blue, though there are darkening clouds to
the west. All around us in the distance loom the Rockies, the highest peak
directly ahead. They’re lush and green, and the highest are capped with
snow and look like a child’s drawing of mountains.
We’re in the winter playground of the rich and famous. And I own a house
here. I can barely believe it. And from deep within my psyche, the familiar
unease that’s always present when I try to wrap my head around Christian’s
wealth looms and taunts me, making me feel guilty. What ha一ve I done to
deserve this lifestyle . . . ? I’ve done nothing; nothing, except fall in love.
“Ha一ve you been to Aspen before, Ana?” Ethan turns and asks dragging me
out of my reverie.
“No, first time. You?”
“Kate and I used to come here a lot when we were teens. Dad’s a keen
skier. Mom less so.”
“I’m hoping my husband will teach me how to ski.” I glance up at my man.
“Don’t bet on it,” Christian mutters.
“I won’t be that bad!”
“You might break your neck.” His grin gone.
Oh. I don’t want to argue and sour his good mood, so I change the subject.
“How long ha一ve you had this place?”
“Nearly two years. It’s yours now, too, Mrs. Grey,” he says softly.
“I know,” I whisper. But somehow I don’t feel the courage of my convictions.
Leaning up, I kiss his jaw and nestle once more at his side listening to him
laugh and joke with Ethan and Elliot. Mia chimes in occasionally, but Kate is
quiet, and I wonder if she’s brooding about Jack Hyde—or something else.
Then I remember. Aspen . . . Christian’s house here was redesigned—or
rebuilt, I can’t remember which—by Gia Matteo. I wonder if that’s what’s
preoccupying Kate. I can’t ask her in front of Elliot, given his history with Gia.
Does Kate even know about Gia’s connection to the house? I frown
wondering 256 | P a g e
E L JAMES
what could be bothering her and resolve to ask her when we’re on our own.
We drive through the center of Aspen and my mood brightens as I take in the
town. There are squat buildings of mostl
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