One Weekend in Aspen Read online

  Emily slid the letter out and scanned the first paragraph again. The flutter of excitement she’d felt when she’d first read the invite zipped through her once more. But when she got to the second paragraph where it spelled out requirements for STD testing prior to the weekend as well as a statement on consent, she wondered who she was kidding.

  “It’s been seven years since I’ve had sex, Gi. What if I’ve forgotten how? And Katherine’s friends are always these perfect women—beautiful, rich, confident. There’s no chance they’ll be bad at sex. Meanwhile, I’m…well…I’m me.”

  “You’re beautiful too, and you know it.” Gianna nudged Emily’s chin up. “Maybe you’re not like Katherine’s other friends, but maybe that’s the point. You’re like the girl next door.”

  “I’m not just the girl next door. I’m the broke-ass girl next door. Which means, basically, I’m a charity case. Hey, at least I’ve got that going for me.”

  “What I meant, Miss Sarcasm, was that you’re sweet. Sometimes you’re even funny. And you’re real. But I doubt any of that’s why Katherine invited you.”

  “Why’d she do it then?”

  “Are you kidding? You’re gorgeous. Katherine probably looks at you and drools.”

  “That’s gross.” And Katherine definitely didn’t drool. In fact, she was often so cool and distant it was hard to tell if she even liked her at all. “You really don’t think this is charity?”

  “Hell, no.”

  “But she knows I’ve been down since Cass and I broke up.”

  “Do you honestly think Katherine has sympathy sex? No. Way. In. Hell.” Gianna punctuated each word with a jab at the letter. “This, sweetheart, isn’t charity. This is the lesbian lottery. And the Emily I knew ten years ago would have taken one look at that invitation and circled yes. Then gone shopping for lingerie.”

  “You’re right. Ten years ago I’d have jumped at any excuse to wear lingerie. But now—”

  “You’d still look hot in lingerie. Probably more so. You’ve got bigger boobs.” Gianna smirked, then added, “Want to talk about what happened to the only woman I know who could rock a lacy corset?”

  Emily knew Gianna wasn’t simply joking about lingerie. She’d changed after Cass, and maybe not for the better. But she didn’t want to rehash all the ways she’d screwed up the past decade. Sure, Cass had been the one who didn’t want sex after their first couple of years together, but she’d been the one who’d stayed long after it was clear the relationship was only platonic. “Can we say I got older and wiser? Lacy lingerie isn’t that comfortable.”

  “Comfort isn’t the reason we wear it. And you’re not that much wiser.”

  “Thanks, Gi. I love you too.”

  “If you really loved me, you’d say yes. And then you’d tell Katherine to invite me next year.” Gianna picked up the reply card and held it out. “You know you want to go.”

  Chapter Two

  Alex Murphy dropped into her seat in first class, sunglasses still on. She was not, despite the curious looks she got from the other passengers, anyone famous. The only thing she was trying to hide from was the glaring sun. She leaned across the empty seat next to hers and tugged down the shade. After a twenty-four-hour layover in San Francisco and too much partying at Katherine’s house last night, jet lag had officially caught up to her. She stifled another yawn and closed her eyes.

  No matter how many trips she took between Tokyo and the States, she couldn’t get used to the time change. Fortunately, with the Sunito deal in the bag she had a week off to relax—a week in Aspen, at that. With luck, she’d spend most of that time either skiing or sleeping. Unfortunately, she’d been unsuccessful at getting uninvited from Katherine’s annual sex weekend. At least she’d have the rest of the week to herself.

  She could almost hear the crunch of snow underfoot and longed to be transported directly to the front door of her little cabin. Then she’d climb the stairs and tumble right into bed.

  “Can I squeeze by you? I’ve got the window.”

  “Oh, sure.” Alex straightened up. She’d slouched in her seat and stretched out her legs, taking up more than her fair share of space as she’d drowsily entertained the idea of sleeping through the flight. But one look at the woman passing inches in front of her and she felt like she’d had a shot of caffeine. She took off her sunglasses and ran her hand through her short hair, wishing she’d taken the time to glance at her reflection before hurrying from the shower to the waiting taxi.

  The woman was beautiful. Not in a done-up sort of way, but in a natural way that caught Alex’s attention all the more. Her outfit was simple—a cream-colored sweater, navy leggings, and leather boots. The sweater dipped low enough to hint at cleavage, and the leggings outlined her curvy hips while the boots hugged her calves.

  It wasn’t polite to stare, a distant voice reminded her. But a moment later she was drawn back and eyeing her as surreptitiously as she dared.

  The woman’s dark brown hair had a soft a wave to it, caught up by a clip at the low of her neck. Brown eyes were framed by long eyelashes. She didn’t need mascara, and lip gloss seemed to be the only makeup she used. She’d sat down with her purse on her lap and was currently attempting to push her carry-on under the seat.

  The case was clearly too large to fit, but she scrunched up her face and gave it a firm kick anyway. When it didn’t budge after a second shove, Alex stood. “Can I put it up top for you? These little planes don’t have as much space.”

  “Um, no. I can do it.”

  “Okay, but I’m already standing.”

  The woman bit her lip. After a moment’s hesitation, she handed Alex her case. “Thanks. I think I overpacked.”

  “Better than underpacking.” Alex swung the carry-on into the overhead bin and then dropped back into her seat. “It’s a bummer to get where you’re going and realize you don’t have underwear.”

  The woman sucked in a breath. “I knew there was something.”

  “Seriously?”

  “No. Not seriously.” A smiled tugged at the corner of her lips. “I’m trying to joke so I don’t freak out.”

  “Scared of flying?” Alex had been on more than one terrible flight into Aspen and didn’t like the turbulence that came with flying low over the Rocky Mountains. She didn’t blame anyone for taking sedatives or even drinking in the morning to take the edge off.

  “I wish it were that.” The woman buckled her seat belt and leaned back. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly as if she were indeed trying to calm her nerves.

  “What is it?” Alex immediately regretted the question. Since when had she become the prying seatmate? “I’m sorry. Totally not my business.”

  “You’re fine. I’m nervous about the trip itself, not the flying part.”

  “I get that. Is it a work thing?” Alex noticed the woman hesitate again and gave herself a mental kick. She held up her hand. “Sorry again. I’ll stop being nosy.”

  “I don’t mind. Really. But it’s a little early in the morning…”

  Alex glanced at her watch. “So should I ask you in an hour?”

  The woman smiled. This time it was a full smile, and she was truly breathtaking. “I’m Emily.” She stretched out her hand.

  “Alex.”

  Although she wanted an excuse for more contact, Alex let go of Emily’s hand after a brief clasp. Emily pointed to the ski magazine half sticking out of the seat back in front of Alex and asked, “Going to Aspen to ski?”

  “I’m hoping to get some runs in, yeah, but mostly I’m going because I have a week off and I need to recharge. I’ve got a place there.” No way was she going to fess up to her other plans. Admitting she was also going to a sex party would certainly end their conversation. “I’m guessing this isn’t a ski trip for you.”

  “I don’t ski. Give me a swimsuit over snow pants any day.”

  Alex imagined Emily would fill out a swimsuit in the best of ways and yet she’d still like to run into her on th
e slopes. Or at least the lodge afterward. “You could ski in a bikini. No one would judge.”

  “Maybe no one would judge, but I’m pretty sure my nipples would freeze off.”

  “I don’t think that’s possible.” Alex’s gaze involuntarily dropped to Emily’s cleavage, but she quickly corrected the mistake. “Maybe you’d like spring skiing. Some days it’s hot enough to be T-shirt weather when the sun’s out.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Alex drummed her fingers on her knee. She’d promised not to be nosy, but now she was curious. Based on Emily’s earlier response, she didn’t think it was a business trip. If she wasn’t coming to ski, the next likely option would be that Emily was meeting someone. But if that was the case, wouldn’t she be happy about it?

  “You’re still trying to figure out why I’m going to Aspen, aren’t you?”

  “Maybe.” Alex grinned. Emily’s tone encouraged her. “People go for lots of reasons. Like to get a tattoo.”

  “Strike one. Try again.”

  “Or to attend their cousin’s wedding.”

  “Strike two.”

  The first two guesses were only to break the ice. And from the way Emily was looking at her, it had worked. But now she wanted to take a real guess. “You could be going to see someone you met online. Maybe this is the first time you’ll see him, or her, and you’re nervous about it ’cause you don’t know how it’ll go.”

  “Is that your final guess?”

  Alex couldn’t tell if she was even close. Emily had a good poker face. Whether she went for women or not was still up for debate as well, unfortunately. “I think I’m going to wait and see if you drop any more clues before we land. Whatever you’re doing, I hope you enjoy it.”

  “Me too.”

  Alex wanted an excuse to chat more, but when Emily reached for a magazine, she took the hint and found her headphones. The nature sounds deafened the noise of the engines and the chatter of other passengers but didn’t stop her from thinking about Emily. She adjusted the cushioned headrest and closed her eyes, already anticipating a good daydream.

  A moment later, Alex startled at a light touch on her thigh. She tugged off her headphones, suddenly hot under the collar and acutely aware of the exact location where Emily’s hand had been. Fortunately, Emily seemed to have no idea how well reality had coincided with her imagination.

  “Your seat belt.” Emily motioned to Alex’s waist. “I didn’t want you to fall asleep and then have the flight attendant wake you.”

  “Oh, right. Thanks.” How had she forgotten to buckle her seat belt anyway? She’d logged more miles than anyone else in her company, but apparently a beautiful woman was enough to distract her from the basics.

  “Also…it’s totally okay that you asked about my plans. It’s a normal question. And I’m feeling a little silly being secretive about it.”

  “Don’t worry. The secretive thing makes you seem that much cooler.”

  Emily shook her head. “I’m definitely not cool.”

  “We could argue that, but I’d need to know more personal information. Probably starting with what you’re doing in Aspen this weekend.”

  Emily’s smirk was perfect. Alex smiled back, holding her gaze and quite sure she could lose herself in those brown eyes. Katherine would call them bedroom eyes. She had a thing for women with dark eyes, and Alex didn’t blame her one bit. Seductive was the word that came to mind…

  In fact, Emily was exactly Katherine’s type. Well, one of them, anyway. Alex considered the possibility that Katherine had recruited Emily for the weekend. She couldn’t exactly ask if her secret plans involved a sex party, although that would certainly be a good reason for discretion.

  “To tell you the truth, I don’t think I should be going to Aspen.” Emily glanced down at her purse. “But it’s a little late to get off the plane.”

  “Can I try my last guess?”

  “Go ahead. There’s no way you’ll get it right.”

  As much as Alex wanted to ask about Katherine’s sex party, if it wasn’t Emily’s plan, she’d have a lot of explaining to do. Besides, what were the chances? Better to keep making Emily laugh rather than make her uncomfortable.

  “You’re on a top-secret mission to steal the world’s best hot cocoa recipe. Everyone knows you have to go to Aspen for that.”

  “Strike three.” Emily’s eyes creased with her smile.

  “But was it a good guess?”

  “Not even close.”

  The tension had all but gone from Emily, and Alex counted it as a win. She didn’t care if she’d made herself seem completely uncool. “Hot cocoa’s not the only reason to come to Aspen, of course.”

  “Some people probably even come to ski.” Emily’s tone carried on the joke, and Alex was certain now they were in flirting territory.

  “I’m sure someone’s done that once or twice. They’re missing out, of course.”

  “So where do you get the world’s best hot cocoa?”

  Alex opened her mouth and then promptly clamped it shut.

  “Oh, right. It’s a secret.”

  “It’s not that. Well, it is, but…” Alex shook her head. “I was going to say my house, but now that sounds like a creepy way to ask someone out.”

  “I wouldn’t say creepy. More like dorky.”

  Alex laughed. “I’ll take dorky. Is this your first trip to Aspen?”

  “Still trying to get clues?” Emily arched an eyebrow.

  “Maybe. It’s a fun town even if you don’t ski. After you steal my secret hot cocoa recipe, there’s a lot of places I can recommend you check out.”

  “How long have you lived there?”

  “Technically, I don’t live in Aspen. I’ve owned a cabin there for two years now, but most of the time it’s rented out.”

  “Where do you live?”

  “At the moment, Tokyo. But work moves me all over. My plan is to retire in Aspen.”

  “Already thinking about retirement?”

  “If all goes well, I’m hoping to retire in five years.”

  Emily’s eyes widened. “Either you make really good money or you’re a lot older than you look.”

  “I’m thirty-nine. I won’t make you tell me how old I look, though. Haven’t slept in a while.”

  “Don’t worry, you look great.” Emily’s cheeks reddened with a hint of a blush. “I think it’s definitely the money thing and not some fountain of youth face lotion.”

  Alex laughed. “I do make good money. Not sure it’s worth it in the grand scheme of things, though.”

  Emily pursed her lips, and Alex rethought her words. “Only people with plenty of money say things like money doesn’t matter, right? That was a dumb thing to say.”

  “I can’t talk. I’m in first class too. Though I didn’t pay for my ticket.” Emily looked down at her hands, clearly uncomfortable. Alex wondered if the unease was due to embarrassment, defensiveness, or something else entirely. She hadn’t landed on an answer when Emily looked up and met her eyes. Whatever emotion had passed through her was carefully masked now. “Sounds like you have an exciting life. And I’m sure you work hard. Do you like it?”

  “If you’d asked me when I started, I’d have said that I loved it. Now?” Alex shrugged. “Moving to a different city every year gets exhausting. I’ve lived in nine countries in the last seven years. I’m ready to paint the walls in a house I can live in for longer than a year. I know, not very exciting ambitions.”

  “But honest. There’s gotta be parts you still like, though, right?”

  “Plenty. I love learning new things. Every day there’s something…A new way to get lost. New words to pick up. New people to meet. It’s interesting for sure, but sometimes I want a box of Lucky Charms and no plans for the weekend.”

  “Lucky Charms and hot cocoa? You’ve got a sweet tooth.”

  “Would you trust someone’s hot cocoa recipe if they didn’t?”

  Emily shook her head. “Do you want
to know something funny? I’m actually a chef, and you’ve hyped this cocoa up so much that now I really do want the recipe.” She held her hand up in the air. “But I solemnly swear I’m not in Aspen to steal your secret formula.”

  “Not sure I believe you. You might have to tell me what you’re really doing this weekend.”

  “Nice try, but still no.” Emily sighed. “It’ll probably be a big bust anyway and I’ll wish I’d come for hot cocoa instead.”

  “Would it be weird if I gave you my number?” Alex knew she was taking a chance, but what did she have to lose?

  “In case I want the hot cocoa after all?”

  “Okay, you’re right. Too weird.”

  “Actually, it isn’t…” Emily bit her lip. After a moment of deliberation, she reached for her purse. She took out a pen and a receipt from a parking garage and handed both to Alex. “Don’t take it personally if I don’t call you. I’m not sure what will happen this weekend. And I’m not usually brave enough to be the one who calls first.”

  Alex jotted down her number. She knew the likelihood of a phone call or even a text was slim, but her heart was partying in her chest all the same. She handed back the receipt and made a silent wish something would come of it. For all the women she’d asked out, this felt different. She wouldn’t admit it aloud—she’d already made a fool of herself with the hot cocoa—but even if their weekend plans didn’t align, their meeting felt fated.

  Emily pointed to Alex’s chest pocket, a smile playing on her lips. “Did you mean to steal my pen?”

  “Oh, shit. Sorry.” Alex reached for the pen. She stopped midway before handing it back, noticing Emily’s name and number. “Emily’s Catering and Personal Chef Services?”

  Emily held out her hand. “Yes. I really am a chef.”

  “I swear I’m not usually a pen stealer, but this could come in handy.”

  “For when you need a personal chef?” Emily’s look was skeptical.

  “Or a caterer.”

  Emily dropped her hand and laughed. “All right, pen stealer. Keep it. But I’m not in Aspen often.”

  “Maybe that will change.” Alex couldn’t help but hope.