Taunting Callum (Big Sky Royal 3)

“Good morning.”

I turn and frown at Ellie, who’s currently rubbing her sleepy eyes.

“Why are you here?”

She scowls. “We lost power up at the house last night. Someone cut down a tree, and it fell over onto some powerlines. All I know is that Liam and I slept here last night.”

“Things like that don’t happen in London,” I comment and chew my scone. “I like it here.”

“Me, too,” she says. “I feel almost like a normal person here. I know we aren’t, and we still have responsibilities, but for just a little while, it’s nice to unwind.”

Exactly what I was thinking earlier.

“I’m glad I ran into you,” Ellie says and reaches for a scone. “I need to ask a huge favor.”

I frown. “Are you all right?”

“Oh, yes, I’m fine. I just need something.”

Ellie’s my baby sister. I’d do anything in the world for her. Saying yes and asking questions later is a given.

“Name it.”

She smiles but then bites her lip and looks down as if she’s nervous.

“It’s sort of a lot to ask.”

“For fuck’s sake, Eleanor, just ask already.”

She sighs heavily. “Well, aren’t you moody this morning? Liam and I, along with Sebastian and Nina, are attending a benefit dinner and auction for the hospital this weekend. Aspen’s going to be sitting at our table, and we have an extra seat. Well, I think it would be lovely if you escorted her.”

I narrow my eyes at my sister. “You’ve been warning me off her for years.”

“No, I haven’t,” she says with a frown, staring at her scone. “I simply didn’t want you playing with her emotions, that’s all. But she’s going to be at our table, and there’s an available seat. It would be lovely if you joined us.”

I lean on the counter and give it some thought. I’ve been chomping at the bit to spend time with Aspen. To get to know her better. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity to do just that.

“Aspen’s not my biggest fan, Ellie.”

“Well, I already mentioned the idea to her, and she was absolutely thrilled.”

“Now I know you’re lying.”

“Okay, thrilled might be stretching it a bit, but she didn’t hate the idea. It’ll be a fun evening, Callum. You’ve escorted countless women to functions over the years.”

I blow out a breath and check my watch. “I have to go.”

“Say you’ll do this. Please. For me. I never get to spend time with you, certainly not in a social setting.”

“Are you sure Aspen knows and is okay with it?”

“She’s perfectly fine with it,” Ellie says. “I assure you. I wouldn’t intentionally put either of you in an uncomfortable situation.”

I shrug, nod, and wave at my sister as I hurry out to meet David on the veranda. He’s already stretching.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” he says. He starts every day the same way, no matter how many times I tell him to call me Callum.

“Good morning,” I reply as I set my watch for an outdoor run. “Ten today?”

“Only ten miles?” David asks with a wink. “I thought for sure you’d want to go fifteen today after the long flight the other day and not much exercise since then.”

Just the thought of ten miles has me exhausted.

Or maybe that’s just the lack of sleep. And now that I know I’ll be escorting Aspen to a function, I’ll get even less rest.

Blast it.

“Is everything all right?” David asks.

“Fine,” I say with a curt nod. “Let’s do this.”* * *“What’s wrong with you,” Sebastian asks. It’s been a long day. After my run, I had business to see to until my brother rang me and invited me up to Whitetail Mountain to see our friend, Jacob, who owns the resort here. I’ve largely ignored the two men as I sipped my stout and admired the view of the valley below, wondering what Aspen is up to down there.

“I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”

Sebastian and Jacob share a glance.

“You haven’t said two words since you got here,” Jacob says. “You’re not typically a man of few words.”

I rub my hand over my face and gesture for the bartender to bring me another pint. The pub is quiet this evening, so there aren’t any prying eyes or cameras pointed our way. I would typically enjoy some quiet time with my brother and Jacob, a few beers and some laughs.

“Perhaps I’m still suffering from jet lag.”

“Bollocks,” Sebastian says. “You shake jet lag off faster than anyone I know. You went for a run this morning.”

I shrug. “How’s your wife?” I ask Jacob, trying to change the subject.

“Grace is perfect in every way imaginable,” my friend replies with a sly smile. “Thank you for asking. Now, back to you.”

I shake my head. “There’s nothing to say.”

I’m not looking their way. Instead, I stare straight ahead at the wall of liquor bottles and a mirror where I can see our reflections.