious teasing back at him with some well-placed words.
Then everything fell to pieces with Afton’s arrest, and she hadn’t seen him since. She could have asked Afton’s fiancé about him if she’d been interested, but she knew enough to avoid disaster before he could wreak destruction.
She glanced behind him to ensure her date hadn’t arrived. The last thing she needed was a good-looking man to scare away her potential soulmate. “Hi.”
“Are you going to tell me your name this time?”
She laughed as her cheeks heated, surprised that he’d remembered their conversation from that long ago. “No.” Because if she did, he’d ask for her number next. Then if he actually did call, she wouldn’t know what to do.
He shook his head. “Still playing hard to get? Doesn’t matter. You’ll tell me eventually.”
No, she wouldn’t. She glanced behind him again, worried her date would walk in and see them together. Not a great first impression. “I hate to seem rude, but I’m waiting for someone. A date,” she added just in case he didn’t catch the hint.
“Oh, really? Me, too.”
She exhaled with relief. Dangerous player avoided. Score one for her.
He glanced at his watch, and a small frown settled in his expression. “She seems to be running behind. Anyway, nice to see you again.”
He gave her a brief nod before he strode away to claim a nearby table where he could also watch the front door.
She made a face behind his back and then looked away. Who was he dating anyway? Had to be someone from Aspen, or he wouldn’t be in her town. Lexie? Or Mallory? She’d bet it was Mallory with her long, dark hair and pretty, blue eyes. She’d be just his type.
She lifted her glass and sipped to avoid the awkwardness of being alone.
Five minutes passed. Then ten. She grew anxious, wondering if her date had stood her up. Mr. Flirt had caught her sneaking glances far too many times, and she feared he’d think she was lying. She’d consumed more than half of the glass of wine she’d ordered, and her evening was on a serious downhill slide. She heaved a sigh of frustration.
Why did she put herself through this?
She drained the rest of her glass, not wanting to waste the excellent vintage and stood. Without looking in the flirt’s direction, she headed toward the front of the bar. A night at home with the dogs sounded better and better.
“Looks like maybe we’ve both been ditched,” he called out before she could safely escape.
She turned toward him. “Apparently so. That’s the last time I let a friend pick a date for me. She promised he was hot, successful, and charming.”
His eyebrows shot upward.
Maybe her date had a good reason, but he could have texted her if he wasn’t going to make it. Leaving her hanging was nothing but rude. “Seems more like a loser to me. If he thinks I’m waiting any longer, he can think again.”
“You’re here on a blind date?”
She shrugged. “People do that. It’s not uncommon.” It didn’t mean that she couldn’t get her own dates. Afton had insisted.
A devilish grin slid across his lips as he shook his head. Then he laughed. “I don’t suppose your friend is Afton Searle.”
Laurel stared at the charming ladies’ man for a long moment as the gears in her brain circled. “No. You’re not my date.”
“Charlie Blackmore.”
She held back her groan. Afton wouldn’t lie to her. She’d said the guy had recently moved to Aspen and that he was someone Laurel didn’t know. She’d also said his name was Charlie.
“It appears I’m your guy for the evening. Hot, successful, and charming, huh? Not a bad way to be described. I suppose I can’t be too mad at Afton for not telling me you were my date.”
Laurel shook her head, inwardly groaning with embarrassment. He did meet the physical criteria Afton had mentioned, but... Afton had said they’d never met, but Laurel clearly remembered Charlie talking to them both on the sidewalk outside Sparrow’s. Still, she couldn’t picture her friend lying just to get her here.
“Speak for yourself. She’s certainly going to hear it from me.” She swiveled, her cheeks warm as she stepped away.
Charlie caught up to her and took her elbow as she tried to flee. “Hey. Where are you going? I thought we had a date.”
She controlled her automatic jerk reaction and cautiously extricated her arm from his instead. “There’s no sense wasting your time or mine when I already know this will never work. I’m not your type, and you’re not mine.”
“Ah, come on. We’ve both put effort into getting here tonight, and we both need to eat. We should have dinner and plot how we’ll get even with Afton for setting us up. After that, we’ll part ways, no harm, no foul.” He lifted his brows in a hopeful look that tugged a smile from her.
She should say no before this fiasco went any further. But he was easy to look at, and he’d agreed they’d part ways with no hard feelings. Not to mention, she had her heart set on not cooking. “She would deserve it.”
“So, that’s a yes?”
Dammit. Any other girl would just agree and not worry. “Yes.”
The grin that curved his lips lit an unwanted spark inside her. She knew without a doubt that he was a ladies’ man, and she had no intention of getting herself tangled up with that, but damn, he appealed to the feminine inside her. Must be the age-long instinct to want a man who appeared strong and virile.
Charlie Blackmore was all that and more.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE BREATHLESS: Aspen Book Ten
