Page 59 of Stormswept Colorado

The bathroom door snicked closed, and I turned to Teller in the doorway. He’d set down my luggage just inside, but then he’d stepped back to the other side of the threshold.

“Thanks for getting me here,” I said.

“My pleasure.” He leaned against the door frame. At some point, he’d undone the top few buttons of his navy uniform shirt, which only reminded me of what he’d said in the SUV.Put your hands here on my skin. Get them warm.

Would Grace definitely notice if I sneaked out tonight? Maybe she was a deep sleeper. I really was tired though. I’d probably fall asleep in his arms, which didn’t sound like such a bad thing.

“Tomorrow,” he murmured softly, as if he knew just what I was thinking. “If you want.”

“I want.”

He reached out and cupped the back of my neck. Drew me in. But instead of bringing his lips to my mouth, he kissed my forehead, letting that contact linger. Like the last thing he wanted was to pull away.

But eventually, he did. “Night, Troublemaker.”

“Goodnight, Teller.”

“Be good.”

“And if I’m not?”

He touched his fingertip to my lips, a silentpromise, before dropping his hand. He stood there in the hall until I’d shut the door. Then I peeked through the peephole and saw his shoulders and chest move with a heavy exhale before he finally turned to go.

Tomorrow.

When I turned to open my bag and find my pajamas, I noticed that his coat was there, tucked underneath mine. He’d left it for me. My stomach swooped with pleasure.

I picked up his coat, pushed my face into the lining, and inhaled.

TWENTY

Teller

Ayla

How’s the male-bonding extravaganza?

I smiled at my phone.Beside me, Ollie shoveled chocolate-chip pancakes in his mouth. Dane and Ashford chatted across from us. Elsewhere at the long table, Emma’s father and her stepdad both laughed at something Callum had just said. Emma’s uncles were here too, Ashford’s other friends like Judson Lawrence…a bunch of us. This event had taken over most of the inn.

Me

Male bonding has mainly been pancakes, bacon and coffee at the tavern. That’s where I am now.

Before, there was optional deadlifting in the on-site gym. Army vs. Navy. There’s a million of us around here who are Army, as you know. But Emma’s dad Nash was a Navy SEAL. A strength contest was pretty much required.

Ayla

So, usual guy stuff.

Complete with grunting noises.

Did you compete? Was Army victorious?

I forfeited. Ollie’s with me. Had to steer him away from the gym. He would’ve broken himself or someone else.

Good call. I bet you would have won though.

[muscle arm emoji]

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