Page 77 of Starcrossed Colorado

Ashford lay on his side next to me. He propped up onto his elbow. “Emma, look at me.”

I did, blinking fast to keep my eyes from filling with tears.

“I see everything I need to. You listened to me earlier, and I’ll do the same for you if you want to tell me. But it’s not going to change anything.”

I nodded. Breathed through my uncertainty. “My ex was a theater director. I was a musician for a show. He insisted we keep our relationship secret, and I thought it was because he was my boss. But it turned out, his real concern was that he’s married. I found out when his wife returned from teaching in England. She’s a professor in the music department at my school. Everyone knows now, and there’s no way I can show my face there again.”

“Why should you be ashamed? Why should you be the one to leave? You did nothing wrong.”

I disagreed, but it meant everything to hear him say it.

His mouth twisted, eyes narrowing dangerously. “Good thing we’re in a different state. Otherwise, I’d be tempted to sneak up on this ex of yours and put him in a chokehold, and there’s already one O’Neal brother with a prison record.”

Laughter snuck up from my chest. I pressed my lips together, but soon I was shaking with it. In an imaginary showdown between Ashford and my ex, there was zero doubt about who’d win. “I shouldn’t be laughing at that violent mental image, but I can’t help it.”

“You can tell me all your bad thoughts.”

“If you tell me yours.”

“Deal. But for the rest of tonight, I don’t intend to do anything more than hold you and kiss you. Because no matter what we do together, you’re safe with me.”

“What about…” I glanced down at the obvious erection tenting his pants. “I’d love to help you with that.”

“Another time. I can wait.” Ashford switched off his bedside lamp and put his arm out. I snuggled into him, and he tucked me against his side like I was his matching puzzle piece. He dropped a kiss to my head. I was all cozy and relaxed when he sat up again.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Is Stella in your room?”

“Yes.”

“Just thought she might want to come in with us. No point in her being alone.”

“She’ll get on the bed,” I warned.

“I don’t mind.” He got up and went into the hall. I heard another door open, and a moment later, Stella bounded in. Just as I’d expected, she jumped up onto the mattress and lay downnext to me. She knew the rules for my room, but in a different space, all bets were off. Ashford returned right after.

“Hold on, that’s my spot.”

“Told you. She thinks it’s a slumber party.”

He nudged Stella toward our feet. She scooted, still happy as can be. If she thought it was strange that Ashford and I were in bed together, she didn’t show it.

He pulled me against him, and we got settled. Stella inched back between us as much as she dared. I heard him laugh softly. And then he moved his legs to give her a bit more space.

If I hadn’t already been swooning for this man, it would’ve happened right then. For Ashford, I was a goner.

NINETEEN

Ashford

Wakingup next to Emma was better than I could’ve imagined. It had been way too long since I’d woken up next to a woman. But this wasn’t just any woman.

Emma’s mouth was a pink rosebud in sleep, and I was dying to kiss it. Her dark eyelashes splayed over her olive-toned skin. My sheets smelled like lavender-vanilla, and I hoped it would be a long time before that scent faded.

I didn’t want to be thinking already about her leaving. But it was there. Never leaving my mind. Even though I’d decided,to hell with it. I was tired of letting fears drive me. In my classes, I taught my students to overcome fear. What the hell was wrong with me if I couldn’t do the same?

I couldn’t believe I’d told her about Ayla though. Part of me still thought I was a fool for risking that. People did unconscionable things to get access to fame or money. But Emma would never do anything that could jeopardize Maisie’s wellbeing.