Page 40 of Tinsel in Telluride

LEIGH

I clutch the piece of paper with Bradley’s number in my fist and do my best to hide the stupid grin on my face. There’s not a world in which I’ll be calling the incredibly sexy cowboy, but it’s been a long time since a man has taken an interest in me after knowing I have a kid. Usually when they find out, men come up with a convenient reason to run in the opposite direction.

Bradley didn’t. In fact, he seemed keen to scoop Zach up and teach him to be a real cowboy. It was freaking adorable. What made it even better was the utter dismay of my broody, maybe-baby-daddy. If looks could kill, Luca would be on his way to jail for first degree murder.

I don’t need that kind of karma on my conscience. Which is why, for the moment, this number will remain nothing but an incredible confidence booster and a reminder that maybe I won’t have to die all alone. Someday the timing will be right, and the right guy will want to share a life with Zach and me. Ideally, he’ll also live in New York and not on a rural farm in the mountainsof Colorado. But you know, beggars can’t be choosers, so maybe I could get used to the rustic life.

“Hey,” Luca calls out as I cross the deck and look out over at him and the three other guys building snowmen with Zach.

Bash and Holt are creating what looks like an anatomically correct snow lady, while Luca and Enzo are showing Zach how to shape snow on what looks more like a dilapidated volcano than a snowman.

And damn, is my boy grinning.

Leaning over the railing, Zach’s giggle warms my soul. “That’s a mighty fine snowman.”

Holt and Bash look up, their hands each cupping their snow woman's double D tits. “Why thank you.”

I roll my eyes and slide my gaze back to Zach, who is shoving a piece of snow in his mouth.

Luca follows my line of sight and chuckles. “At least it’s not yellow.”

“He’s probably getting hungry.”I glance down at my watch and see it’s already past noon.

Luca’s eyes widen and he whips his head back to Zach, who is enjoying every bite of his wild snow cone. “Shit, I’m sorry. I should have thought about that. When does he usually eat?”

“A half hour ago,” I admit. “But there’s no way you could’ve known. I’ll just run up and see how much longer till the food is ready.”

“I’ll go with you.” Luca drops the snow in his hand and gives Enzo a silent look, asking if he’s got Zach. His twin nods.

They’ve done the twin telepathy a few times today, and each time it sends a pang through my heart. I never had siblings, but how amazing it must be to have someone who, no matter what, just gets it. They’re always on your side and know what you’re thinking without a single word needing to be said.

In a few short strides, Luca’s hopping the deck railing and at my side. I’m about to insist I can do it myself, but he doesn’t give me the chance. He invades my space and my senses with his broad frame and musky cologne. His perfectly sculpted brow is raised as he looks down his nose at me.

“For the record, I know you could do it yourself. I wanted to talk to you before we eat.”

“Oh.” I wasn’t expecting that. Usually he’s allMe Tarzan, You Jane. You do what I say.But once again, just like with all he’s done for Zach and Monarch Hearts, he’s surprised me with thoughtfulness.

Seriously, who is this man?

Luca’s eyes trail down, lingering first on my lips, then lower to my puffer jacket. His gaze skates along the curve where breast meets waist. It’s slow. Deliberate. And it’s turning my body into a wanton traitor.

I struggle to suppress the shiver that slithers down my spine and straight to my core.

That didn’t happen when Bradley looked at me like that.

“And in case no one has told you, teal suits you.” The way he says it—relaxed, eyes heated, and ending with his lower lip caught between his teeth—is more than friendly, but not quite romantic.

At the moment, it’s too much for my brain to process. Which is why I only manage to mutter a weak, “Uh, thanks.”

If Luca notices the pink in my cheeks, he doesn't say before he turns on his heel and heads for the cabin.

I’m left standing there trying to get my back-stabbing body under control. I’m definitely not supposed to be noticing the way his designer snow pants hug his ass and thighs. The man might not play baseball anymore, but damn, all those years at shortstop did wonders for his backside.

God, what is wrong with me? This is Luca Donati. The man who ruined my life. Who manipulated us into showing up for this trip when we really didn’t need to.

But he’s also the man who picked out all my son’s favorites. And finished our entire proposal on his own so I wouldn’t have to worry about it while we were here.

“Leigh, you coming?”

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