Page 42 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

My hands clenched. “All I know is that I don’t want to be apart from them.”

“Just take it slow. They’ve both been through a lot.”

Nearly two hours after leaving, we pulled into the ranch’s driveway. The house was a welcome sight, glowing warmly against the storm.

Keltie met us at the door, the tension visibly leaving her shoulders. “Thank goodness. I was beginning to worry.”

I handed her the medication. “One Children’s Motrin, as ordered.”

She took it, then surprised me by throwing her arms around my neck in a hug. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done.”

I held her close, breathing in the scent of her hair. “Anytime.”

Buck tactfully disappeared into the kitchen, leaving us alone in the entryway.

“How’s Luna?” I asked, reluctantly releasing her.

“Asleep. She tried to wait up for you, but couldn’t keep her eyes open.” Keltie’s hand remained on my arm. “Are you hungry? I saved you a plate.”

“Starving,” I admitted, realizing I hadn’t eaten since lunch.

After dinner, we found ourselves in the sitting room of the suite she shared with Luna, in front of the fire where we werethe night before. Everyone else had gone to bed, leaving us in comfortable privacy.

We sat in silence for a while. Finally, Keltie turned to me, her expression serious.

“Holt, about CB Rice…”

“That’s a conversation for another day,” I interrupted gently. “It’s been a long night.”

Relief and maybe gratitude crossed her face as I reached for her, pulling her closer until she was nestled against my side.

“I’m glad you’re both safe here,” I murmured into her hair.

She tilted her face up to mine, and the invitation in her eyes was unmistakable. I dipped my head, capturing her lips in a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened with unexpected heat. Her hands slid into my hair as mine wrapped around her waist, drawing her closer.

Hunger built between us as the attraction we both felt became something we could no longer ignore.

With effort, I rested my forehead against hers as we both caught our breath. “We should probably slow down.”

Keltie’s eyes remained closed. “Probably.”

Neither of us moved, though, content to stay in each other’s arms as the fire crackled and the storm continued outside. Whatever questions remained unanswered, whatever complications lay ahead, this moment felt genuine, yet totally unexpected. It was definitely a Christmas I’d never forget.

13

KELTIE

Holt’s fingers traced lazy patterns on my shoulder while outside, the storm continued to howl.

“I should probably check on Luna,” I whispered, though I made no move to leave the warmth of his embrace.

His chest rose and fell with a deep breath. “Probably.”

Another minute passed. Then another. The spell between us remained unbroken, as if moving would shatter whatever fragile thing we’d created.

Finally, he pressed a kiss to the top of my head and loosened his hold. “I’ll let you get to sleep.”

As we stood, I found myself unsteady, whether from exhaustion or emotion, I couldn’t tell. Holt’s hand found the small of my back, guiding me through the sitting room to the bedroom door behind which Luna slept peacefully.

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