Page 3 of Moonlit Colorado

“I’m not sure, sir. We should be in Silver Ridge in about an hour.”

A diplomatic response, and probably all I was likely to get. But that was fine. Margot could be heavy-handed, but she tried to take care of me. And she was theonlyperson I’d allow that kind of mothering from. Aside from my own mom. But…

Damn it, there was that guilt again, twisting my insides, and it was worse than useless. Mom’s nurses were the best money could buy. More than that, they were kind to her. And Margot was in New York too, if anything came up. Margot had been the one to convince me to make the trip this weekend.

If your mother could speak her own mind right now, she’d tell you to get your butt to Colorado and make the most of it.

I settled into my seat and worked on my laptop, finishing up some work I’d started on the plane. But I paused to admire the view as we drove. First it was wide-open expanses of terrain with faraway ranges creating a backdrop for pastures with grazing cattle. Later, a creek ran along the highway, with the occasional bridge leading to a quaint cabin. Eventually the scenery changed again as we entered Hart County. Soaring mountain peaks in the distance, meadows of swaying grasses, and beyond, dense woods of evergreens.

And everywhere I looked, golden and red fall colors added drama. So different from autumn in Manhattan, which had its own unique grandeur and beauty.

The road kept curving and climbing. The town seemed to appear out of nowhere, emerging from the trees. A few people on Main Street turned and watched the SUV glide by. The tinted windows were probably unusual around here.

Silver Ridge, Colorado, was straight out of a postcard. A long-lost vision of an idyllic small town. My buddy Ashford had grown up here, but he could’ve chosen to settle anywhere. He’d chosen to call Silver Ridge home. And to me, that meant something. Sure, cash could buy a luxurious apartment or sprawling mansion just about anywhere. But money didn’t make those places feel likehome.

We followed the road out of the main town and up into the foothills, which kept on ascending toward rocky peaks. The SUV passed a sign for the Silver Ridge Ski Resort, following along a paved driveway as we approached a sprawling complex of buildings amid aspen groves. We parked in front of reception.

It was my first time seeing the resort in person.Myresort, now. The place didn’t disappoint.

The exterior of the newly finished hotel was rough stone and timber, with accents of oil-rubbed bronze. Grander than anything I’d seen down on Main Street, but it still had that western vibe.

I patted Eddie’s shoulder, handing him some bills for his tip. “Thanks, man. Appreciate it.” I was sure Margot had already arranged for gratuity, but cash was always better.

As I got out, a man in a suit and tie stepped out of the sliding lobby doors. “Mr. Knightly,” he said. “Honored to finally meet you in person. I’m Tobin.”

The hotel manager. “Of course, Tobin. I remember you from the video conference.” I’d already introduced myself to the staff, virtually at least.

He beamed. “Can I offer you a tour of your property? Or if you’d prefer, your suite is?—”

“I’ll head to my suite, thanks.” I strode toward the entrance, carrying my own bag, and Tobin rushed to follow me. “Ask your team if they’re free for dinner tonight,” I said. “My treat. So I can say hello properly.”

“Of course, sir. I would’ve planned something special if I’d known, but as it is…”

“I know. I’ve got you scrambling.”

“Not at all. We’re adjusting. Did you want to go over the final details for the party tomorrow night as well? Or?—”

“Margot can handle that. She’ll pass on anything I need to know. You’ve got her number.”

He laughed. “Oh, yes. I certainly do.”

We took the elevator to the top floor, where there were only two doors. The manager stopped at one and swiped my key. “If you don’t mind my asking, Mr. Knightly, how long are you staying? Margot said she wasn’t sure.”

“That’s because I haven’t decided yet.” That depended on a lot of things. I took the key and stepped inside.

“If there’s anything else?—”

“I’ll be sure to let you know.” I gave him my most amiable grin.

Then I swung the door shut, dropped my bag by my feet, and blew out a heavy breath.

Across the room, the curtains were open, revealing a bank of windows that overlooked the resort. A panorama of mountains expanded across the horizon. There were only a few streaks of white on the ski runs so far, hints of the heavier snowpack that would develop as the season got going.

Gorgeous.

Margot had been right. Coming here had been the right move. I just had to make the trip worth it.

A quick tour of the suite revealed more bedrooms than I needed. A kitchen already stocked with basics. Way too much space for one man, but I didn’t mind spreading out.

---