Page 63 of Starcrossed Colorado

“That’s not so bad. You do recall that your dad is thirteen years older than me.”

But I doubted my father would see it that way. Because when it came tome, Nash Jennings tended to be unreasonable. “My friend really likes this guy. A lot. He’s thoughtful, kind, an amazing father. Andreallysexy.”

I sighed, remembering that kiss.

“You mentioned the sexy part. But what’s the problem?”

I bent over to stroke Stella’s soft fur. “It’s complicated. Right? Seeing a man with a daughter. Especially when my friend likes this little girl and spends a lot of time with her. And my friend is leaving at the end of the summer. She can’t stay.”

“She could enjoy a good thing while she’s got it. And just see what happens.”

“But she’s screwed up with relationships in the past, and she can’t do that again. People get hurt.” I pressed my face to Stella’s neck.

Madison didn’t say anything for a long moment.

“Em, did something happen last semester? You seemed really happy for a while, and then suddenly you were avoiding our calls and making plans to run off to Colorado for the summer. I didn’t want to push you about it, but…”

A lump gathered in my throat, made of all the things I couldn’t tell her. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“All right. When you’re ready, I’m here. So is your dad.”

“I know.” Except I wouldneverbe ready to share those details. No, thank you.

I got up from the bench, walking aimlessly with Stella down the street.

“But we were talking about your friend and this older man she likes. I do have some advice for her. If you want to pass it on.”

I smiled and huffed a laugh. “Yes?”

“Tell your friend she’s right. Relationships can hurt. But they can heal, too. When two people take a chance on each other, they might find it’s everything they needed. Even if the relationship doesn’t last. Does that help?”

I glanced up at the blue sky. “It does. Yeah.”

We talked for a while longer. Madison told me all about what was going on with my family in California. Then shared recent stories from her job as a West Oaks PD hostage negotiator. But my mind started to wander to the blue brick building a few blocks away.

I wanted to see Maisie and Ashford.

I wanted to kiss him again.

Because no matter what other complications existed, he wasn’t my ex. Ashford wasn’t the type of man to keep some big, dark secret.

It was scary to take a chance on him. But my gut said it could be worth it.

When I got back to the Big Blue Monster, there was a stack of mail on the floor in the lobby. Saturday mail delivery had arrived.

Holding Stella’s leash with one hand, I scooped up the envelopes and flyers with the other and headed upstairs.

Dixie and I had enjoyed a relaxed dinner on her patio. As usual, she’d asked about Ashford and Maisie. I’d gotten tongue-tied, probably giving away that something was up from the way Dixie had grinned smugly.

I didn’t even know what Ashford wanted. I couldn’t imagine he was only interested in a one-night stand with me. Since we lived together, that would invite far too much drama, and Ashford seemed to prefer as little drama as possible.

Neither of us wanted to risk Maisie getting hurt. But we couldn’t stay away from each other either. Touching him was electric. Kissing him? It was unforgettable.

I wanted that. Even if it was just for the summer.

Upstairs, I set the mail on the kitchen counter and sorted through the junk. The sounds of bedtime filtered down the hallway from Maisie’s room. Ashford was reading stories, doing the voices of the characters just the way Maisie liked.

I smiled as I found a large pink envelope in the stack of mail. It was addressed to Maisie and had stickers of stars and rainbows all over it. So cute. I almost brought it to Maisie’s room right then, but I didn’t want to disturb bedtime.

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