Page 90 of Stormswept Colorado

As for Hayleigh, she showed up whenever she wanted since she lived in the next house over. She was the daughter of a famous movie director and a legendary actress. Her parents funded her lifestyle, and Hayleigh hadn’t decided on a career yet. Every month, it was something different. Screenwriter, fashion designer, wellness influencer.

Being friends with Hayleigh wasn’t really a choice. She justhappened.

As for Bryan, he was back to work after his recovery from the concussion, and he’d been a constant presence on my security detail.

Ricky put his hands on my shoulders. “You’re my favorite client by far. I’d let you get away with any number of crimes, fashion or otherwise.”

“If anything, you should belessapproachable,” Hayleigh said. “You’re always the sweetest. As long as nobody interrupts your calls with Maisie.”

I smiled. “Thank you for noticing.”

“But I have to admit, I’m curious about what’s going through that talented head of yours,” Ricky added. “The next Grammy winner for album of the year?”

Lately, I’d been wrapped up in my music. That was true. Inspiration had grabbed hold of me since my return from Colorado, which was a relief in some ways. I’d spent hours in my recording studio here at home every single day. Bits and pieces of new lyrics and melodies came to me constantly. My songwriting notebook lived on my nightstand for middle-of-the-night surges of creativity.

Yet I hadn’t finished a single song.

My potential stalker remained in the back of my mind. So far, he hadn’t replied to my email trying to draw him out. The flower arrangement I’d received at the Last Refuge Inn had been another dead end. No idea who’d sent it.

But it wasn’t really the stalker that had me so distracted. It was the rest of what happened during Ashford and Emma’s wedding weekend.

It washim. Teller. How his body had felt on mine… All the things he’d said…

You’re the most breathtaking woman. It blows my mind.

I’ll never forget this weekend with you.

Two and a half weeks now since Cheryl and Paul piled me into that G-wagon and we drove away, Teller Landry in the rearview.

“I’ve been writing a lot,” I said. “But I wasn’t thinking of a song just now. Something else.”

Hayleigh came further into the bathroom and perched on the counter. “Something you want to share? Entertain me, please. That’s why I’m here.”

I stuck my tongue out at her.

Teller had been texting me every couple days, and his messages had been a lifeline. Little bubbles of happiness that popped way too soon. I’d tried to write back, but it was hard. Not knowing what to say. Not even knowing what I felt about him.

I suspected my brain was trying to channel all those mixed-up emotions into my music. But that didn’t mean I had answers. Just a lot of heartfelt verses filled with aching longing and zero conclusions.

My heart was scraped raw. Great for inspiring my music. Really dang painful to experience.

I needed someone to talk to. I trusted Hayleigh and Ricky both. Ricky had told me about his boyfriend troubles, and even though Hayleigh still hadn’t decided on a career path, she’d always been supportive.

“There’s…a guy,” I admitted.

Ricky gasped. “Has he been wooing you? Please tell me he has.”

“He’s been texting me a lot. Saying he’s thinking of me. He’s very protective. I’ve never felt safer than when I’m with him.”

Hayleigh fanned her face. “I have tingles.”

“But we both agreed we can’t be a thing. I mean, we didn’t discuss it outright, but it was implied. A relationship would be too complicated.”

“Is this Paul Ruxton?” Hayleigh asked breathlessly.

My face scrunched up. “Absolutelynot.” A tabloid story had popped up recently, speculating about me and Paul. He’d made sure paparazzi snapped pics of us outside one of LA’s hottest sushi restaurants, though it had been nothing but a business dinner.

But it wasn’t worth getting upset over made-up stories.

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