And Then You Kiss (Crested Butte Cowboys Series Book 3) (4 page)

“Most chairlifts hold four.”

“That’d be too crowded.”

“I have to rent skis. I didn’t bring mine.”

“Took care of it. We’re picking up Irene’s for you, and Billy’s for me on our way to the ski area.”

She finished eating and got up to take care of the dishes. Why not do this? It would be fun. And she was the only single girl there this weekend. Hadn’t she told Renie she wanted her to fix her up with a hot cowboy, or a skier? Jace was both. Made to order.

Her only worry was that they had to pick up the skis, which meant she’d have to see Renie. Yesterday she’d warned her away from Jace. She wasn’t going to be happy about the two of them going skiing today. And with her new non-doormat policy, she’d confront Blythe about it.

“Ready?”

“Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.”

“Wait, what happened? You were all in a few minutes ago.”

“To tell you the truth, Renie told me you were off limits yesterday.”

Jace’s demeanor changed. His body tensed up. He walked over and took her hand. “Let’s go,” he said. His voice was no longer playful.

“I’m sorry.”

“What? You’re sorry? You have nothing to be sorry for. Neither do I. From where I sit,
Renie
is engaged to Billy. She doesn’t dictate who you spend time with, or who I spend time with. It’s none of her business.”

When they got to Billy’s, he asked her whether she’d prefer to wait in the truck.

“I’m not hiding from anyone Jace.”

“Good girl. Come on.”

Renie glared at her when they came in the back door. Jace noticed right away.

He walked over and stood right in front of her. “Knock it off,” he said. “Not your business.”

By the look on Renie’s face, she was taken aback. Blythe didn’t know Jace very well, but from what she’d seen so far, this behavior was out of character.

When he turned his back, Renie raised her eyebrows at Blythe, who burst out laughing. Which made Renie laugh. Soon the two of them were doubled over, laughing.

“What’s goin’ on?” Billy asked, walking into the kitchen with Willow.

“Evidently they think I’m funny.” Jace turned to the two of them, who were holding on to each other, still laughing. “Which I’m not.”

“Uh huh.” Blythe could hardly speak she was laughing so hard.

“They’re always like this,” said Billy. “They don’t even have to say anything. All of a sudden they both start laughing and they can’t stop. It’s been that way as long as I’ve known ’em.”

“You want to go with us?” Jace asked Billy. “The lifts don’t open for another hour. I bet there’d be plenty of folks back at the house who’d take care of Willow.”

Billy looked at Irene, who shrugged her shoulders. The look on her face was hopeful though.

“I’m not very good,” said Billy. “Renie’s been trying to teach me, and I’ve taken a few lessons, but…”

“It’ll be fine Billy. You’re better than you think.”

“As long as this isn’t a competition,” Billy glared at Jace.

“I’m a former racer Billy. You don’t stand a chance in hell of competing with me. I’ll win before you get your skis on. But I’ll tell you what, I’m no match for you on a bronc.” Might give him a run for his money on a bull though, although Jace wasn’t going to bring it up yet.

Billy was appeased. He took his cell out of his pocket and called his mom. Willow tried her best to get the phone away from him.

“She wants to chew on it,” he said while he waited for his mom to pick up.

“You get her over here as quick as you can Billy, both her grandmas would love to spend the day with sweet Willow.” Dottie told him.

“I’ll run her over. Do you want to wait for me here, or should I meet you up at the mountain?” Billy asked Renie.

“I’ll go with you,” said Jace.

A look passed between Blythe and Renie.

“Why?” Blythe asked.

“I’ll let my mama and dad know what I’m doing today. I’m feelin’ kind of bad for leavin’ without talking to them.”

“Oh,” Blythe frowned. “We don’t have to go if you don’t want to. I mean we can go back to the house.”

“What? I thought we were skiing today?” said Renie.

“We are,” he answered. “Billy and I will be back as quick as we can. Blythe, can you call and reserve skis for us, since we won’t be using theirs anymore?”

“Of course.”

“Come, walk me out to the truck,” he said.

She followed him, wondering what the hell was going on. This was turning into the most confusing morning.

“Listen, I want to give you some time alone with Irene. And I need to get to know Billy better. The thing between her and me is over, now we need to learn how to be friends. Okay?”

“What about Tucker?”

“What’s he got to do with this?”

“What if he wants to come with you?”

Jace told her he’d already addressed the Tucker issue. He wasn’t invited, and Jace had no intention of changing his mind about it.

“Public ski area,” she murmured.

“He wants to show up on his own, that’s his prerogative. But you and me…we’re on a date.”

The big smile he gave her went straight through her, down to her toes. He was charm personified. His brother was too. It dawned on her that those who played with fire often got burned. Was she getting too close to the flame with the Rice twins?

***

“Why did you wanna come with me?” Billy asked Jace.

“Those two have some stuff to work out. I figured they’d do it better without us around.”

“Any other reason?”

“Yeah.”

Billy waited for a few minutes, but Jace didn’t continue. “You gonna tell me what it is?”

“Not sure how to say this without causing problems.”

“Say it for Christ’s sake.”

“Irene warned Blythe away from me.”

Billy was quiet.

“Nothing to say?” Jace prodded.

“I’ll handle it.”

“I told her to back off myself.” Jace turned his head and looked out the window. “She’s gotta get out of my business.”

“I hear ya.”

They spent the rest of the ride in silence.

***

“What about Tucker?” Renie asked Blythe once Billy and Jace were gone.

“I feel like it’s a game.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s a competition. It isn’t about me, it’s about which of them can win the girl.”

“I don’t know Blythe. That doesn’t sound like Jace.”

“Maybe not Jace when he’s alone. You haven’t ever been around Tucker and him together, have you?”

Renie didn’t answer her, but it was a rhetorical question anyway. Blythe already knew the answer.

“I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think.”

She’d see, wouldn’t she?

***

Tucker was sitting on the front porch drinking coffee when Jace and Billy drove up. He saw the question in Jace’s eyes when he walked in his direction.

“You kidnap her?”

“She’s with Irene.”

Billy got Willow out of her car seat and walked right past Tucker, without speaking.

“Mornin’ to you too,” he said in the direction of the front door after it closed. “What’s up his ass?”

“I told him somethin’ that pissed him off on the way over here. Shouldn’t have. Too late now.”

“Jesus Jace, we’ve been here less than twenty-four hours.”

“It was about Irene. She told Blythe to stay away from me.”

“Sound advice.”

“I told her to back the hell off.”

“And then you told the cowboy.”

“Yep. We’re goin’ skiing.”

Tucker turned away from Jace. “You have a good time then.”

“You okay?”

“Does it matter?”

“Come on, Tuck. I’m serious. Are you okay?”

Tucker didn’t answer him.

Billy came back out and walked toward the truck. Jace followed him. “Tell the parents we’ll be back early afternoon.”

Tucker nodded and raised his coffee cup to his brother.

Jace was impressed. Blythe was a damn good skier. Irene was too, but she hung back with Billy, who appeared less angry once they got back to the house.

“Break?” he shouted to Blythe as they skied up to the lift line.

“Um, sure,” she answered, and skied toward the racks instead.

“Having fun?” he asked. He picked up her skis and set them next to his. She handed him her poles too.

“I am. You’re good. Hard to keep up with.”

“You shoulda said somethin’ darlin’.” Jace put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. “I woulda slowed down for ya.”

She shifted away from him and walked toward the lodge.

“How about some hot chocolate?”

“Add some butterscotch schnapps to it and I’ll be all in.”

He smiled and went to the bar while she found a table.

When he got back she’d taken off her helmet and gloves, and was about to loosen her boots.

“Where’d you learn to ski sweet girl?”

She grinned at him and rolled her eyes. “With my dad.” She laughed. “You’re
such
a cowboy.”

“Now why’d you say it that way, like it’s a bad thing?”

“It’s cute. That’s what it is.”

“Hey now, you don’t call a cowboy cute darlin’. Unless he’s five years old.”

He shifted his chair closer to her and put his arm around the back of hers. He turned so he was facing her.

“You know what they say about cowboys, don’t ya?”

She laughed again. “No, I don’t know what they say, and I’m not sure I want to.”

“Better if I show you anyway.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips over hers, just barely. He stopped, but didn’t move away. Her eyes were closed and her cheeks were flushed. She opened her eyes and looked into his.

“Jace—”

“Shh now, I know what you’re going to say.”

“You do?”

“Yep. You’re gonna say that we shouldn’t do this, and then you’re gonna say somethin’ about Tuck. So before you do, let me remind you, I was the one who spoke first. I’m the one who told you yesterday when we met that I wanted to get to know you better. You remember that?”

She nodded.

“Okay then. Let’s enjoy our date darlin’. We’ll see ol’ Tuck later, at dinner. Until then, let’s you and me put him out of our minds.”

She nodded again; her eyes were focused on his mouth. She gave him no choice. He had to kiss her. He put his hand around the back of her neck and held her still. He leaned forward and slowly brushed his lips over hers again. This time he didn’t stop. When her lips opened to his, he seized the opportunity.

She was so soft, and warm. He wanted her closer. He broke their kiss and pulled her toward him, off her chair and onto his lap. When her arms circled around his shoulders, he kissed her again.

“I like kissin’ you,” he murmured against her lips.

She pulled back and took a deep breath, but stayed where she was, on his lap.

“There you are,” said Renie. Billy was behind her and caught Jace’s eye.

Blythe got up and sat back her chair. “Hot chocolate break.”

Billy pulled a chair out for Renie. “Looks like a little more than hot chocolate to me.”

Blythe glared at him and then looked at Renie, who was smiling. Thank God. She didn’t want to have to deal with whatever Renie was thinking. She had her hands full with Jace and Tucker.

“Want some hot chocolate darlin’?” Billy asked Renie. He walked toward the bar before she had a chance to answer.

Blythe started to laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Jace asked.

“You two—with all your ‘darlins’ and ‘sweet girls.’ You’re both such
cowboys.
”

She looked over at Renie, who was still smiling.

“What’s with you?” she asked.

“Nothing.”

“Come on Renie, speak. What’s goin’ on in that head of yours?”

“I’m happy.”

“That’s it? You’re happy.”

Blythe looked over at Jace, who was looking at Renie, but turned to look at her. He smiled.

“I feel like there’s something going on and no one is telling me.” And it was beginning to irritate her.

Renie reached over and squeezed Blythe’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, nothing is going on. I mean it. I’m happy.” Renie looked between Blythe and Jace, shook her head and then looked toward the bar.

“I’m gonna go see if Billy needs any help.”

“What was that about?” Blythe asked Jace once Renie was gone.

“I have
no
idea. But I get the impression she likes seein’ the two of us together. Don’t you?”

“I don’t know what to think.”

Jace didn’t either. Irene’s reaction was…unusual. Especially given it was such an abrupt departure from her attitude earlier. It didn’t matter though. He liked Blythe. She was fun to be around. He looked at her and realized he’d drifted away for a minute, and she was studying him. He reached over to her.

“Where were we before they came in?” He pulled her back onto his lap. “I like you better closer.” He reached up and pulled her hat off. She put her hand on his, trying to stop him.

“I wanna run my fingers through your hair darlin’. Let go now.” He eased her hat away from her hand and put it on the table.

“Hat hair,” she said, and blushed, like she was embarrassed.

It was such a simple thing, but that vulnerability did something to him. He shifted her so she couldn’t feel his reaction to it. What was it about her that made him want to keep her feeling that way? Vulnerable. Shy. A little off kilter.

“So sweet,” he whispered, and kissed her again. “You wanna keep skiing girl, or should we find somethin’ else to keep us busy?”

Renie and Billy came back to the table before Blythe had a chance to respond.

“I got a text from my mom,” Renie said. “She wants to know when we’re coming back to the house.”

“Everythin’ okay?” asked Billy.

Renie texted something back to her mom, and waited for a response.

“Yeah, everything is fine, but they’re wondering.”

Jace looked at Blythe again, who still hadn’t spoken. “I think we’re ready to call it a day,” he answered for both of them. “I’ll go turn our skis in. You wanna get out of those boots darlin’?”

Blythe realized he was asking her a question. Something about her boots. She’d been in a bit of a daze. She got lost in kissing him. Like she had with Tucker. In fact, she wasn’t sure which one she was kissing for a minute. They were so much alike, yet so different.
God,
what was she doing?

She nodded her head and stood. “Yeah, sure.” She sat back in her own chair and took off her boots.

Billy stood. “I’ll help,” he said and picked up her boots. “Jace, you go get the skis and I’ll meet you in the rental place.”

“Are you okay?” Renie asked Blythe.

“What? Yeah, I’m fine. I got a little light-headed for a minute. Alcohol, altitude and an overly affectionate cowboy will do it every time,” she grinned.

“You two are cute together.”

“Cute? What? Who are you?” Blythe looked at her. “Aren’t you the person who told me to stay away from him yesterday?”

“I don’t know. It’s different now. He seems different.”

“Who does? Jace?”

“Yes, of course Jace. I don’t know what it is. He’s different. And I like it.”

Blythe raised her eyebrow at Renie.

“No, not like that. I mean, I like him with you.”

Blythe had a hard time believing it, but didn’t say so.

A minute later Jace walked back in, carrying her snow boots. When he handed them to her and she slipped her feet in them, they were warm. She looked up at him.

“Boot warmers. I put them in while we were skiing, so they’d be warm when we got back.”

Blythe looked at Renie and they both giggled.

“Oh God,” Jace groaned. “What now?”

“Cowboys,” they answered in unison, before they started giggling again.

***

Blythe looked around for Tucker when they got back, but didn’t see him. And she definitely wasn’t about to ask where he was.

“Call your brother,” Jace’s mom said a few minutes later. “It’s time he came back.”

“Where is he?” Blythe asked him.

“Out wandering,” Jace answered. “He’s not big on holidays. He usually disappears for most of the day.”

“Why?”

It wasn’t something Jace wanted to talk about, especially to Blythe. “I’ll tell you later,” he answered. Even though he had no intention of doing so.

***

Tucker saw the text from Jace, but wasn’t ready to go back to the house. He supposed he should. If he stayed out here any longer, he might not ever go back to the house, and then instead of escaping everyone’s attention, it would be spotlighted on him.

He closed his sketchbook, but took one last look before he did. He almost didn’t recognize the woman he’d spent the last half hour drawing. She didn’t look like the woman he’d started to draw; she’d morphed into someone else. Someone who looked more like Blythe than
her.

God, he hated holidays, but this one more than most. When he woke this morning, it wasn’t the first thing he thought of. No, he thought about Blythe instead, and how it felt to hold her the night before.

When he’d gone upstairs to find she wasn’t there, that she and Jace left and no one knew where they were, his thoughts turned inward. Back to
her.
Back to that night. He’d gone out on the porch to be alone, and then Jace came back, briefly, and told him they were going skiing.

He asked if he was okay. What the hell? Did he need to ask? Of course he wasn’t okay. He knew Jace felt it. This wasn’t something Tucker could bury deep enough for Jace not to feel it. There wasn’t a deep, deep enough for this.

Mama’s gonna send dad lookin for you,
Jace texted.

Headed back,
Tucker answered.

***

Blythe didn’t need to turn and look when Tucker walked in. She knew he had. She could feel him. Jace reached over and covered her hand with his, as though he felt her reaction. Her cheeks burned when she looked up at him. What was it about these two men? It was as though there was a current running through the three of them, a connection.

She felt it with Tucker last night. It wasn’t as though they didn’t need to speak; it was more that they shouldn’t. What passed between them was more than words could communicate.

She felt the same way with Jace today. And now that Tucker was back, she felt it with both of them. She wasn’t sure she liked it.

He brushed against her when he walked past. She felt the heat of it spread throughout her body, in an instant. She looked up at him, but he didn’t look back at her. Jace watched the whole thing; she didn’t need to look at him to know it.

“Dinner,” Liv announced, and they made their way to the table. Blythe felt more as though she was floating than walking, she wasn’t sure her feet even touched the ground. Jace pulled a chair out for her, and sat to her right. She gasped when Tucker sat in the chair on her left. It wasn’t him sitting there, it was the feeling that spread over her when he did, that made her lose her breath.

Jace put his hand on hers again, the hand that was resting on her lap. But she didn’t look at him; she looked at Tucker instead. He looked different. His eyes were dark. Instead of green, they looked brown. His face was tight, like it was the day before, when they first met. She’d seen his darkness then, and now it was back.

“Hi,” she said softly.

He turned to look at her, but didn’t answer. Instead he brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. When he did, she took her hand away from Jace.

Blythe pushed the food around on her plate; she wasn’t hungry. She looked across the table at her dad, who questioned her with his eyes. She shrugged her shoulders.

With so many people and conversations flying around the long table, she didn’t feel the need to talk. Even if she had, she wouldn’t have known what to say. Jace and Tucker were quiet too, but she could feel them on either side of her.

The truth was she was uncomfortable; she wanted to leave the table. Even worse, she wanted to leave Crested Butte and go home, and escape the heat emanating from these two men.

Jace put his arm across the back of her chair, and when he did, Tucker glared at him. It didn’t deter him. Instead of moving his arm away, he reached further and laid his hand possessively on her shoulder.

She wanted to shrug it away. She didn’t want him touching her. She didn’t want Tucker to touch her either.

Tucker looked at her plate. “Not hungry?” Those were the first words he’d spoken since he sat down at the table.