Page 153 of Stormswept Colorado

“Yeah? I have some things to share about that topic as well.”

Crap. Nowhelooked nervous.

I took a deep breath, smiling. “Come on. Let’s sit by the fire again.”

We took our spots on the blanket, which was still here from our picnic earlier. Teller also grabbed some of the pillows from the sofa.

When we were comfy, snuggled against one another, he asked, “Can I go first?”

“I’d rather do it. Sorry, but I need to get this out.” I’d been wanting to tell him since yesterday, maybe even before, but I’d had to hear the final word on Ruxton Records from Cheryl. “I’ve decided I’m staying here in Silver Ridge.”

Teller was quiet for a few long moments. “What do you mean by that?”

Wasn’t it obvious? “I mean, I want to be with you. All the time. Nothing can replace what I’ve found here with you. And tohave Maisie close as well, the rest of the O’Neals… It just makes sense.”

I had all the money I needed. I could keep making music in Silver Ridge. No matter what, even if I had never signed my first record deal and had my big break, I would still be making music somewhere.

Why not here, with the man I loved?

“Putting out hits doesn’t matter to me,” I said. “Chasing fame, trying to stay relevant, stay on top. Itdoesn’t matter. Not anymore. My house in Malibu is nice, but I was pretty much alone there. And the travel? Most of the time, it sucked. Touring is so exhausting.”

“You want to give up your career,” he said in a monotone. “Forme.”

“Not give it up. Just take a long break from releasing new albums or touring. A semi-retirement. So I can be with you.” My voice cracked. “A few days ago, I looked down the barrel of a gun.”

“I know,” he murmured.

“I imagined all the things I’d never get to have. The things I cared most about were all here in Silver Ridge. I just want to be with you.”

I rested my hand over Teller’s heart. Felt it beating fast under my palm. His pale-green gaze looked steadily into mine.

“No,” he said.

“No?” Panic shot through me. “No to what?”

“No, you are not giving up your career.”

“You claimed once that you couldn’t say no to me.”

“I say no to you all the time.”

I huffed a laugh, eyes burning with tears. Happy or sad, I hadn’t decided yet. “Teller, I’m serious.”

“And I told you, never make yourself small. Especially not for me.”

“Then how do we make this work? How?—”

“I’m stepping down as chief of police.”

My breath left my lungs. “You what?”

“I’m stepping down. There will be a period of transition, but after that, I won’t be Chief Landry anymore.” He picked up my hand and kissed my fingertips. “I’ll just be yours.”

“But you can’t.” I was too shocked to form a more eloquent sentence. “The town needs you.”

“I’ve already done it. I talked it through with Susan Nichols and with Mayor Barker. I’ve recommended that Susan take my place. She’ll be great. It’s pretty much a done deal. I’ll still be on the force when I’m in town, available to help out, but with a flexible schedule. That way I can travel with you. Assuming you’ll have me along for the ride.”

“Travel with me?” Was this happening?

---