Page 81 of Stormswept Colorado

“My least favorite label exec, who’s in charge of my next album. He’s here in Hart County with my manager. They decided last minute to come here and escort me to the airport, since I lost my driver.”

“You didn’t mention to them that I was going to drive you myself?”

“It wasn’t their business.”

My phone rang in my hand.Cheryl. And I was still sitting on the bed completely naked. Grabbing a pillow to cover me, even though it was just an audio call, I pressed the green button on my screen.

“I didn’t see your messages earlier,” I said without preamble. “I was up late celebrating the wedding.”

Also having the hottest sex of my life, not that I planned to share a single one of those details.

“I figured you would be. This was a last-minute thing.”

Teller brought over a fluffy bathrobe, helping me put it on while Cheryl kept talking in my ear.

“You needed a ride to the airport, and this is the perfect opportunity to discuss a few things.”

“WithPaul?” I asked testily. “I’m not working this weekend.”

She sighed, because we both knew how ridiculous that was. I was always working. “Shall I come up and help you pack? What’s your room number?”

“No, I’ve got it. I’ll be down soon. But I have to say goodbye to my family and friends first.” I ended the call, my fingers rubbing at my breastbone, as if that would calm myracing heart. “I’m so sorry about this. I had no idea they were coming here.”

“Doesn’t your manager work foryou?”

“Yes, but…it’s a little more complicated than that.”

Teller sat on the mattress and patted the space beside him, urging me to sit back down. When I did, he cupped the sides of my neck, his thumbs brushing my jaw. “Hey, look at me. You don’t have to rush. They’ll wait until you’re ready.”

“I wanted more time with you.”

His lips parted, those vivid sea-glass eyes softening. “Me too.” He pulled me into his lap, then tipped me backward onto the bed. His fingers delved beneath the soft edges of the bathrobe to brush against my collarbone. His lips followed, dropping kisses. My tension melted, though I couldn’t relax completely.

“I need to shower,” I said weakly.

“We showered last night.” His lips closed over my breast and gently sucked.

“Mmm. Yes, but we got dirty again after.” I had the evidence all over me.

“I like that you have my scent on you. Especially around thisPaulguy from your label.”

I whimpered. On second thought, forget the shower. I wanted Teller’s scent on me. Marking me. That scent would fade all too soon, so why not keep it for today, at least?

He kissed his way back up to my mouth, hypnotizing me with the smooth glide of his tongue. Then he pulled back enough to lock eyes with me for several long moments. My heart ratcheted in my chest.

“I’ll never forget this weekend with you,” he said.

Flutters moved through my stomach, goosebumps over my skin. “I won’t either.”

“You’ll let me know if you hear from the stalker? Or if you need anything else? Doesn’t matter what it is.”

“I will.” I enjoyed the weight of him on top of me for a little longer. Then my phone buzzed with another text.

We were out of time.

TWENTY-EIGHT

Ayla

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