Page 29 of Shielded Hearts

Actually, Colt filled her like nobody ever had. The dark sensation of him moving inside her made her clench her thighs.

“Coffee.” She couldn’t seem to string any other words on to that one.

He wasn’t capable of speaking at all and only pointed at a small coffee bar set up on one side of the kitchen.

She hurried to it and selected a distinctive pale gray hand-thrown pottery mug from the wood shelf. “Is this pottery by Kissick in Seattle?”

“I have no idea. Willow bought it in town. I just gave her my credit card and told her to knock herself out.”

Aspen flipped over the mug and inspected the maker’s mark on the bottom. With a nod and a smile, she turned the mug over again and filled it with the rich, dark brew.

She carried the warm drink to the wood table that was artistic in its sheer minimalism. If his sister Willow really decorated this cabin, she had an amazing talent.

“It is Kissick pottery, if you wondered.”

He grunted and began pulling items out of the refrigerator. She sat sipping her coffee and watching him. The bacon, she expected. Three different varieties of fresh berries surprised her.

“What do you usually have for breakfast besides granola bars from my glove compartment?” He asked with a look over his shoulder.

“Anything is fine. I’m not picky.”

He shot her a sidelong glance that told her he believed otherwise, but set to work laying strips of bacon in a pan. Then while the bacon sizzled, he tossed a handful of each type of berry into a bowl, drizzled it with honey and gave them a toss.

“Colt.”

“Hm?”

“Thank you for bringing me to your cabin. If you would consider letting me add it to my portfolio, I’d love to.”

“I figured as much. And I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t mean it.” He wore worn jeans and a black T-shirt with the Black Heart Ranch logo across the chest, his feet were bare. He offered a delectable view as she sipped her coffee.

He strode to the big refrigerator and rummaged in a bottom drawer. He came out with a package, which he set on the counter and used a knife to open.

She had to be the first to broach the topic more concretely. “If you agree to the terms, I start by inviting a professional photographer in. There’s also a contract.”

“I don’t want personal stuff on this. No names. No personal photos.”

“Of course not. We’ll make it very discreet.”

As he pulled out a small pan and sprayed it with nonstick spray, she eyed him. “What are you making?”

“Crepes. Willow made a big batch and froze them for me last time she was here.”

“And you just…reheat them?”

“Yes. It will surprise you. Give them a chance.”

“Since you’re giving me one, and doing me a huge favor by providing access to such a special place, I will give your frozen crepes a chance.”

“Willow came up with the technique and it always works.” He peeled a layer of parchment paper off the top and popped the confection into the warming skillet.

She stopped with her mug halfway to her lips, stunned by how gorgeous this man was. And ohhh, her body remembered all too well how he felt pressing her down.

“You said you became a travel ag—I meanconciergeafter traveling with your friend. Was that her business too?”

A sudden lump rose in her throat, making it impossible to drink. She set the mug carefully on the table. “It’s really important that these travel experiences are perfect for people.”

The uneven tone of her voice made him throw a look at her. “Aspen?”