Page 132 of Starcrossed Colorado

Maisie still didn’t know about Ashford and me. If I was leaving town soon, that was all the more reason to keep her unaware. But the thought of spending the night in Ashford’s arms sounded wonderful. Especially after the last few days. “I’ll see what he thinks when he gets here.”

“Sure thing.”

“I should text him. My phone is in my bag.”

Elias pointed up the stairs. “It’s on the bed. You’ll need the wi-fi password. Cell reception here is terrible.”

He told me the password. It was easy to remember. I went up the staircase, my palm trailing over the smooth banister.

In the guest room, I found a simple but cheerful space with a heavy, antique-looking dresser and a brass-frame bed. My bag waited on top of the quilt, just as Elias had said. Sitting on the mattress, I grabbed my phone and sent off a quick text to Ashford.

Me

I’ve arrived. Maisie is comfy watching a movie. The others left. Stella was stressed, but she’s calmed down.

Ashford

Good to hear. We’re still lying low. Will leave soon.

Me

Drive safe.

Ashford

You remembered your journal, right?

Me

Yep. I love you.

Ashford

Love you too. See you soon.

Ugh, I was so hopeless for this man. We hadn’t talked about whether my plans for after the summer had changed. ButIhad changed.

We both had. Right?

Tossing my phone onto the mattress, I got up to head downstairs and check on Maisie.

I gasped when I nearly ran into Elias. He was right there at the top of the stairs. His hands grasped my arms. “Careful.”

I stepped back, and he let go.

“I was about to check on Maisie. She wants to stay up and wait for Ashford to arrive, but I should start winding her down. Today has been a lot.”

Elias nodded. Yet he didn’t move, still blocking my way down the stairs. “The bathroom downstairs has a clawfoot tub. I’ve probably got some bubble bath somewhere that belonged to my wife.” He flashed his charming, lopsided smile. “She didn’t take everything when she left, and I’m the sentimental guy who can’t get rid of it.”

Elias edged past me, walking over to the bathroom down the hall, and emerged with the bottle of bubble bath.

I set my phone down again. “Thanks. Your home is beautiful. Judson said it’s been in your family for a long time.”

“Since my grandparents. My dad brought my mom here after they got married, and when they were gone, they left it to me. I don’t keep animals any more, but I use the barn for my brewing equipment for the restaurant. Sadly my own marriage didn’t last as long as my parents’ marriage did. But hey. Maybe I’ll end up bringing home someone else eventually.”

“I’m sure you will.” My thoughts immediately went to Grace, but this conversation was already awkward.

I started down the stairs, and he followed behind me.

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