Page 44 of Tinsel in Telluride

Three sets of eyes swing our direction, and I could kill Luca for putting me in this position. Each of the guys stare for a beat with nothing but pity in their gaze. Though I’m not sure if it’s for me or Luca. Maybe both.

But for how long? How long will they stick around if I let them? Only until we find out the results of the paternity test? For Christmas? His birthday? What if Luca’s not the father?

The guys awkwardly turn back to entertain Zach, and I shift my weight so I am facing Luca. He does the same, and I know we’ve reached the point where a decision has to be made.

“Luca, I?—”

“Please, Leigh.” He cuts me off. Eyes wide and pleading, my name is a prayer of desperation on his lips. “I’ve already missed so much. I know he might not be mine, but on the off chance he is, don’t ask me to miss another Christmas.”

Fuck.

He’s right.

I hate that he’s right.

But it doesn’t make it any less true.

“Okay,” I whisper, defeated and resolute.

Luca’s brow raises. “Really?”

I give a shaky nod. “I can’t argue with that. Zach is my world, and that sentiment goes both ways. He’s missed that time with you too.”

His arms shoot out, and before I can duck away, he tugs me against his chest. I try not to think about the way I fit perfectly beneath his chin as he lowers his head to the shell of my ear and whispers, “Thank you.”

My head spins. His heady scent and strong arms mixed with this soft sentiment are too much for my brain to compute. “Uh, yeah. You’re welcome.”

He releases me and we both stand there, neither of us making a move to step away. I watch as Luca registers just how close, and I know I should be the one to step back. But ever the masochist of my own feelings, I don’t.

He leans forward, ever so slightly, his chest brushing against mine and despite the layers of warming layers, my nipples tighten.

Nope.

He sucks his upper lip between his teeth and sucks in a sharp breath, and my eyes zero in on his lips.

So much fucking nope.

My body and all its cobwebs might want another taste of Luca, but there is not a chance in hell I’m going there.

At least that’s what my brain is saying, but my body doesn’t get the message.

He leans in further.

His lips centimeters from mine.

The ghost of a touch is there.

Of course, that’s when my brain catches on and I force a cough, breaking the moment.

“I—I’m going to pee,” I stammer, stumbling back. “Would you mind rounding up the guys for lunch?”

Lucahesitates, and a knowing grin splits the lips that were moments ago destined for mine. “Sure thing.”

Turning on my heel, I take off for the cabin like a bat out of hell. Once I’m in the safety of the rickety old bathroom, I splash some water on my face as the weight of what just transpired sinks in.

We’re staying.

Here.

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