Page 46 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

My heart hammered in my chest, a mix of hope and fear making it difficult to think clearly. “Holt, there’s something else. Luna’s appointment in Denver?—”

“Mommy!” Luna’s voice interrupted as she bounded into the kitchen. “I finished setting up Sparkles’ new home! Mr. Holt, you have to come see!”

Holt released my hands, though reluctance flashed across his face. “Lead the way, Unicorn Girl.”

Luna grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the stairs, leaving me standing in the kitchen trying to stop my head from whirling after hearing him say he’d never felt for anyone what he felt for me. If I’d had the chance, I would’ve confessed the same thing.

When they returned to the kitchen, Luna was practically beaming with pride. “Mr. Holt says Sparkles has the best home he’s ever seen!”

“High praise, indeed,” I said, forcing a smile despite the seriousness of our interrupted conversation.

“When will we see you again?” Luna asked Holt, her question direct in the way only children can manage.

Holt crouched down to her level. “Well, I haven’t forgotten our pizza date. Have you?”

“No, but…I promised Sparkles and Bunny that we could play a while first.”

“I don’t know about you, but I’m still full from breakfast, Luna-bug.” While she hadn’t eaten her pancakes, we both ate far more in the last two days than we usually did.

“Maybe we could have pizza for dinner, instead?” She looked at Holt with wide eyes.

“I think that could be arranged. I’m playing music at your mom’s bar. And probably a few more times this week.”

Luna turned to me with pleading eyes. “Mommy, we can have pizza with Mr. Holt tonight, then tomorrow, you could make him dinner.”

I glanced at Holt, whose expression divulged nothing. “If Mr. Holt wants to come for dinner, he’s welcome anytime.”

“I’d like that,” he said softly, his gaze holding mine.

Luna clapped her hands in delight. “Good! Because Sparkles already told me you were going to be our new best friend.”

Holt chuckled, ruffling her curls. “Smart unicorn you’ve got there.”

As he prepared to leave, I remembered something. “About tonight—you said you need to play three times a week at local establishments, right? For the trust?”

“That’s right.”

“You’re already scheduled to play Thursdays and Saturdays. If there’s another night you want to add, you have your pick,” I offered.

Surprise and gratitude flashed across his face. He leaned close enough to feel the warmth of his breath on my neck. “Not sure I’ll be able to stay away any night, Keltie.”

My cheeks flushed. “You’re always welcome.”

His lips brushed my cheek. “Glad to hear it.”

Luna insisted on one more hug before he left, wrapping her small arms around his neck tightly enough that it looked like she was strangling him. I walked him to the door, feeling awkward now that our time together was ending.

“Thank you for everything,” I said. “Christmas, the rides, the medication run…all of it.”

Holt’s eyes searched mine. “See you later?”

“Yes,” I promised. “And about the Goat tonight—what time will you be in?”

“Eight?” he suggested. “Unless that’s too late.”

“Eight is perfect. Luna will be with Mrs. Lopez tonight.”

He hesitated at the threshold, clearly debating something. Then, with a quick glance to make sure Luna wasn’t watching, he leaned forward. His kiss felt soft on my lips. “All night?”

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