Page 58 of Stormswept Colorado

It was more than that. We had a connection. I’d shared thingswith Teller that I hadn’t told anyone. He’d held me as I cried. Made me feel so cared for, so safe.

He kept insisting he wanted to help me with my potential stalker too, and that was a whole other issue. One that I could think about tomorrow.

But Teller and Icouldn’tbe more than a weekend fling. Not realistically.

“How was dinner with Emma’s family?” I asked.

“So much fun,” Grace gushed. “Emma’s little siblings are best friends with Maisie, and Ollie bonded with them too. We missed you, though. It’s too bad you couldn’t come with us this morning. Would’ve saved all that drama.”

Dane affectionately pushed Grace’s glasses up her nose. “But then they wouldn’t have the story.”

I glanced at Teller, which was a mistake. His look was soft and knowing, cutting straight to the heart of me.

“Ashford’s having daddy-daughter time with Maisie tonight,” Grace went on, “and Emma’s staying with her mom and stepdad.”

“And the other guests from Silver Ridge?” Teller asked. “Did people make it alright? With the pass closed, I’m sure there are some disappointed folks who couldn’t get here.” His default gruffness was in place, but his concern for everyone in his town showed through.

Callum grabbed the rum bottle and topped up his mug. “Actually, most everyone made it. Once the news about the storm spread, they got out of Dodge real quick this morning and got over the pass before the closure. No mishaps.”

“Except for you, Landry,” Dane said with a laugh. Teller frowned at him, and why did I suddenly find that so adorable?

Piper and Grace launched into an excited recitation of everything that would happen tomorrow. We were going to have brunch with Emma, her mom, and stepmom first thing. Girls only. Then it would be nails and hair, followed by helping Emma get ready.

“And the guys are doing their own male-bonding extravaganza,” Piper added. “They have big plans.”

“Not sure I signed up for that,” Teller grumped.

I looked over at the men to see Callum subtly shake his head at Teller, like he was saying,Don’t worry about it.

I set my half-empty mug on the little table between us. “Then maybe we should turn in early.”

Grace clapped her hands. “You’re right. We have so much to do tomorrow. Let’s head up. You and I are on the second floor.”

Crap, I had forgotten all about how Grace and I were sharing a room tonight. So we could enjoy the excitement and be completely focused on Emma tomorrow, and of course on Maisie too when Ashford turned her over.

Wedding festivities,yay.

Which was the whole reason I had come this weekend, not to sneak off and get naked with the police chief. There would be none of that tonight. No matter how much I wanted the man.

It was sweet how Grace wanted to make me a part of everything. I’d told her,Treat me like a normal person. I don’t need anything fancy or special. If only I’d been more of a diva, demanding my own suite with a Jacuzzi, a bowl full of condoms, and soundproofing.

But tomorrow, Grace would be back with Dane. And very happy about it, considering the way she was kissing him goodbye.

“Okay.” Grace threaded her arm with mine and led me toward the elevator. “Shall we? Dane, could you carry Ayla’s bags?”

“I’ve got it,” a different deep voice said, and my heart lifted when I saw Teller right behind us carrying my things. He stepped into the elevator with Grace and me, and she hit the button for two.

She smiled at him. “Thanks, Teller.Verythoughtful of you.”

“I promised Ayla I’d get her to the inn. Just finishing the job.”

Ugh, he was so close yet so far away. And as usual, he took up the bulk of the small elevator car.

I loved Grace, I really did, but I’d never wanted her to leave me alone more than I didright now.

The elevator doors opened on the second floor. Teller trailed after us. Grace sent a smirk my way, which I pretended not to notice. “Night, Teller,” she said brightly after unlocking the door. “See you tomorrow. I’m going to head right in and brush my teeth, so you two can say goodnight, or…whatever.”

My face burned. So Grace had picked up on the vibes between us. The tension in the elevator had not just affected me. Or maybe it had been the coat swap. But I wasn’t going to admit toanything.

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