Secretly Hers (Sterling Canyon) (5 page)

He wouldn’t have responded except she looked up at him with pleading, amber puppy-dog eyes. “It’s not about being nice. You’re just too eager. It’s written all over your face, and most guys aren’t ready for all that so soon.”

“So my being open and thoughtful means I’m too easy?” Her brows drew together. “I’m not
that
easy. Jeez, it’s been like . . . a
while
since . . . you know.” Even in the dark, he could read embarrassment all over her face. Boy, tomorrow she was going to regret drinking all that champagne if she remembered everything she’d admitted tonight.

But right now she was suddenly looking at him in a way that set off his radar, because at that moment she was thinking about sex and him, not other men. He liked that idea way more than he should.

The conversation had veered into awkward territory, so he did what he did best. Flirt. “I’d be happy to remedy that particular problem for you. You shouldn’t go too long without. Consider it a birthday present.”

She tipped her chin up a bit, studying him. “You would, wouldn’t you? Just sex and nothing else. And that’s good enough for you? You don’t get lonely?”

“I’m not lonely.” He inched even closer, lowering his voice. “I get what I need. I don’t hurt anyone. And I have a damn good time in the process.” He peered down at her, insanely hoping she might surprise him and take the bait. “You should try it sometime.”

The air seemed to crackle and he realized he’d been holding his breath. Would she actually accept his offer? One night in bed with her would mean he’d deal with the stalker otherwise known as Boomerang for weeks or months. But he already knew it would be worth it. At least, that’s what his body was shouting.

He inclined nearer to her, finding it hard to breathe while she stared at his mouth for several seconds.

Then she shook her head as if waking from a strange dream, and straightened. “Guess it’s something to think about. Thanks for the ride home, cowboy.”

Kelsey turned, shoes in her hand, and scampered down the walkway to her building. She glanced back over her shoulder and gave a little wave. “Good night.”

It wasn’t until a block later that he realized she’d never given him back his hat—one of very few mementoes he had from Poppy. He stopped for a second, but then kept walking. If he’d turned back, he might’ve done or said something really stupid. He’d get Poppy’s hat tomorrow when she came to work on the website.

Right now he needed a cold shower or a woman, but he couldn’t be with some other woman if he was just going to be picturing Kelsey’s pouty mouth. Man, he hated cold showers.

Chapter Four

Kelsey peeked out from beneath the pillow and popped one scratchy eyelid open to find a vintage brown Stetson beside her on the bed. The throbbing in her cotton-stuffed head intensified as she scowled and peered under the covers.
Whew!
Pajamas. Her nightgown and the empty, neatly made sheets to her left thankfully answered her prayer that she hadn’t done anything too stupid with Trip.

She rolled onto her back and sighed. Self-restraint was a good thing. Of course, being naughty might’ve also been a good thing, at least in the moment. Glancing back at Trip’s hat, she pictured him lying there wearing it . . . and nothing else.

Oh, bad idea. Very bad idea. The mere image sent a shiver down her spine.

Kelsey sat up, her back pressed against her pillows, and hugged her knees to her chest. She rubbed her sore feet, which summoned a memory of last night’s piggyback ride.

Carrying her three and a half blocks to keep her from getting hurt after she’d kicked off her shoes in the middle of the street would’ve been kinda chivalrous, if one could believe he didn’t have an ulterior motive. But his affinity for children aside, Trip always had a motive when it came to women. It started with an
s
and ended with an
x
and came with a side of “don’t call me, I’ll call you.”

Sighing, she forced herself out of bed. Grey and Trip were expecting her at eleven for a little advice on updating their social media sites. Last time she’d gone to Backtrax to help, Grey had rejected her and pissed her off. She might not have agreed to try helping again had he and Avery not been dating. Now she’d have to face Trip so soon after all that champagne caused her to let her guard down.

Keeping her cool would be a challenge. Perhaps she could simply focus on the sizable challenge of bringing Grey and Trip’s business into the twenty-first century. Or better yet, the challenge of studying a few more chapters of the real estate investment book Wade had recommended.

Given her itinerary, Sunday would not be a day of rest.

After downing a healthy portion of greasy eggs and bacon to deal with her hangover, she stood in front of her cheval mirror, appraising her Abercrombie navy-and-cranberry-print summer dress and red strappy sandals. Yes, her sore feet rebelled against yet another high-heel shoe, but they were the perfect ones for the dress. The fact Trip thought she had nice legs had nothing to do with her decision to wear that particular outfit or those particular shoes, no sirree. She’d be sitting for most of the morning, anyway.

Once more her gaze drifted to the Stetson, with its fraying hatband. How unlike Trip, a man who took pride in his appearance, to wear such a beat-up hat.

She lifted it off the mattress, her fingers brushing against the supple, well-worn brim. Grinning to herself, she piled her hair atop her head and then donned the Stetson, tipping it back a bit. Looked cute. Maybe she should add hats to her wardrobe in the future.

No doubt Trip expected her to return his today. Of course, he owned several, including a gorgeous black felt one and a summer straw one, too, so this old thing couldn’t be too important. Maybe she’d keep it for a while . . . bribe him or make him earn it back or just generally torment him a bit by “forgetting” to return it.

Tormenting Trip sounded like fun.

She set his hat on the chair, grabbed her purse and Guy Kawasaki’s
The Art of Social Media
book, and strolled out the door.

When she breezed through Backtrax’s empty reception area, she called out, “Yoo-hoo! You guys back there?”

Trip appeared at the end of the dim hallway, wearing olive-green cargo shorts, a gray T-shirt, and leather flip-flops. His snug cotton tee hugged his broad shoulders and pecs, reminding her of how she’d clung to that same body just last night. She licked her suddenly dry lips, praying he didn’t notice her reaction.

As always, he greeted her with a smile and a quick once-over. His gaze stopped at her feet. Shaking his head, he teased, “I see you didn’t learn your lesson last night.”

She walked up to him and patted his cheek. “Oh, I learned a lot last night.”

“Me too. But what did
you
learn?” He looked down at her, brows raised. His face was so close she could see the little cleft in his chin and appreciate that clean-shaven jaw. Miraculously, she repressed the urge to run her fingers along his jawbone.

“Beneath this whole playboy persona is a bit of a gentleman. Just a bit, of course. But it’s in there. Once upon a time, your mom must’ve taught you how to treat a lady.” His momentarily haunted expression surprised her. Did he prefer people to believe him to be shallow and self-centered? “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.” Kelsey peered inside the office and glanced at her watch, pretending not to notice the way Trip’s gaze automatically fell to her cleavage. “Where’s Grey?”

“First things first. Where’s my hat?”

“You mean that old thing that belongs in a thrift shop?” She might’ve laughed at him if his shoulders hadn’t stiffened and tight lines pulled around his mouth.

“I need it back, Kelsey.” Although he stared at her without blinking, she thought she saw a hint of panic in those green eyes. His body gobbled up most of the space in the doorway, making hers prickle from the nearness.

“Settle down, cowboy. You’ll get your hat back.” She tilted her head. “But now you’ve got me curious. What’s so special about that one? You have at least a dozen others.”

Trip leaned back against the doorjamb. “It belonged to my grandfather.”

She’d known him for eight months and yet, until last night, had never heard a single word about his background or family. Now several new questions sprang to mind, but she chose to tease him instead of pressing for answers he’d probably never give.

“Don’t tell me you have a sentimental streak, too. That’s too cute, Trip. Makes you almost . . . human.” Seeing another hint of vulnerability worried her because it could actually make her start to fall for him, which would surely be a disaster.

“You’ve only got that partly right.” He grinned, slipping back into his detached persona. “Haven’t you heard? I’m
super
human.”

Disaster averted.

“So where’s Grey?” She sighed.

“Grey’s put me in charge of this project.” Trip set his hands on his hips. “Looks like it’s just the two of us.”

She hoped he didn’t see her alarm at the prospect of being cooped up alone with him. “Well, then, let’s get started.”

Trip pulled an extra chair over to the desk and sat directly in front of the computer. Kelsey sat beside him, put her bag on the floor at her feet, and slapped the manual onto the desktop.

She pulled a hairclip out of her purse and twisted her hair atop her head so it wouldn’t fall in her face while they worked. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Trip frown. Of course, he ignored her questioning glance.

Shrugging, she pulled the keyboard over to her side of the desk while asking, “May I?”

Trip chuckled, leaning close. “By all means.”

The mere sound of his voice tightened her nipples. Kelsey thanked God she’d worn a loose dress so he couldn’t see her body’s response.

“Let’s look at your site.” She typed its URL. “Now tell me, what do you like about it?”

She watched his eyes scan the neatly aligned row of tabs and the column of links to forms and waivers. “It’s easy to navigate and to find relevant information.”

Kelsey laid her head on the desk, closed her eyes, faked a snore, then popped back up singing, “BOR-ING!”

“Functional.” Trip crossed his arms, frowning.

She drew a deep breath and stuck out her chin.
Men.
“Websites and social media should give some sense of the product or service you’re selling. What are you selling, Trip?”

“Guided backcountry ski and rock climbing trips.”

“No.” She rolled her eyes.

“No?” Trip tilted his head, frowning. “We’re not selling those trips?”

“Nope.” Kelsey shook her head. “You’re selling ‘adventure.’ You’re selling adrenaline and excitement. You should be appealing to guys who want to be like you, and women who want to be with you.” As soon as she heard those last words, she realized her mistake.

“In other words, all women?” he interjected, wearing a smirk and twinkling eyes. When she rolled her eyes, he chuckled. “Sorry to interrupt.”

“Does
anything
on this site promote a sense of adventure?” She thrust her index finger toward the screen while scrunching up her nose.

He scanned the green-and-beige page for a few minutes, with its Backtrax logo and stodgy fonts, before he admitted defeat. “No.”

“You and Grey are
not
old Bill Batton. You two need to get your handsome faces on this site, and then load it with recent tour pictures. Make it fun and fresh.”

“You think I’m handsome?” He leaned closer, his eyes scanning her face like a predator.

So flippin’ handsome.
Fortunately, she pressed her lips together before the words escaped. Suddenly she wanted to fan herself, but that would only encourage his flirtatious behavior. “Stay focused, please.”

He took his time sitting back. “When I’m stomping big air, I’m not pulling out my iPhone to snap photos.”

“Surely you shot some footage with a GoPro. Grab some frames, maybe even upload a video or two.”

“That might look cool.” He sat forward, his expression thoughtful. “But how will it bring people to visit the site?”

“For starters, join Facebook groups or communities that involve climbing and skiing.” She hit a few keystrokes and brought up several rock climbing groups on Facebook. “You need to interact on these sites often, but not to directly ‘sell’ your services. Submit stories of your own and suggestions. Answer people’s questions about places you’ve been, techniques, gear, and other stuff like that. Gradually people will get interested in your expertise and start looking you up. That’s when they’ll find your new and improved website.”

Trip’s expression grew pensive as he considered her advice. She tapped the keys again and
Powder
magazine’s online site appeared. “Submit articles or guest blog posts here. Getting your name out a couple of times a year will build a following among your main client base.”

“I’m impressed, Kelsey. Beauty
and
brains.” Trip studied Kelsey with a wide smile, as if for the first time he noticed she was more than perky body parts. Not that she minded his appreciation of her appearance, but she liked being seen as something more, especially by a guy like Trip, who probably never thought of women as anything more than sex dolls. “It all sounds great, but how do I design a site or set up all those other things?”

Kelsey patted the manual to her right. “Between this book, YouTube videos, and other free information, you can get this all done with very little cost if you’re willing to put in the time.”

“I thought you were going to help me do it.” Trip murmured in the smooth tone she recognized as one of a man trying to woo a woman into doing his bidding. Like a full-bodied red wine with a lingering finish, his seductive voice could lull her into all kinds of trouble.

Kelsey didn’t want trouble. Or rather, she couldn’t afford to waste time on trouble, not at her age.

“More like you hoped I was going to do it
for
you. Well, I’m not. I’ll help a bit, but I’ve got my own business to deal with, plus the homework Wade gave me.”

Trip sat back, arms crossed, head shaking. “Homework from Wade? What harebrained scheme are you using now to get his attention?”

Kelsey kicked Trip’s calf.

“Hey, those shoes hurt!” He rubbed his shinbone.

“Sissy.” Kelsey shot him an arch look. “It’s no scheme. I’m expanding my business and getting into real estate investing, too.”

“Don’t tell me you’re in favor of what he’s doing to this town?” Trip’s playfulness fled.

“Of course I am. I’m making great money from Wade, plus his developments will bring in more tourists and create jobs, too.”

“Temporary construction jobs and low-paying retail jobs.” Trip’s peeved tone stunned her. “This town already gets plenty of tourists—people who come for its antique charm and natural beauty. If guys like Wade keep destroying the land to put up new buildings, tourists will start going elsewhere to ‘get away’ from it all.”

She hadn’t considered that before, but she wouldn’t concede anything to Trip. “Fancy hotels and luxury shops won’t drive tourists away. Look at Aspen.”

“Yeah, look at Aspen—a once great, funky ski town that has slowly been transformed into a ‘see and be seen’ place for posers. In my opinion, it’s lost all its personality.”

She resisted the urge to frown. He wasn’t totally wrong. Aspen had kinda lost
some
of its magic. Still, Sterling Canyon needed a boost. This old mining town wouldn’t be destroyed by one high-end retail development. And maybe she couldn’t control making her dreams of family come true, but she sure as heck would take control of her career.

“We’ll just have to agree to disagree, Trip,” Kelsey said. “I’m all for more options in this little town. And I’m counting on the commission from this deal to set me up to invest in some rental properties of my own.”

“I wouldn’t rely on that if I were you.” His tone and posture issued a warning, but what did Trip know about investing?

“Leave Wade and real estate to me, cowboy. Stick to what you know best—the slopes and women.”

He shook his head before he cocked it. Studying her thoughtfully, his eyes never drifting below her chin. Perhaps she’d gained a little of his respect? Then his facial muscles relaxed and he ruined the moment by wiggling his brows suggestively. “Tell the truth, your real interest in Wade’s got nothing to do with these deals, does it?”

“Why is your mind always in the gutter?”

“It’s fun in there.” He lazily leaned back in his chair, which he’d turned to face her, stretching one leg forward until his foot nearly touched hers, like the snake in the Garden of Eden. “In fact, I think you should join me for a while before you wind up married and bored.”