Page 37 of Starcrossed Colorado

Silver Ridge was a pretty safe place. Most of the time. But that didn’t stop awful things from happening.

“Glad I got here when I did.” I still had my hand on Emma’s back. She leaned into me as we both watched Maisie and Stella play. Meanwhile, I kept glancing around us, all of my senses on high alert. More than anything, I wanted Emma and Maisie to feel safe.

I was here now, and one thing was certain. I wouldn’t let anyone touch them.

Eventually, Emma relaxed beside me. “Whoever that person was, he left. Maybe I was wrong, and he wasn’t watching us at all.”

“Maybe. I appreciate you being cautious and looking out for Maisie.”

“Always. I might not be great with cars, or possibly trash cans, but I wouldn’t let anything happen to Maisie.”

Her tone was light, but I tried to convey my sincerity when I replied. “I believe you.”

She looked up at me, blue eyes blinking.

I was suddenly aware of how close we were. How good it felt, howright, to be touching her like this. I wanted to put my arm around her shoulders and tug her against my side.

Reluctantly, my hand slid away from her back. Because those were not thoughts I should be having.

Maisie ran over with Stella on her heels. “Did you see me, Daddy?”

“Sure did. You’re the dog whisperer.”

She cracked up. “I wasn’t whispering. You’re so silly.”

“That’s me. Your silly dad,” I deadpanned.

Emma bit her lower lip and grinned. Damn, I wished she wouldn’t do that.

“I guess I should leave you to the rest of your evening,” she said.

Maisie’s eyes turned to saucers. “Not yet! You should have dinner with us. Daddy, can we take her out to dinner to say thank you? Please? That would be nice, wouldn’t it?”

“I swear, I didn’t prompt this,” Emma murmured. “You don’t have to.”

But I shrugged. “I did say I’d be nice.”

“Can we go to Flamethrower and get cheeseburgers and extra tots and shakes too? ’Cause it’s a special occasion? They even have a patio for Stella. Please?”

“Special occasion, huh? Then I’d better say yes. If Emma wants to go.” I turned to her. “Would you join us?”

“I’d love to.”

“Yay!” Maisie shouted. “Shakes!”

“You just got played, big time,” Emma said under her breath.

“Probably.” Luckily, I didn’t care. Dinner was the least I could do as a thank you for watching my kid.

Notjustso I could spend more time with Emma, though that was a side benefit.

“Want to walk there?” Emma asked. “It’s so beautiful out. Plus I doubt you want more dog hair in your truck.”

I grunted. “We’d better walk.”

“You were just fearing for your upholstery, weren’t you?”

“I was thinking of what an enjoyable stroll it would be.” I gestured at the trees and sky and…whatever.

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