TONY: Slow Burn (Raging Fire Book 1) by Kallypso Masters (the false prince TXT) 📕

me thinking that I’m nowhere near deciding whether I want to have a husband or a family of my own someday. Until the wedding, I’d been content with life as it had been going. But since my parents retired, I’ve focused almost exclusively on one thing—running the resort with Sandro. I haven’t dated much in the past couple of years.” She couldn’t really count her times with Tony as dates. Her thoughts turned to that intoxicating kiss she’d shared with Tony last month and heat flooded her face.

She cleared her throat. “Recently, though, I made the decision to take some time away from work and family. I need to think about what I want out of life. I’ll be twenty-nine this coming January. Maybe some of my restlessness is related to my biological clock ticking.” Saying the words out loud certainly made the reality hit home for her.

“I have no clue.”

“You should check out the local scene,” Karla insisted. “The perfect guy might be right under your nose.”

“It’s important to make a definite plan in order to affect change,” Savannah pointed out.

“Where do single women in Aspen go to meet guys?” Angelina asked.

Your brother Tony has been on my radar, but I’m not going there.

But she’d always been attracted to serious, sophisticated men. Tony didn’t fit the image of her ideal man.

“I’d say the ski resorts, but I’m not going to date our guests.” Carm laughed, but realized she had no idea where to meet anyone new. Should she commit to pursuing Tony? They had hit it off when they were together. “Actually, there is someone. I’ll ask him out on a date next time I see him.” That would be Sunday at Angelina’s birthday party. Was she ready to try again?

“That sounds like a perfect plan,” Cassie said. “Now, why don’t we get into the tub and let the universe help put our intentions into actions?” The women lined up at the steps. “As you step into the water, imagine yourself awash in the characteristics you wish to take on. Healthy body image, creativity, attentiveness, new opportunities and relationships—and ultimately balance in each of our lives.”

Carm waited until someone else made the first move. A brisk breeze hit her full-frontal, and her nipples bunched at the cold. It had gotten a lot colder since she arrived a few hours ago. Of course, she was wearing a lot less, too.

Angelina got into the eight-person hot tub first and one by one, the other ladies followed.

Cassie continued her calm, encouraging words. “Whatever you plan to nurture within yourself when we go our separate ways tomorrow morning, envision yourself doing it already.”

Carm grew serious as she tried to picture herself dating someone, but only Tony’s image came to mind.

As she eased herself into the hot, bubbling water, she ran several affirmations through her head.

I will make myself available.

I will nurture my sensual self.

I will find someone who will fall in love with me.

As she seated herself across from Karla and Savannah, that last thought gave her pause. She’d never been in love before and wasn’t quite sure that was attainable—certainly not in the next few years. As the jets were turned on and pressurized water pushed against her upper back, she wondered if she should amend that last statement to something within her control.

I will allow myself to fall in love.

Yes. That was more realistic. If he also came to love her, great. And if in a couple of years they chose to marry, that would be the icing on the cake.

Cassie was the last to join them, but let each woman remain lost in her own thoughts for a long while. Carm envied the other women who had their spouses and more settled lives. All had men who adored and cherished them. What would it be like to have a relationship like that? Coming home to someone who lavished them with love and attention.

That’s a rather selfish view of a relationship, Carm. Maybe she needed to think less of herself and more about whatever her future man would need or want.

Or maybe she needed to find a dog or cat for companionship.

Giving up already?

Looking up at the star-filled sky, she leaned her head back against the wall of the tub, further committing to making this goal a reality. They say there’s someone out there for everyone. Perhaps she needed to step out of her comfort zone and test the waters.

Cool bursts of air swept over her shoulders, face, and the tops of her breasts. Each breeze felt like a call to action.

Universe, I’m ready to take charge of my love life. But you can help by putting eligible men in my path.

Visions of Tony once again flitted through her mind’s eye, catching her off guard. Shouldn’t she be thinking of having someone like Nick in her life? No, he was a hotel guest. Off-limits.

A vehicle door slammed shut, and Carm opened her eyes. “Were you expecting someone, Angelina?”

Angelina’s brows furrowed. “No. Let me go see who it is.” She stood and started for the steps. “Mio Dio, it’s cold out here.”

“Be careful on the deck in case it is slippery,” Cassie cautioned.

“Maybe we ought to get out, too.” Carm felt a responsibility to help protect Angelina, not that any of them were armed or even clothed at the moment.

“Good idea,” Karla said.

But would an intruder up to no good make his presence known by slamming a car door?

Chapter Seventeen

Tony glanced up at his sister’s sprawling log home as he exited his truck. There were no lights on anywhere that he could see. Had Angelina gone to bed already? He started toward the porch.

Tony hadn’t planned to check on her, but Marc was in Colorado Springs until Saturday night and Tony had decided to make sure she was okay. Angelina didn’t relish being alone in the woods after living her entire life in town, although with Marc’s twenty-four-hour schedule a couple times a week, she was trying her best to