Page 61 of Billionaire Devil

We took a shower in the luxury suite. Colton fed me delicious food from the platter that had been prepared for us and we drank more champagne.

The flight was smooth and I was thankful for that. Or maybe I didn’t notice the bumps because Colton and I were making our own turbulence. The landing was slightly terrifying, but by then I was too satiated and content to worry about it.

Another limo picked us up at the airport and brought us into Aspen. Which is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. The golden leaves of the silver birch trees have mostly fallen now and an early snowfall looks like diamond dust has been sprinkled into it. Everything glimmers.

The village is quaint in a way that’s rustic but screams extreme wealth.

Since it’s much colder here than it was in Nashville, Colton insists on stopping in one of the village’s shops, where he buys me a brand new to-die-for long suede coat. And since he insisted I can’t wear my cowgirl boots in the snow, he bought me another pair that matches my new coat. They didn’t even have price tags.

I’ll never get used to the luxury—which is a good thing, because Ican’tget used to the luxury. Once Sunday rolls around, it’s back to studio apartments and ramen noodles for me.

Our condo in Aspen is the most spectacular yet. He carries me over the threshold.

I’ve noticed it’s a thing with him. He always carries me when we’re entering any new accommodation we happen to be staying in. “Why do you carry me?”

I think he’s gotten even more handsome since we spent an incredibly connective four hours in bed on the flight.He looks like he’s mine.His hair is slightly messed up and he looks healthy. Full of vigor and vitality. His color is high across his cheekbones and the bridge of his nose, like he’s been out in the sunny fresh air all day. His eyes are vividly azure. “I’m superstitious.”

I laugh. “About what?”

He just smiles and sets me down on my feet. “You, Sunshine.”

“This place is incredible.”

The condo is a swanky log cabin style that could be straight off the set of Yellowstone.

Mountains rise in the distance outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. The white ski trails are clearly visible. Dusk has painted the sky pink and, along the ridge, a deep lavender.

Wide wooden beams criss-cross along the vaulted ceilings and there’s a massive stone fireplace. A fire crackles cheerfully.

Two men dressed in uniforms deliver our bags to the bedroom. One of them offers to take my coat. The otherhands us menus from the resort’s restaurant and asks us if we’d like a drink.

“Just some water, please,” I say. I feel like I’ve run a marathon this afternoon.

Colton glances through the menu. “Two filet mignons, a bottle of your best Bordeaux and anything else Miss Bailey wants,” he tells the waiter.

“Filet mignon sounds perfect.”

As soon as the waiters leave, Colton’s phone rings. He’s ignored a lot of calls during this trip and so have I. We’ve barely been able to placate our respective friends and family by sending a lot ofeverything’s fine, I’ll call you as soon as I get a chance!texts.

“I better take this one,” he says. “It’s Noah and I’ve missed at least twenty calls from him.”

“Of course. You should talk to him. I’m going to go check my messages too.”

“Noah.” Colton opens the sliding doors and walks out onto the balcony, but I can still hear their conversation. I go into the bedroom to give them some privacy, but they have loud voices.

“You’re in Colorado now?” Noah asks him.

“Still tracking me, huh? Yeah, I’m in Aspen.”

“I had to talk Alexander out of coming to get you. He’s worried you’re losing your mind.”

“Why, because I’m taking a vacation for once in my life? Yeah, that’s real lunatic behavior.”

“It’s more about the way you just randomly took off likethat. And then refusing to take everyone’s calls for days on end. You’re not cracking up, are you, brother?” There’s genuine concern in Noah’s voice.

“I guess it depends on how you define cracking up,” Colton drawls.

“So,” Noah eases into it. “Sloane told us about the—direct quote—‘cute, gorgeous AF and incredibly talented’ friend of hers you offered to drive to L.A. because you have meetings out there. I think we all know there’s no business in California that requires urgent meetings. We work for the same company, in case you’ve forgotten.”

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