Page 68 of Stormswept Colorado

I sat next to Maisie, while Teller was at a different table with Piper and Ollie. Yet I was painfully aware of the police chief at every moment. Exchanging hot glances.

Of course, I managed to focus my attention on Maisie too. Had to make sure my niece was having the time of her life. But Teller remained on a low simmer in both my body and mind. I could feel his eyes on me like the sunlight streaming through the windows.

Even though the tension with Teller had beenkillingme, I was also having a wonderful time. The wedding guests were treating me like any other member of Ashford’s family. No more requests for autographs or awkward stares.

Ashford and Emma had their first dance, followed by Emma with her father Nash and Ashford with Emma’s mom. Then her stepmom and stepdad. When it was time for everyone else to join them on the dance floor, Callum asked me to dance, followed by Judson.

Teller stood by the tables, sipping a glass that looked like whiskey with his eyes fixed on me. He was the only guy here I actually wanted to dance with.

“Thanks for taking a turn with me,” Judson said when a slow song ended. He was wearing his cowboy hat, and he tipped it politely.

“My pleasure.” As soon as Judson stepped away, I glanced around for Teller. But Maisie appeared and grabbed my hands.

“Aunt Ayla, you have to dance with me now. You’re the best dancer in the world.”

How could I say no to that? I twirled Maisie around until she was dizzy, followed by little Kelsea and Thompson. Ollie joined our dancing circle.

A large hand touched my back, lingering a bit longer than a simple friend’s would. “You’re having all the fun over here,” Teller said.

There went my pulse again. “You should join us.”

It took another three or four songs before the kids got tired and ran off on some other adventure. And I was finally back in the warm circle of his arms.

“Dance with me.” The gentle command in his voice reminded me of the backseat of his SUV yesterday.

Desire wrapped around me and refused to let go.

“Are you finding this as impossible as I am?” I whispered. “Waiting until we can sneak away and be alone?”

His grip tightened on my waist. “I think more. Especially when I have to see you dancing with any man but me. You’re supposed to be my date.”

“But nobody else knows that,” I said teasingly.

He made a growly sound in his chest. I felt it more than heard it. “You’re playing with fire, Troublemaker.”

This possessive side of Teller was a surprise, but I was here for it. “Judson’s the one who asked me to dance. Not my fault.”

“Next time I catch him speeding, he’s not getting any favors. He’s getting the damn ticket.”

I laughed and tucked my head against his chest. I had no idea if anyone was watching us or what they thought. It didn’t matter.

Later, it could be embarrassing for the chief of police if his constituents found out he’d hooked up with the wayward pop star. And I didn’t want to deal with the tabloid media speculating about us.

But on this dance floor, we had a little bit of freedom to get close. I had to take advantage of it. If only because I couldn’t make it much longer without his hands on me.

“You’ve got your room to yourself tonight?” he asked.

“Yes. Grace will be with Dane, and Maisie’s staying with Nash and Madison Jennings and their kids.”

“Good. Ollie’s joining their sleepover too. Piper’s doing her own thing. Nobody will notice if we slip away after this song ends. If you’re sure you want this.”

“I wantyou.”

“Then I’m yours.”

Excitement bloomed like a firework in my belly. Did he just mean for tonight? Anything else was beyond the realm of possibility, considering our jobs and our schedules. But maybe the wedding had me feeling wistful.

The music faded out, and another song took its place.

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