Jumped by Colette Auclair

studied her, squinting. “Turn, please,” he said, miming a circle with one hand. She obliged. “Very nice. I have nothing to add.”
    â€œWow,” Beth said. “I must look great.”
    â€œYou do.” He smiled and raised his eyebrows. “Finn’s a goner.”
    â€œI didn’t—”
    He cut her off. “Yes, you did, at least a little. You thought about what he’d think. And he will rue the day he divorced you. The cad is going to be miserable tonight, as all sorts of fantasies run through his head and he can’t do a thing about any of them.”
    â€œI don’t care what he thinks.”
    â€œWhatever you say, princess.” His face, always quick to smirk, was sober. He met Beth’s eyes with his astounding light-blue ones. “You’re going to be fine. You’re better off without him.”
    â€œWell, duh . I know that.”
    â€œHave fun tonight . . .”
    â€œI will. I appreciate the pep talks, but you don’t need to.”
    Harris, undaunted, added, “I know you’re fine. But sometimes a girl needs a little support, and I’m not talking push-up.”
    Beth smiled and then laughed. “Harris, you’re Victoria’s Secret for my emotions.”
    â€œJust one of my many talents—but I prefer Agent Provocateur,” he said, and resumed arranging the flowers.

    Finn fingered a tie he had draped over one of the hotel hangers, and then let it go. Too formal. He’d go tieless. A good white shirt, jeans, and a black jacket. Good enough. He palmed some product and ran his fingers through his damp hair. Best to look cosmopolitan with this crowd. He’d try to look like he belonged, play the game, and spend time with Bethany.
    He drove his Audi from the Hotel Jerome. As he approached Aspen Creek, a dull ache took root just behind his eyes. The driveway was a long affair, a snaking thing that led steadily uphill to the house. When he saw the house, his headache cleared. Beautiful structures could do that.
    It was one of the best log homes Finn had ever seen, and since moving to the area, he had seen a few. He had never designed or built one—yet—and they intrigued him. He knew it would be large, but he didn’t expect it to be so elegant. The exposed logs were the color of honey tinged with amber and somehow made the house look simultaneously cozy, rustic, and sophisticated. The roofline held a series of gables that echoed the Rockies. The windows were large, and he could imagine how inviting the house must look at night when golden light spilled out of them. With snow to reflect the light and add contrast, it would be spectacular. The proportions were impressively balanced. Whoever designed it knew their stuff. He itched to see the inside.
    Guests were to take the path to the back patio, where the cocktail party was hitting its stride. Lanterns lit the route, and although Finn wanted to go through the house, he figured he could get a tour later. He mounted the patio stairs and scanned the gathering, telling himself he was on the lookout for Kristen although he was really searching for Bethany. The large patio held comfortable furniture arranged in conversation clusters. There was a pool long enough to swim laps and an outdoor kitchen made of the same red native Colorado stone as the flagstones.
    Finn found Bethany and stopped just to stare for a moment. She stood in profile, talking and holding a drink. She wore this sexy little black dress that showed off her legs, which deserved to be seen and seen often. She looked great. She turned her head away from him and her hair blanketed her back. It was nothing short of alluring.
    He tugged the lapels of his jacket and walked over to greet Amanda. As he hugged his hostess, he noticed Kristen out of the corner of his eye. She was talking to a man and laughing almost constantly. Maybe she’d found a new target and he’d be off the hook.