Page 2 of Moonlit Colorado

“True, but I know how much you love surprises.”Sonot true. Ashford hated to be caught off guard. I’d learned that when we served together. But my schedule had been chaotic lately.

“First of all, fuck you. Second, it’s about time, man. Can’t wait to see you.”

“I know, there were some false starts there for a while.” A pang of guilt went through my stomach, like sudden turbulence.

Ashford had been through some tough times last year, and at first, he hadn’t even told me about it. My friend had a bad habit of keeping his troubles to himself.

But I was the same way, wasn’t I?

Earlier this year, I bought a ski resort in Ashford’s home county on behalf of my family’s company, Knightly Global. Unfortunately, other things had always seemed to interfere with my attempts to visit in the months since. My mom’s health issues had worsened. I’d assumed I couldn’t make it for the hotel’s grand opening this weekend.

“But I’m here now, about to touch down in your home state,” I said. “Finally. How’s the family?”

“Doing great. Busy as always, especially with the wedding planning.”

“Do you and Emma have a date set?”

“I was hoping it would be this fall, but now we’re looking at winter.”

“Can’t wait to hear all about it. You free tonight?”

“I’d make you take us out for an expensive dinner, except we’re in Hartley visiting Emma’s family. We’ll be back in Silver Ridge on Saturday. Unless you want to come out here and meet us? You’d be welcome.”

“Nah, no worries. Saturday is perfect. I’ve got this grand-opening party nonsense on Friday to deal with. I thought about sending you tickets to the masquerade ball, but?—”

“Hell no. You won’t catch me near that. But if you need anything, Callum is around. Same with Grace. I could let them know you’re in town.”

“No need to bother them.” Though I had to admit, I was curious about Ashford’s younger sister. I’d met his brothers when we were all in the service, but I’d never met Grace. The last picture I’d seen of her was way outdated. She’d been a teenager with braces. How old would she be now? Late twenties?

She’s your buddy’s little sister, I told myself.Off limits. That’s what she is, regardless of what she looks like.

“I’d better go,” I said into the phone. “Enjoy Hartley. By the time you get back to Silver Ridge, I’ll be running the place.”

Ashford grunted. “I have no doubt. Don’t get into too much trouble.”

“We’ll see.” Chuckling, I pocketed my phone.

The plane’s exit door opened, and Sharon went to grab my bag. I stepped in front of her to reach for it. “I’ve got it. It’s heavy.”

“At least let me get your jacket.”

I let her slip my blazer onto my arms. After brushing invisible lint from my lapels, she flipped her French braid over her shoulder, giving me the same meaningful look she’d been aiming my way the whole flight. “Anything else I can do for you, Mr. Knightly? Anything at all? We’ll be on the ground here for several hours.”

I was not interested in theanythingshe was offering. But still, I threw her a wink. “Better not. I’ve got a drive ahead of me.”

She leaned in and whispered, “I could make that drive a lot more entertaining for you.”

“Tempting. But I can’t.” Also, I wasn’t going to get busy in the backseat of a rented car. Though my reputation, which I’d earned in my younger and more reckless days, might suggest otherwise.

It was still September, but temperatures were already dipping. Despite the chill, I undid another button of my shirt. I’d already ditched the tie. A few snowflakes whirled around me as I jogged down the stairs and toward the waiting SUV. The driver opened the door for me, but I stopped to shake his hand. “Eddie, right?”

“Yes, Mr. Knightly.”

“Dane is fine.” I slid into the backseat. A sea of dark leather, low lighting, and glinting glass from the small bar.

“Of course, Mr. Knightly. You’ll be happy to know the cabin is equipped with extra oxygen to offset the effects of the altitude.”

I laughed. “Let me guess. My assistant Margot’s request?”

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