Page 60 of Stormswept Colorado

[kissing face emoji]

Fuck me, now she had me sending emojis to make her smile. I’d never before been an emoji guy. But it was worth it for that kissing emoji she sent back. My inner caveman was very happy about the fact she thought I’d win that contest.

What was happening to me? Seriously?

It had been a good morning so far. I’d slept well. My room had been quiet, and Ilikedquiet.

But I also liked Ayla’s laugh. And the cute snuffling sounds she had made while she was asleep in the car yesterday.

I craved seeing her again. Usually I was focused on family, on work, on Silver Ridge. Rarely on selfish needs.

Ayla made me want to be so fucking selfish.

She would also be leaving Colorado the day after tomorrow. This was beyond hopeless. It would be a lot smarter of me to forget this flirtation or infatuation orwhateverright now. But that wasn’t going to happen.

If this was stupid, then maybe being smart was overrated.

How was the girls-only brunch?

Festive and fabulous. Maisie and Emma’s little sister were princesses holding court. Nails and hair for everyone except Emma are finished. Mom and stepmom have only cried three times, but luckily, they haven’t done their mascara yet.

I bet you look pretty.

[blushing face emoji]

When can I see you today?

Turn around.

I glanced over my shoulder and saw a flash of pale blond, just visible beyond the doorway between the tavern and the lobby. My pulse accelerated. “Ollie, can you stay here with Uncle Callum for a bit? I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.” Ollie looked like he was contemplating a jail break.

I got up and clapped a hand on Callum’s shoulder. “Cal, make sure Ollie doesn’t go anywhere? I’ll be back in a couple minutes.”

He up-nodded. “I got ’im.”

“Thanks.”

I stuck my hands in my jeans pockets and made my way toward the lobby. Didn’t see her at first when I strolled around reception, but then I spotted a small figure waiting in a quiet side hallway.

“Hi there.” Ayla wore a simple pair of gray sweatpants and a loose shirt, yet somehow she made it look like designer fashion. Her hair fell in soft, styled curls around her shoulders, begging for me to run my hands through it. Light makeup highlighted her features.

“See? I knew you looked pretty.”

Smiling, she ran a finger down the row of buttons on my chest. “You’re wearing a Henley today? That’s just unfair.”

“This shirt’s called a Henley?”

She laughed.

“Why is that unfair?” I asked.

“Because it makes your pecs look huge. Drives the girls crazy. I don’t think you have a clue how attractive you are, Chief Landry. I might get jealous.”

I braced a hand on the wall by her head. Ayla Maxwell was jealous? Aboutme?

“There’s only one girl around here I care about attracting.”

---