Page 104 of Starcrossed Colorado

Ashford grinned. “If they have any of those things at the pool, I’ll buy it for you.”

Sadly, we didn’t have time for any hanky-panky right away, even though it had been days since Ashford and I had been truly alone together. We took lightning-fast showers, then got our swimsuits on to head over to the hot spring.

While Ashford took Maisie into the pool, Grace and I went for the hot tub. “That is gooood,” I said as I sank into the water. After chasing around a six-year-old in the woods for three days, plus a man in insanely fit shape, it felt amazing to unwind.

“So good,” Grace agreed. “Maybe better than an orgasm. Not that I have many prospects there. Unlike some people.”

I didn’t know whether to laugh or apologize. But at least she was loosening up around me. She’d left her glasses off and tiedher auburn hair into a twist. Grace could’ve been a model if she’d wanted to. Her bone structure was incredible, yet she’d chosen a style of glasses that hid her face as much as possible.

Made me wonder what other parts of herself she was hiding. Maybe she had more in common with her brother than just her sharp cheekbones.

“It’s sweet of you to room with Maisie,” I said. “I’m sure that’s not why Ashford invited you.”

“Then my brother is more devious than you realize. But it’s fine. I love that girl. I’ve been missing her while you guys were gone.” She ruffled her hands through the water. “I had to turn down Elias for a date, though. Second time he’s asked me out. He’s persistent.”

“Yeah? You haven’t said yes?”

She side-eyed me. “Ashford hasn’t mentioned it to you?”

“No.”

“Well.” Grace turned on the bench so she was facing me. “Elias and I have been friends forever. We work together too. I do freelance accounting, and I handle his books for Flamethrower. Don’t you think it would complicate things? If I cross that line with him?”

I couldn’t believe it. Grace was asking me for advice. “Itcouldcomplicate things. But it could also be amazing. Since you’ve been friends with him so long, you know what kind of man he is. You know what you’re getting into.”

“You sound like Piper, with her lectures about marrying the wrong guy and getting a nasty surprise.”

I barked a laugh. “Piper came by that opinion honestly. I don’t blame her for it.”

“You haven’t known my brother that long.”

Her words could’ve been harsh, but she’d said them gently.

“I feel like I know Ashford.” I glanced at the pool, where Maisie was screaming with joy as Ashford tossed her around. Allhis sexy muscles were on display, wet and golden in the sun, but it was his smile that really drew me. The adoration he showed to his daughter. The kindness and attention he showed to me.

“I really like him,” I whispered.

“What are you going to do about that?”

When I looked back at Grace, her dark eyes were sympathetic.

“I wish I knew.”

TWENTY-SIX

Emma

After hoursof swimming and eating junk food for dinner, Maisie was about ready to drop. “I’m going to take her back to the room,” Grace said.

She’d offered to take Stella for the night too. I hugged Maisie goodnight, and Ashford gave her a bunch of kisses before she and Grace went to their room to get ready for bed.

“We owe your sister a bottle of wine or something,” I said. We were sharing a lounge chair by the pool, squeezed in together. Ashford was still shirtless, his tan skin hot against mine in my bikini.

“I promised her a new vanity in her bathroom. I would’ve done it anyway. But this way, she doesn’t feel guilty about asking me. Grace is always giving to other people, but she sucks at accepting anything for herself.”

I kissed his whiskery cheek. “You’re a good brother.”

“I am.” He smirked. “I’m installing it in a few weeks as soon as it arrives.”

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