Taunting Callum: A Big Sky Royal Novel (The Big Sky Series Book 7) Read online

  Taunting Callum

  A Big Sky Royal Novel

  Kristen Proby

  Ampersand Publishing, Inc.

  Contents

  Title Page

  Glossary

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Epilogue

  Newsletter Sign Up

  Also by Kristen Proby:

  About the Author

  Taunting Callum

  A Big Sky Novel

  By

  Kristen Proby

  TAUNTING CALLUM

  A Big Sky Royal Novel

  Kristen Proby

  Copyright © 2020 by Kristen Proby

  All Rights Reserved. This book may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission from the author. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. All characters and storylines are the property of the author and your support and respect are appreciated. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Cover Design: By Hang Le

  Ebook ISBN: 978-1-63350-051-9

  Published by Ampersand Publishing, Inc.

  Glossary

  Who’s who in Cunningham Falls…

  Please know this may contain spoilers for anyone new to the series. The books each couple stars in is noted next to their description.

  The King Family:

  Jeff and Nancy King – Retired owners of the Lazy K Ranch. Parents of Josh and Zack King.

  Josh King – Partner of Lazy K Ranch. Married to Cara Donovan. {Loving Cara}

  Zack King – Partner of Lazy K Ranch. Married to Jillian Sullivan (Jillian is the sister of Ty Sullivan). Parents to Seth, Miles and Sarah. {Falling for Jillian}

  Doug and Susan King – Doug is Jeff’s brother. They live mostly in Arizona, but come to Montana in the summer. Parents of Noah and Grayson.

  Noah King – Owner of Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary. Married to Fallon McCarthy, a yoga instructor and owner of Asana Yoga Studio. {Soaring With Fallon}

  Grayson King – Ski Instructor on Whitetail Ski Resort. Married to Autumn O’Dea, a Pop music sensation. {Hold On, A Crossover Novella by Samantha Young}

  The Sullivan Family:

  Ty Sullivan – Attorney. Brother of Jillian. Married to Lauren Cunningham, a bestselling author, whose great grandfather first settled Cunningham Falls. Parents to Layla. {Seducing Lauren}

  The Hull Family:

  Brad Hull – Chief of Police. Married to Hannah Malone, an OB/GYN. {Charming Hannah}

  Jenna Hull – Owner of Snow Wolf Lodge. Married to actor and superstar, Christian Wolfe. {Kissing Jenna}

  Max Hull – Self-made billionaire. Married to Willa Monroe (Sister to Jesse Anderson), owner of Dress It Up. Parents to Alex Monroe. {Waiting for Willa}

  The Henderson Family:

  Brooke Henderson – Owner of Brooke’s Blooms. Married to Brody Chabot, architect. {Tempting Brooke, a 1001 Dark Nights Novella}

  Maisey Henderson – Owner of Cake Nation. Married to Tucker McCloud, pro football player. {Nothing Without You, A Crossover Novella by Monica Murphy}

  The Royal Family:

  Prince Sebastian Wakefield – The Duke of Somerset. Married to Nina Wolfe (sister to Christian). {Enchanting Sebastian}

  Prince Frederick Wakefield – Brother to Sebastian. Married to Catherine. No book belongs to this couple, as they are already married when introduced.

  Prince Callum – Brother to Sebastian. Married to Aspen Calhoun, the new owner of Drips & Sips.

  Princess Eleanor Wakefield – Sister to Sebastian. Married to Liam Cunningham. {Enticing Liam}

  Jacob Baxter – Sebastian’s best friend. Owner of Whitetail Mountain, along with several local businesses, including the restaurant Ciao. Married to Grace Douglas.

  Liam Cunningham – Head of Montana security, and personal bodyguard to Sebastian. Cousin to Lauren Cunningham. Married to Ellie Wakefield. {Enticing Liam}

  Nick Ferguson – Personal bodyguard to Nina Wolfe.

  Miscellaneous and important characters:

  Jesse Anderson - Former Navy deep-sea diver. Married to Tara Hunter. {Worth Fighting For, A Crossover Collection Novella by Laura Kaye}

  Joslyn Meyers – Pop star. Married to Kynan McGrath. {Wicked Force, A Crossover Collection Novella by Sawyer Bennett}

  Dr. Drake Merritt – Surgeon. Married to Abigail Darwin. Both characters are best friends of Hannah Malone. {Crazy Imperfect Love, A Crossover Collection Novella by K. L. Grayson}

  Penelope (Penny) – Former teacher. Married to Trevor Wood, Drummer for the rock band, Adrenaline. {All Stars Fall, A Crossover Collection Novella by Rachel Van Dyken}

  Sam Waters – Firefighter, Liam Cunningham’s best friend.

  Prologue

  ~Aspen~

  Two Years Ago

  Maybe taking goodies over to the royal family this morning was a stupid move. I mean, I got accosted by security for my efforts and was completely embarrassed. What was I thinking? They’re royalty. They don’t need my pastries to make them feel better. They probably have people to make baked goods for them.

  But they just went through a horrible scare, with search and rescue being called in and everything, and I know how that feels. Intimately. Luckily for them, their outcome was very different from mine, but I know how exhausting it is. And the last thing you want to think about the next day is food.

  And damn it, Cunningham Falls is a small community. A tight-knit one. And we take care of each other here. At least, that’s what I’ve learned in the short time I’ve been here. And I like it.

  So, I took them a basket full of freshly baked pastries and plenty of coffee to get them all through the morning. Once I got past the guys in suits, I was in and out of there. No need to dawdle and make it even more embarrassing than it already was.

  I didn’t anticipate one of the prince’s running after me to introduce himself.

  I also didn’t figure he’d be hotter in person than he is on TV and in magazines, but holy Christ on a cracker, Callum is sexier than sin. And he asked me to dinner.

  I shake my head as I pull the portafilter out of the espresso machine and get to work giving it a good cleaning.

  The offer was flattering. And more than surprising. But come on, he’s a freaking prince. And I’m a small-town girl with enough emotional baggage to fill the cargo hold of a cruise ship.

  There’s no future in that.

  Not that he insinuated in any way, shape, or form that he wanted a future. But still.

  I’m totally overthinking this.

  Maybe he was just being kind and grateful because I brought food.

  I nod and move on to emptying a dishwasher full of coffee mugs.

  Yes, that’s it. He was being nice.

  And I’ve been overthinking it all day. I mixed up people’s drinks, forgot one altogether, and my head has been in the clouds.

  As the new owner of Drips & Sips in Cunningham Falls, Montana, I’m a professional. I need to remember what my priorities are and keep my
mind on the task at hand.

  And that is running this amazing business, not wondering about the flirtations of a member of the royal family.

  “Get it together, Aspen,” I mutter just as the bell on the door dings behind me, signaling that someone is walking in. “Sorry, we’re closed for the day.”

  I turn and stop short.

  Callum Wakefield, Prince Callum Wakefield, is standing in my café.

  “Yes, I was banking on that,” he says with a wink and flips the lock on the door before turning back to me. “How was your day?”

  “Uh, busy,” I reply and frown in confusion at the tall, sexy man as he walks closer. He’s in jeans and a green, short-sleeve, button-down shirt. He’s tanned, and his square jawline has the slightest hint of scruff.

  His brown eyes, full of humor and mischief, are on me as I soak him in.

  “What can I do for you?” I ask and set my wet rag aside. I want to fiddle with my hair—I know I look horrible after a long day of work—but I don’t.

  “You can go to dinner with me,” he says with a half-smile.

  I laugh. I can’t help myself. Am I being punked? Since when does royalty ask Aspen Calhoun out on a date?

  “Is something about that funny?” he asks.

  “Hilarious,” I confirm. “What can I really do for you? I just cleaned the espresso machine, but I can make you something if you like.”

  “I believe I’m speaking English,” he says and leans on my counter. “I’d like to have dinner with you.”

  I narrow my eyes. “No, thank you.”

  He tilts his head to the side. “Drinks?”

  “I’d rather not.”

  “I’ll buy you some coffee, then.”

  I laugh again. “I get all the coffee I want for free.”

  He nods, watching me with those intense brown eyes. “Well, why don’t I just hang out here while you close up?”

  “Where’s your security?” I ask as I turn and continue putting mugs away. “Don’t you go everywhere with them in tow?”

  “Waiting outside,” he replies, walking up beside me. “Why are you here alone?”

  “Because I like being alone,” I reply honestly. “There’s no need to pay staff to stay late. Besides, I kind of like to clean. It allows me to think.”

  He doesn’t say anything. He also doesn’t make a move to leave.

  So, I reach into a bucket and retrieve another rag, wring it out, and pass it to him.

  “Here. If you’re going to hang out, you can make yourself useful.”

  He raises a brow, but he takes the rag from me.

  “What would you like me to do with this?”

  “Wipe off tables,” I reply, gesturing toward the back of the café. “Just give them a little pass over with the rag.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  He immediately turns away and gets to work, surprising the hell out of me. I expected him to smirk and pass the rag back.

  He’s a prince.

  And he’s cleaning tables in my café.

  If it weren’t so absurd, it would be adorable.

  Maybe I hit my head earlier today, and this is all just a funny dream. I’ll have to call my friend Natasha later and tell her all about it. She’ll get a kick out of it.

  But when I turn around and find Callum standing there, watching me, it feels very real.

  “You’re not a dream, are you?”

  His lips tip up in an arrogant smile. “Well, in what context are you referring?”

  Why is his accent so damn sexy? I mean, he looks like that, and he sounds sexy, as well? Inconceivable.

  “This is the most bizarre conversation I’ve ever had. And trust me when I say I’ve had some crazy encounters. What are you doing here?”

  “I told you,” he says, setting the rag on the counter and walking around to me once more. “I want to take you to dinner. Or somewhere. I’d like to get to know you better, Aspen.”

  I lick my lips. He’s so close now, I can feel the heat of him. He would scramble the brains of any warm-blooded woman.

  But I haven’t flirted with a man in years. And I certainly haven’t entertained the idea of dating one. Or, better yet, having sex with one.

  But with Callum standing mere feet away, that’s precisely what I’m thinking.

  “You surprise me,” I admit in a soft voice.

  “How’s that?”

  “You cleaned those tables without batting an eye.”

  “I’ve cleaned far worse, I can assure you.”

  I tilt my head, watching him. I can see his pulse in his neck.

  “You’re a prince.”

  He narrows his eyes and moves in closer, not touching me but certainly crowding. He smells like mint and sunshine.

  “I’m just a man, Aspen.” His lips graze my cheek. “A man very taken with you, I might add.”

  I swallow hard. Holy shit. My breathing comes harder, and an ache sets up shop in my very core.

  I want him.

  I don’t think I’ve ever been so attracted to a man before. Not even Greg. No one.

  And if I ponder that for too long, the guilt will likely set in.

  Instead, I turn my head and brush my nose over his jawline.

  I want him to touch me. I want to feel things that have been missing from my life for years.

  Suddenly, I want it with this perfect stranger.

  “Aspen,” he whispers.

  “Yes.”

  “Tell me you don’t feel this.”

  I swallow again. “I can’t.”

  He growls as he plunges his hands into my hair and closes his lips over mine in the kiss of the century. His moves are smooth and sure. Assertive.

  That’s what Callum is: confident.

  But before the kiss goes any further, he backs up and stares down at me with intense brown eyes.

  “I can’t do what I want to you here. All of bloody Montana could look through those windows, and I won’t have you caught in a scandal.”

  “Office,” I reply immediately. With his hand in mine, I lead him through to the back of the café and my personal space there. It’s not fancy, but it’s private.

  “Brilliant,” he says as he shuts the door behind him. Once I’ve pulled the blinds on the window, he comes right for me. He frames my face with his hands as he kisses me again, deeper and harder than before. We’re a tangle of material and limbs as we hurry out of our clothes. Suddenly, he boosts me up onto my desk.

  And I can’t stop staring at his bare arm.

  It’s covered in ink from his shoulder to his mid-forearm. Right where the rolled-up sleeve of his dress shirt would end.

  “You have tattoos,” I say.

  “Several,” he agrees and smiles just before he rips a condom wrapper open with his teeth. Where he got it, I have no idea, but I’m damn grateful he has it. And then he’s moving over me, and inside me, as if he’ll die if he doesn’t fuck me right now.

  I cry out, but not in fear or pain. No, this might be the best sex of my life, and I can’t get enough.

  “So fucking beautiful,” he murmurs against my breast before tugging my nipple into his mouth, sending me over into an orgasm that would make the gods weep in gratitude. “That’s it, love. Again.”

  I shake my head, but I’ll be damned if I don’t fall over that edge again, and then once more when he presses the pad of his thumb against my clit.

  I’m a shaking, gasping mess when Callum buries his face in my neck and succumbs to his climax.

  One Year Later

  It’s been a hell of a day, and I’m ready to close up shop and go home, pour a glass of wine, and stare at the mountains from my back deck for the rest of the evening.

  Owning a business is rewarding and wonderful. It also kicks my ass on the daily.

  I’m thinking of my back deck view when the bell over the door sounds. I glance up to see my friend, Princess Ellie, walk in with her security, along with her brother, Callum and his security detail.

&
nbsp; Holy shit, Callum’s in town.

  I haven’t seen him since that day here in my café. I’ve never told a soul about what happened—even Ellie. Since she’s been living in Cunningham Falls this summer, she and I have become good friends. But she doesn’t need to know that I had a one-night stand with her brother.

  Or, more specifically, a single, late afternoon stand.

  I mean, it was just incredible, earth-shattering sex. The kind that sticks with a girl for the rest of her life, no matter what happens after the fact. And I’m content keeping it for myself.

  It’s a happy memory.

  After losing my husband and daughter so many years ago, a memory that makes me smile is exactly what I need.

  “Hey, Aspen,” Ellie says with a big grin. “I believe you’ve met my brother, Callum.”

  I’m just about to agree when he frowns and shakes his head. “No, I don’t believe we have.”

  I blink rapidly. Are you fucking kidding me?

  Just like that, my happy memory pops like a balloon.

  He was the best sex of my life. The only sex I’ve had since my husband died, and he doesn’t remember it?

  The next few minutes are a haze as Ellie and Callum place their orders and sit at one of the nearby tables. Callum faces my way, watching me work.