Page 71 of Never Till Now

“What was that for?” she asks as our hands swing.

“It felt right. I’m glad you said yes to joining me in Aspen at the last minute.”

“It felt right.” She gives me a side smirk as her hand squeezes mine.

I lead her toward the gondolas. “How about a night ride overlooking the city lights?”

“Well, aren’t you just checking off all the book boyfriend boxes.” Her eyes bug out as her face drops, mortified by what she admitted out loud. “I mean—”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.” I chuckle as we head to the gondola.

“It’s a long list, so don’t bother getting any joy from my comment.”

We board the gondola in silence, both of us running through our thoughts. Watching Lauren experience new things has become addicting. Her face holds a subtle smile as she peers out the window, staring at the city lights shrinking from our ascend. My heart picks up its pace, confirming I am undoubtedly falling too fast for this woman. Falling for a woman that holds too much uncertainty for me to predict what the next three months will look like.

Lauren leans in closer and rests her head on my shoulder. “Thank you for today. This is the best date I have ever been on.”

“It’s the only date you’ve been on,” I respond playfully.

“I’m glad I waited till now.” She looks up and gives me a soft kiss.

“Wow, she kisses on the first date.” I fake a shocked look, leaning away.

“Hey, Adam?” I nod. “Is there a camera in the pod?”

“No,” I reply, wondering where she’s going with this.

“Adam?” There is nothing but the moon lighting up her sultry eyes.

“Yes, Blondie?” I think I know where this is going.

“I’m not against fucking on the first date, either.” Lauren licks her lips as her eyes travel down my body, painting a devilish grin across her face.

“Hop aboard the gondola express, baby.” I reach to unbutton my pants and push them down to my knees as she straddles me.

“Let’s stop talking and take advantage of the next seven minutes back down the hill.” I shut her up with my lips and rip a hole in the center of the tights she wore under her skirt.

No trip to Aspen will ever be the same without flashes of her running through my mind.

I kiss Lauren goodbye and promise she will join the mile-high club next time around before I head straight to my office. My father does his signature five knocks on my door before poking his head in.

“How was Aspen? Joe said you brought a very leggy friend along.” He points at me. “His words, not mine.” I can’t fault anyone. Lauren’s long legs alone could land her a modeling career if she wasn’t content with her current lifestyle.

But I’m content with those legs wrapped around my waist or neck anytime she’s available.

“Adam. Aspen. Focus.” He snaps his fingers in between his words.

“I know. I was just taking a moment to appreciate the business meeting in Aspen.” I don’t even try to hide where my mind went a few seconds ago. “Aspen seems to be running great. I helped work on a few things, so we shouldn’t have to worry.”

“How are you and Lauren?” He leans forward, using the edge of my desk to steady himself. Clearly, more interested in the answer to this question.

“We are taking it day by day. I wouldn’t call us acquaintances or only her tour guide now.” I don’t blush but I swear I can feel my goddamn cheeks heat. “I wouldn’t put a label on us just yet.”

But she makes me feel like we are fated. Fuck, I sound like a damn chick now.

“She’s not the same as the other women you’ve been friends with.”

“I’m well aware, Dad. She doesn’t care about profiting from our family name.”