Taunting Callum - Kristen Proby Page 0,14

places in the world where we have quiet. No prying eyes.

Just peace.

The sun hasn’t quite risen yet, but the sky is painted in pinks and blues, the birds chirping. When was the last time I took a minute to admire a sky and listen to birds singing the song of their kind?

I couldn’t tell you.

I’m on my second cuppa of the day. I haven’t been sleeping well. At first, I blamed jet lag. But I’ve been in town for several days now, and only one thing has been in the forefront of my mind.

Aspen Calhoun.

With her mane of fiery hair and those green eyes that can cut me in two with just one look—or set my blood to boiling in the blink of an eye.

Each time I see her, it’s like a roundhouse kick to the face. She’s more beautiful than my memory gives her credit for.

And I can’t get her out of my mind. She’s always there, both when I’m sleeping and while I’m awake.

Of course, it’s just my luck that I’m attracted to a woman who doesn’t want anything to do with me. Not that I can blame her. I understand her anger. I was a complete prat. But I felt like we turned a corner yesterday when she finally accepted my apology.

I check the time. I agreed to go for a run with David at seven. We usually go earlier, but I cut him some slack since he’s a newlywed.

What red-blooded man wants to leave his wife so early in the morning?

I have half an hour, so I go inside, change into my running clothes, and head up to the big house to see if Alice set out any scones or muffins for us to nibble on.

I find I’m not disappointed when I reach the kitchen and see plates of both.

I’ve just taken a bite of a scone when I hear my sister behind me.

“Good morning.”

I turn and frown at Ellie, who’s currently rubbing her sleepy eyes.

“Why are you here?”

She scowls. “We lost power up at the house last night. Someone cut down a tree, and it fell over onto some powerlines. All I know is that Liam and I slept here last night.”

“Things like that don’t happen in London,” I comment and chew my scone. “I like it here.”

“Me, too,” she says. “I feel almost like a normal person here. I know we aren’t, and we still have responsibilities, but for just a little while, it’s nice to unwind.”

Exactly what I was thinking earlier.

“I’m glad I ran into you,” Ellie says and reaches for a scone. “I need to ask a huge favor.”

I frown. “Are you all right?”

“Oh, yes, I’m fine. I just need something.”

Ellie’s my baby sister. I’d do anything in the world for her. Saying yes and asking questions later is a given.

“Name it.”

She smiles but then bites her lip and looks down as if she’s nervous.

“It’s sort of a lot to ask.”

“For fuck’s sake, Eleanor, just ask already.”

She sighs heavily. “Well, aren’t you moody this morning? Liam and I, along with Sebastian and Nina, are attending a benefit dinner and auction for the hospital this weekend. Aspen’s going to be sitting at our table, and we have an extra seat. Well, I think it would be lovely if you escorted her.”

I narrow my eyes at my sister. “You’ve been warning me off her for years.”

“No, I haven’t,” she says with a frown, staring at her scone. “I simply didn’t want you playing with her emotions, that’s all. But she’s going to be at our table, and there’s an available seat. It would be lovely if you joined us.”

I lean on the counter and give it some thought. I’ve been chomping at the bit to spend time with Aspen. To get to know her better. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity to do just that.

“Aspen’s not my biggest fan, Ellie.”

“Well, I already mentioned the idea to her, and she was absolutely thrilled.”

“Now I know you’re lying.”

“Okay, thrilled might be stretching it a bit, but she didn’t hate the idea. It’ll be a fun evening, Callum. You’ve escorted countless women to functions over the years.”

I blow out a breath and check my watch. “I have to go.”

“Say you’ll do this. Please. For me. I never get to spend time with you, certainly not in a social setting.”

“Are you sure Aspen knows and is okay with it?”

“She’s perfectly fine with it,” Ellie says. “I assure you. I wouldn’t intentionally put either of you in an