Free Winter Kisses by A.C. Arthur Page A

Alexander Bennett. You know, the big cell phone and Galerite computer chip mogul. The room at the hotel is in both their names. Cozy, huh?”
    He never ceased to amaze Yates. How a man of his limited intelligence knew about such things as the Galerite computer chip and the company that had introduced and patented the multimillion-dollar computer upgrade ten years ago, he didn’t know. But the one thing he was right about was that this information was worth twenty-five thousand.
    â€œI want you on a plane before day’s end. Follow them and report to me daily.”
    He smiled. “And?”
    Yates was already reaching for his cell phone. “I’ll transfer the money to your account now.”
    â€œNo problem, boss.”

Chapter 9
    Aspen
    â€œA ny news from the outside world?” Monica asked as she walked into the kitchen the next morning.
    Alex had awakened first and headed to the bathroom before they could have another confrontation. One in which he most likely would have grabbed her by the shoulders in an attempt to shake some sense into her. The warm water had done wonders to calm most of the temper he’d harbored through the night hours. But he was still sore at the way she planned to dismiss what they’d done.
    As he’d dressed, Alex had calmed even more. He’d decided he’d deal with Ms. Lakefield the same way he dealt with business deals. He’d take his time, map out his course of action, make note of all the weak spots,then move in for the kill. Or he could just let her have her way and move on.
    Looking at her now, dressed in black slacks, patent-leather high heels and a gray sweater, Alex realized what he’d been trying to deny since the first time he’d met Monica—he cared about her. It was a swift connection from the very beginning, from the first chilly word she’d spoken to him and the spark of passion he’d seen in her eyes as she did. Everything from her cool exterior to her controlling personality and overprotective stance toward her sisters, ending with the vulnerability he saw the moment she realized they were trapped in the cabin. All of this made for one complicated package—one beautifully desirable, complicated package that tempted him sorely.
    No, he wouldn’t let Monica have her way. She wasn’t walking away from him or what was brewing between them. Not if he had anything to say about it.
    He shrugged in response to her question. “I guess no news is good news.”
    She moved past him, he guessed heading toward the freshly brewed coffee on the counter. “Good news would be that the phones are working and we can get another room today.”
    â€œYou could at least fake it, you know.”
    â€œFake what?” she asked as she filled a mug with coffee.
    â€œAct like you’re okay sharing this cabin with me. Pretend that this is a lovely winter getaway and relax enough to enjoy yourself.”
    She added only sugar to her coffee, then brought the cup of steaming liquid to her lips and took a slow sip.“That wouldn’t be realistic,” she said, quietly bringing the cup down from her mouth.
    â€œAnd realistic is running away from anything that’s not on your agenda?”
    â€œI don’t have an agenda.”
    â€œYour whole life’s been an agenda, Monica. Go to school, check. Get good grades, check. Go to college, check. Work at the gallery, check, check,” he said, trying valiantly not to sound as angry as he felt.
    â€œYou don’t know me,” she said with a seething look.
    He leaned back against the counter, folding his arms over his chest. “I know what I see. If there’s something different you’d like me to draw my opinions from, than by all means please enlighten me.”
    She was clenching the coffee mug with both hands now, her fingers pressing so tight her knuckles were almost white. But that was the only signal that she was