Taunting Callum (Big Sky Royal 3)

Right now, everything is shut down between seasons.

About a mile before the actual resort, Callum turns onto a road that takes us in the opposite direction, toward the other side of the mountain, and then through a gated driveway, staffed by security.

“This feels like a lot of security for us,” I say with a frown as I take in the number of people milling around the gate. “Did Ellie turn this into a huge party? Because I’m only dressed for the small, informal shindig she told me it was yesterday.”

“It’s just the family,” Callum replies. “I believe Liam invited his friend Sam, and Ellie invited Natasha and Monica. Aside from that, it’s just us .”

“Good.” I sit back in the seat in relief. I’m in my work clothes, with my hair barely tamed in a long braid down my back and not even a speck of makeup. This was supposed to be a chance to get together with friends, enjoy Ellie’s new home, and relax for the evening.

Just what the doctor ordered.

“Maybe Liam’s men are training the whole team right now or something, getting ready to take shifts. It just feels like a lot of security.”

“Hmm,” is all he says as he parks in front of the beautiful, brand-new home. When Ellie found it late last year, it was already half-built and owned by the contractor. She took one look at the view of the lake and the house itself and knew she had to have it. And it was early enough that they could customize pretty much everything.

“I hope Natasha made her famous margaritas,” I say as David opens my door. “Hi, David.”

“Miss,” he says with a nod. “I trust you had a pleasant day?”

David’s always so formal. I guess that’s his job. “It was pleasant enough, thank you. And you?”

He flashes me a smile that reaches his eyes. David likes me. “Quite, thank you.”

“How’s Alice?”

His eyes warm more at the mention of his wife’s name.

“She’s well and resting this evening after cooking most of the day for tonight’s party.”

“Oh, I’m sure we could have had it catered.”

“My wife would be absolutely mad if someone suggested such a thing. She’s just fine with her feet up now.”

“Well, please tell her hello for me.”

“It will be my pleasure.”

Callum takes my hand, kisses my knuckles, and escorts me to the entrance of the house. I stop short so I can take it all in.

Nestled in tall evergreen trees, the house faces the lake that’s a few hundred feet below, and the small mountains on the other side. The neighbors aren’t too far away, but I can’t see them through the trees.

The house is a craftsman style with a bit of a rustic look to fit in with mountain living. It’s big, but not nearly as grand as Sebastian and Nina’s place.

“I can’t wait to see what they’ve done on the inside,” I say as I start walking again. “The last time Ellie walked me through, it was just drywall and subflooring. She hasn’t let me see anything.”

“She wanted everything to be just so before she unveiled it,” Callum replies. “And I can’t blame her. It’s her first home.”

“That’s sweet.”

We walk through the doors and see that the main level is open concept so we can see through to the floor-to-ceiling windows that show off the incredible view. The living room has vaulted ceilings and is open to the massive black and white kitchen. The fixtures are nickel and industrial. Everything is modern, mixing feminine and masculine elements perfectly, just like Ellie and Liam.

“You’re here,” Ellie says with a huge smile as she hurries over to give me a hug.

“It looks like we’re the last to arrive,” I reply, looking around the room. I see Liam, Sam, and Sebastian are out on the balcony talking, Liam pointing at something. Natasha and Monica are mixing margaritas, God bless them.

And Nina is sitting in the living room with—

“Oh, God.”

I stumble back a step, sure I must be seeing things. I want to run away. Hide. Get the hell out of here.

But before I can do anything at all, Callum pulls me forward.

“Aspen, it’s my honor to introduce you to my parents.”

Oh, God.

I’m blinking rapidly. Despite having met them briefly at Ellie’s wedding, I have no recollection at all of the protocol here, or what I’m supposed to say.

“Aspen,” the queen says with a nod.

“Nice to meet you.” I hold out my hand to shake and see Nina’s eyes go wide.

I’m doing everything wrong.

“Your Majesty.” I try again. Ellie hurries behind her parents and quickly shows me how to curtsy. I quickly mimic her, botching it completely, and then simply give up and hang my head in my hands. “I’m so sorry. I just left work, I look awful, and no one warned me. This is what you get from a girl from foster care.”