Page 52 of Smokey's Distraction
“He’s here with me, isn’t he?” Mark said as he walked into the kitchen.
Heat spread across her cheeks. Turning away, she started for the bedroom.
“I’ve been working with Mark for the last few months,” Gage said. “You’ve got a nice place.”
Ashley looked over her shoulder. “It’s not mine. The company I work for owns it. I’m only here for a few months.”
“Then where are you going?”
“Back to Denver.” There was something vaguely familiar about him, but she couldn’t place what it was. “Have you ever lived in Denver?”
A slight pause and then he replied, “No. Why?”
“You look familiar.”
“I get that a lot. I guess I have one of those faces.” Gage guffawed.
Figures Mark would have an oddball like him for an assistant. Thanks a lot, Zach.Ashley waved toward the kitchen. “I have cans of pop and bottles of water in the fridge. Feel free to help yourselves.”
Mark grunted.
Gage gave her a wide smile. “Thanks, Ashley. Appreciate it.”
* * *
Ashley finally hadher bike on the rack mounted to her car. Hard rock played on the radio, and a cool breeze rushed through the open windows as she sped toward the riding trails she’d read about before coming to Pinewood Springs. The area was about thirty miles away, and she hoped there wouldn’t be a lot of cyclists on the trails, craving only the quiet comfort of nature. Ever since she’d arrived in Pinewood Springs, her well-ordered life had been thrown off-kilter, and the reason for that was Smokey.Ashley hissed.Mr. Sexy is proving to be an enormous complication in my life.
The cell phone ringing interrupted her thoughts. Lifting the phone from the cup holder, a wide smile spread across her face.
“Nicole. How’s it going?”
“Pretty good. What’re you up to?”
Ashley turned the volume down on the radio. “I’m headed to Pinewood Canyon. I read there’s an awesome trail that leads up to a waterfall.”
“Sounds like fun. Are you riding solo?”
“Yeah. I miss you and Danielle.”
“We miss you too. We can’t wait until you’re back home. I’ve got a surprise for you—I’m coming to Pinewood Springs tomorrow! I—”
“No way! Are you joking?” A rush of excitement shot through her.
Nicole laughed. “Calm down.”
“I’ve been doing nothing but working since I got here. I can’t believe you’re going to be here. Is Danielle coming too?”
“No. I’m headed to Steamboat Springs. My cousin’s insisting I help her pick out stuff for her wedding and try on possible bridesmaid dresses.”
“Mariah?”
“Yes. The whole Breton clan lives in Denver, but Mariah wants everyone to trek up to Steamboat Springs for her wedding. I mean, we have older aunts and uncles, and Mariah’s grandmother—my Aunt Marge—is over eighty. The whole thing is ridiculous, but what can I do?”
“Nothing. You two are like sisters.”
“The only good thing about it is, I get to see you on the way up and back down,” Nicole said.
“You know how long our talking fests last, so you’ll have to spend the night. It’ll be too dark for you to drive around those mountain roads, and I have plenty of room.”
