Page 22 of Shielded Hearts

“Yup. Private.”

She blinked at him.

“I know a guy.”

Ten minutes later, they were parked and had their luggage in hand. Colt ushered her across the tarmac to a private jet. This couldn’t be happening. He had connections? Why hadn’t he told her that in the first place?

As they approached the aircraft, the pilot nodded at them in greeting. “Colt.”

“Ashford.”

“Make yourselves comfortable. We’ll be taking off for California in a few minutes.”

Aspen spun on Colt. “California?”

“Yup.”

“Are you trying to dump me?”

His lips usually just twitched, but this time both sides eased upward into a real smile. “Nope.”

“Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

Chapter Five

“Oh. My. God.” The princess stared at the cabin on the lake. Her mouth open. “How doyouknow about a place likethis?”

Colt gave her a flat look. “I flew you here on a private jet. I told you I have connections. Come on.” He climbed out of the car that had been waiting when they landed for their use and collected both of their bags from the trunk.

Aspen stood next to the vehicle, gazing at the house. Knowing her level of expectations, he could only guess at what she thought of his cabin.

He moved up beside her.

“How did you manage to get a house on Lake Tahoe on such short notice?”

He looked down at her. He wasn’t one to make up stories, but he wasn’t the type to brag either. So he just stared at her until understanding dawned on her.

She blinked rapidly and spun back to the two-story log-sided cabin nestled between old-growth pines. The cabin had started as an A-frame and he’d built out on both sides and added a wraparound porch so he could see the lake from many angles.

She whipped back around. “Youownthis place, don’t you?”

He gave her a single nod.

“That wasyourprivate jet!”

He shrugged. “My family’s.”

“Colt, I never would have guessed, and Iknowwealthy people. They’re not good at concealing it. They drive…”

“Old trucks with dusty seats?”

She snapped her mouth shut, a reaction which made him want to laugh.

“Let’s go in. It’s been a long day, and I’m ready for a drink.”

When they entered, Aspen drew in a breath and drifted to the expansive window. He dropped the bags and came up behind her. In the glass, he saw their reflections. He was a head taller than her, but he only took notice of that for a heartbeat because he was too busy watching her react to the view.

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