Page 35 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

Ben hugged Keltie again, and when his gaze shifted in Luna’s direction, his expression changed subtly—a flicker of recognition that he quickly masked. My heart hammered against my ribs as I watched him put the pieces together, grateful when he didn’t say anything.

“I’ll walk you out,” I offered. Once outside, the cold air was a relief against my heated skin. Ben opened Liv’s door for her, but when he came around to where I stood, he hesitated.

“Not my business,” he said in a low voice, “but whose little girl was that?”

I felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny, the weight of his unspoken suspicion hanging in the air between us. “She’s Keltie’s daughter.”

“How old is she?” he asked, his tone casual, but his eyes sharp, missing nothing.

“She’s exactly as old as you think she is,” I replied, meeting his gaze steadily, unwilling to lie but unable to confirm what we both suspected.

“Fuck,” he muttered, then climbed into the SUV, where Liv’s curiosity was evident in the tilt of her head.

I remembered Keltie’s reaction to seeing Remi on her street and made a quick decision. “Ben,” I called before he could close the door, laying my hand on the cold metal of the frame, “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention seeing Keltie to Remi.”

Ben held up both hands, his expression solemn. “Hell no. I already butted my bald head in way too much as it is. This is between them—and you, apparently.” He studied me for a moment. “Happy New Year, Holt. I look forward to you being on the road with us this time next year.”

“Appreciate it, and same to you,” I replied, stepping away as he pulled the door closed.

I watched their SUV disappear down the driveway, but I stood there a moment longer, gathering my thoughts, steeling myself to face Keltie and ask the questions that now burned like fire in my mind.

11

KELTIE

Ipeered through the curtains, watching Holt and Ben Rice still talking by the SUV in the driveway. Their breath formed clouds in the cold air, their conversation clearly serious from the way they stood—faces close, shoulders tense. My stomach twisted with dread. What was Ben saying?

Without my own transportation, there was no escape from the confrontation I feared was coming.

I let the curtain fall into place and turned to find Luna playing with the twins on the rug near the Christmas tree, lost in a world of stuffed animals and imagination. She was so happy here, surrounded by warmth and acceptance. The thought of dragging her away because of my past mistakes felt cruel.

The front door opened, bringing a rush of cold air and the sound of boots stomping snow onto the mat. I steeled myself, my shoulders tensing as Holt walked in. When his eyes found mine across the room, I braced for the accusation, the confusion, the hurt.

Instead, his expression was the same as it had been all day—warm, tender, with that hint of something deeper that made myheart race despite everything. It made no sense. Had Ben not explained, after all?

“Who’s ready to go sledding?” Holt called out, rubbing his gloved hands together. His enthusiasm seemed genuine, not forced.

A chorus of excited responses erupted from around the room. The twins squealed and clapped their hands while Buckaroo jumped up and down, tugging on TJ’s sleeve.

“I wanna go! I wanna go!” Luna exclaimed, racing over to me. “Can we, Mommy? Please?”

Flynn appeared before I could respond, smiling down at my daughter. “Come with me, sweetie. I think I have a snowsuit that should fit you perfectly. We keep extras for when friends visit.”

Luna looked up at me, her eyes wide with hope. “Mommy?”

“Go ahead,” I relented, unable to deny her this simple joy despite my inner turmoil. “Just be careful, okay?”

As everyone scattered to change into the appropriate winter gear, I approached Holt, trying to keep my voice steady. “Luna and I should probably head home soon. I can call someone to come get us.”

Holt’s arm slipped around my shoulders, pulling me against his side with a casual intimacy that left me breathless. “A little unicorn told me that you told Flynn you’d stay longer.” His voice was low, meant only for me. “You’re not running away, are you?”

“I know we need to talk.” I swallowed hard, looking up at him. “You must have questions.”

Before I could say more, he pressed his lips to mine, silencing my words with a kiss so tender it made my knees weak. When he pulled away, his blue eyes held mine with unwavering certainty.

“Later,” he said simply.

I stared at him, stunned by the fact that he’d kissed me when anyone could have walked in and seen us. Yet he’d done it anyway.

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