Page 79 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

“He’s a very special friend to us, Luna-bug.”

“But I want him to be more.”

I stroked her cheek with my finger. “I know, but for now, let’s accept he’s an important part of our lives and take it one day at a time.”

She sighed and turned to her side. “He said the same thing.”

I stifled a gasp. “Sweetheart, did you ask him to be your daddy?”

Luna shook her head. “No.”

I didn’t say “good” out loud, but I sure felt relief she hadn’t.

“But I asked him if he was going to marry you. Actually, when.”

I stretched out beside her and gathered her in my arms. “One day at a time,” I whispered.

That waswhere and how Holt found us later.

“Sorry I woke you,” he whispered. “I wanted to let you know I’m headed over to the Goat.”

“I’ll go with you.” I eased out from under Luna. “Mind if we run out for a few minutes?” I said to my father, who was unpacking the groceries Holt had delivered. “We won’t be long.”

He waved his hand without looking up. “Go. We’re fine here.”

When we arrived at the bar, it appeared empty from outside. Inside, the after-work crowd huddled at the bar while Miguel cleaned and stocked glasses. Faces turned when I entered, conversations halting mid sentence.

“Keltie.” Miguel abandoned his towel, moving around the bar to hug me.

“How can I ever thank you?” I asked, surveying how amazing the place looked.

He shrugged. “You’d do it for any of us.”

I walked through the familiar space, noting things I’d never paid attention to before—the way the light hit the shelves filled with bottles and the worn path in the hardwood from the entrance to the bathrooms. My space. My territory.

A large poster near the stage caught my eye. “Valentine’s Day Benefit,” it read in bold type across the top. Luna’s name was underneath in smaller letters, followed by “Crested Butte’s Fierce Fighter.” Local band names filled the lower third, with “Headliner: TBA” prominent at the center.

I stood motionless, fingers hovering near the paper without touching it.

“Flynn’s work,” Miguel said, coming to stand beside Holt and me. “The amphitheater agreed to host. Restaurants are covering the food. Tickets go on sale tomorrow.”

“This is—” Words failed me again as my fingertips traced Luna’s name.

Holt wrapped his arm around my shoulders when Miguel went behind the bar. “I’ll get set up to play tonight unless there’s something else you need me to do.”

“One thing,” I responded.

“Name it.”

I took his hand and let him to the office. “Easier to show you,” I said, closing the door behind us once we were inside. As if he’dread my mind, his hands found my face, he cupped my jawline, and his mouth met mine hard.

My body responded instantly, my fingers weaving in his hair, pulling him closer. The sense of urgency I felt surprised me, but I couldn’t let go of him. I looked into his eyes. “Stay with me tonight?”

“You know I will, Keltie.”

“I mean in my bed.”

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

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