Page 32 of Moonlit Colorado

What I really needed to do was stop thinking about him and focus on my usual life. Like helping run bingo, something I did about once a month and always enjoyed, even if it wouldn’t be a rich jet setter’s idea of fun.

This was the real Grace O’Neal. Community events and volunteer work and triple-checking spreadsheets. Not evening gowns or glamorous dates worthy of a New York gossip rag.

Teller and I went back to the storage room for more folding tables. “I wanted to ask how you’ve been lately,” Teller said softly. “I heard from Piper that you moved in with Callum.”

“Just for financial reasons. My former landlord decided to sell the house I was renting, and Callum and his roommates had a space available. I’m trying to save up to buy my own place.”

“It must be comforting to have your family close. Now that Ashford has Emma, the dynamic is different. I want to make sure you know I consider you family too. If there’s anything you might need.”

Teller had always been serious, even when we were kids. He was twelve years older than me. A decade older than his sister. Back in the day, Piper’s big brother had intimidated the heck out of me. Which only increased when he became a Green Beret, serving until he was wounded. He still had that same gruff manner, only honed by maturity.

It used to surprise me that a wild child like Piper could have such a straight-laced sibling. But it was probably good for her to have someone as grounded as Teller. He was great with her son Ollie, too.

“Thanks,” I said. “I promise, the only thing I need right now is help getting the room ready before the bingo crowds descend.”

I also needed a distraction from a certain billionaire hotel owner, but I had no intention of mentioning that to Teller.

Unfortunately, he brought up that very subject in the next breath. “Wanted to ask you about something, though. Dane Knightly. I know he’s close with Ashford. Have you spent much time with him yet?”

I paid extra attention to a stack of chairs. “He came to Ashford’s for dinner. I think he’s been busy with the hotel.”

Teller hummed thoughtfully. “I figure I should introduce myself at some point. Make sure he knows he can’t do whatever he wants here. I’m aware that he served with Ashford, but rich types like Knightly tend to act like they own everything they see.”

“I don’t think Dane is like that.”

“Maybe not. But after that drama last year and the other new elements Ashford has brought to Silver Ridge, I have a reason to be concerned.”

“You mean Ayla Maxwell? You’re not a fan?”

Now, it was Teller’s turn to seem uncomfortable. “I don’t know anything about her music,” he said testily. He scratched at the long scar on his cheek. “Just that my officers have to work overtime to keep her safe when she decides to grace us with her presence. I don’t have the funding to babysit celebrities.”

I smiled. “Especially a pop star who’s considered one of the sexiest women in the world?”

Teller’s expression barely changed, but there was a flicker in his eyes, and forhimthat gave away plenty. “She’s…memorable, I suppose.”

Hmm. Interesting.

I could’ve kept teasing the chief about his crush on Ashford’s much younger sister-in-law, but I decided to show mercy. We had work to do.

Half an hour later, the room was all set up and filling with bingo regulars. I waved at Dixie, who was at the concession table pouring a pitcher of something that looked suspiciously like sangria. We weren’t supposed to be serving alcohol here, but it was impossible to rein Dixie in.

Thankfully, the chief didn’t notice. He was currently surrounded by white-haired ladies. I heard several mentions of granddaughters that they wanted to introduce to the very single police chief. The man kept glancing over at me like he hoped I might save him.

Nope, I wanted nothing to do with that.

We were just about to get started when there was a new swirl of excitement, and heads swiveled toward the door. Whispers spread about the newcomer who’d just walked in. I turned.

And my stomach swooped like I was suddenly on a roller coaster.

Dane was rocking black jeans that hugged his strong thighs and the long lines of his legs. His shoulders filled out a dark-gray flannel that matched his eyes. Not that different from the clothing that most men around Silver Ridge favored, yet Dane made it look almost as good as his tailored black tuxedo.

Instantly, my heart rate picked up, and blood rushed to my face. What in the world was he doing here?

I watched as he went over to the concession table to say hello to Dixie. She didn’t act remotely surprised to see him. Dixie said something to him, pointing in my direction, and he turned around, his eyes locking on me as he smiled.

My chest went tight.

“Should we get started?” Teller whispered, touching my arm. “Gotta be honest, Grace, I’d rather this not run any later than it has to.”

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