Page 90 of Moonlit Colorado

“You’re scowling,” Dane said. “What’s going through your mind?”

I shook my head, smoothing out my expression. “Nothing.”

“You sure?” He studied me.

“Sibling stuff, I guess.” That was close enough.

Dane nodded, glancing out the window. “Speaking of siblings, I asked Kip last night about Dirk Lancaster and Nina Jamison. Kip claimed to know nothing, and I’m pretty sure he was lying to me.”

“You think Kip knows Nina Jamison?”

“It’s a hunch. But it’s possible. And then my mom mentioned him today, saying he’s having a rough time… Makes me wonder if Kip told Mom some part of it.”

“You think Kip would do that? Like, confessing his sins?”

“I don’t know. But I have an investigator looking into the different pieces, so I guess we’ll find out how it all fits together. Then we’ll decide what to do about it.”

I was glad that Dane kept sayingwe. I hated to think his brother could be involved in whatever had resulted in someone breaking into my home. But it was clear Dane considered me a part of this, no matter what he learned about Kip. He wasn’t going to shut me out.

“What else do you want to do in NYC?” Dane asked. “After the brunch tomorrow, we’ll be free. We can do anything you like.”

It was bittersweet to think about tomorrow being my final full day here. “Hmm. Maybe some more touristy stuff. Oh, the subway! I want to see what that’s like.”

“The subway? You really are adorable,” Dane said, and I stuck my tongue out at him. He kissed my head. “Alright, subway it is. I will take you any other places you want to go. Even the Circle Line boat tour.”

“That too! Thank you.”

He kissed me again, lips lingering on mine.

Dane’s driver, Ben, pulled into the driveway of a modern tower, all glass and steel and striking architecture. “Your family owns this hotel?” I asked, peering up.

“Yep. Another Knightly Global property. This one’s pretty swanky. My father’s pride and joy.”

“Bristol’s family owns hotels too, right?”

“They do. Kip and Bristol had plenty of wedding venues to choose from.” Dane leaned into me, speaking against my ear. “Harcourt Hotels has name-brand recognition. But technically, Knightly Global is the bigger enterprise. Choosing this hotel was a compliment to my dad. Kip is all about scoring those brownie points with my father.”

We got out and went through the lobby doors, joining other people in evening wear. I was in a slinky, pale-green gown with cap sleeves. Dane wore a tux. Not the one he’d worn to the Silver Ridge hotel grand opening, but another that was equally well-tailored and hugged all his muscles. I’d never known it was possible for a man to be this sexy, but Dane managed it like it wasn’t even hard. I had spent an hour making my hair and makeup just right, while he’d spent all of ten minutes getting ready. So not fair.

The ceremony was being held on an outdoor patio way up on the twentieth floor. When we stepped out of the elevator, a server holding flutes of champagne greeted us, along with classical music played by a dozen musicians over by a reflecting pool. Flowers and greenery were everywhere, draped in garlands and placed in dramatic, tall arrangements.

Dane held my hand and steered me through the crowd, greeting people as he went.

“Cutting it close,” his father said under his breath when we reached our seats near the front on the groom’s side. “The ceremony’s about to start.”

Dane lifted his champagne flute. “Great to see you too, Dad.”

I had to give it to Bristol and Kip’s wedding planner. The ceremony was beautiful. The patio overlooked a Manhattan cityscape, with the sun sinking behind us and painting the surrounding buildings in vivid colors. I wasn’t a huge fan of the couple, but I couldn’t help being affected by the romance of it all. The sweeping music and the heartfelt words of the officiant. Bristol’s gorgeous bridal ballgown.

And more than anything, the man beside me, who hadn’t let go of my hand once since we’d arrived.

Only one more full day here. Yet as Kip and Bristol exchanged their vows, I wasn’t thinking about sightseeing on my final day in NYC. Instead I found myself imagining all the places I wanted to take Dane in Silver Ridge. Little hidden-away hiking trails with breathtaking views. The places Piper and I had played as kids. And of course, I also imagined lots of sex with Dane in his hotel suite overlooking the ski mountain.

I wanted him to be part of my life there. Arealpart.

I didn’t want this thing between us to end.

While Dane was called over to pose in some family photos, I took the opportunity to text my best friend. Because after that sudden realization, I wasfreaking out.

---