Page 11 of Sultry Summer

A laugh bursts out of me. “Isn’t that what happens when I go on tour?”

“Ugh. I’m seriously regretting calling you. I’m going to have a heart attack. You’re killing me here.”

“I feel your pain. But that doesn’t mean I’m coming back there. Nashville isn’t the same for me. I feel like I need something new.”

“So you’re buying a new house? As long as you get a studio put in it shouldn’t cause too many problems.”

My shoulders sag. It’s been a long time since I sang and honestly…it doesn’t feel right anymore. But I can’t seem to get that through Ryan’s thick head.

“Hey. I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Alright. But I’m not giving up on you, man. You’re too good to let any woman derail you like Tiffany.”

I shudder when he says her name. “Yeah. I’ll talk to you later.”

I hang up the phone and head into the resort. On the way through, I talk to one of the employees and find out that they already know about the fire.

Gossip runs through this little town like…well, wildfire. It’s already the talk of the town and I can see the worry on some of the faces around me.

I wish I could tell them I don’t think they need to worry. But it’s a little hard to do when my throat closes up every time I think about Aspen out there without me.

Sighing, I head for my room. I need to get cleaned up or they probably won’t let me into the restaurant.

But the whole night, my mind can’t stop following the little brunette that seems to hold my enthralled no matter where she is.

And when I lie in bed, I close my eyes and picture her ocean blue gaze and the soft curve of her pale cheeks. The scent of her, the warmth of her smile and the way my heart beats faster just thinking about her.

It takes a long time for my mind to clear enough to fall asleep. And the rest of the night is filled with dreams of her, smiling, laughing, crying and dancing through the fields around the mountains. Always here. Always tied to the mountains and her home.

CHAPTER 7

Aspen

The next morning, the whole town watches as the fire department mobilizes, heading for the meeting spot that’s been picked. A camp has been set up and they’re on the way. I smile and wave at them, hoping that they all come home. That this is just a small blip in an otherwise beautiful summer.

But there’s a haze of smoke on the mountains and I can smell ash in the air. Like there’s a huge campfire around here somewhere. Instead of what’s actually happening.

I glance back at Fiona and she’s arguing with Monroe. He’s trying to get permission to help the police department. His leg still drags a bit so I understand her reluctance to go along with his crazy plans.

Harper is here and Monroe is up at the camp helping to get wood cut back around it. Just to help out.

Right now it’s not too dangerous. But he’s going to be home this afternoon because at that point they’re telling everybody to stay off as much as possible.

So civilians are being warned to stay away. Naturally my sister’s boyfriends are insisting on trying to help. They’re strong men that don’t like to do nothing.

My heart twists in my chest and I can’t help looking up at the resort. I hope to hell that Hunter isn’t doing anything stupid.

Men. What are you doing to do with them?

My mind wanders into forbidden territory and I flush, my imagination filling in all the blank spots in my experience.

But like I’ve conjured him up, all of a sudden I see Hunter wandering down the street, his hands in the pockets of his jeans. His eyes find mine and it’s like the street tilts sideways. My whole body quivers and my head swims with desire unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.

I can feel the callouses on his fingers touching my skin even though he’s still so far away. Can taste his lips on mine.

I clear my throat and fight the urge to run when he finally walks up to me. “Hey, you want to go to the diner? I haven’t had breakfast yet and I’m starving.”

“Sure.” I smile slightly as his hand catches mine. Tingles erupt under my skin and dart up my arm, warming my skin. I flush dark red and he eyes me suspiciously but with a smirk.