Starcrossed Colorado (Hart County #1)

29. Ashford

TWENTY-NINE

Ashford

I kept my hands on Emma as we made our way down the hall. I pressed in close to her back as she waved the key card in front of the lock. And then, finally, we were inside. Kissing again. My fingers in her hair, Emma’s hands pushing up my T-shirt to touch the overheated skin beneath.

But a big, furry weight crashed into both of us. I caught myself, hands landing on the door so I didn’t crush Emma against it.

“Oops,” she said. “I should’ve expected that. Stella’s excited to see you too.”

“Down, girl.” I bent to rub her flanks and scratch behind her ears while her tail whipped from side to side.

“She missed you.”

“I missed her too.” Which kinda surprised me. But who was I kidding? I’d come to love Stella, dog hair and all. Why else had I let her shed all over my truck seats during our road trip? “Missed both of you. Like crazy.”

“Where’s Maisie?”

“At my place with Grace and Callum. And Ayla.”

“ Ayla ?”

“Yeah. Long story.” I let Stella lick my face, then turned so she could lick the other side. “All right, that’s enough.” I stood, wiping at my beard. “Yeah. Ayla’s in Silver Ridge.”

“And you left Maisie there with her? I’m not saying you shouldn’t have. You said Grace and Callum are there too. But…that’s big.”

“It is.” A few months ago, I got anxious just leaving my daughter with my siblings. Ayla Maxwell had been enemy number one.

She’d explained herself, and that had made a huge difference. But really, I credited Emma with helping me realize that I couldn’t be the best father to Maisie unless I welcomed other people into our lives. That meant taking chances, even scary ones.

“I should catch you up on everything that’s happened.”

Once Stella had calmed down a bit, we sat on the bed up against the headboard, and I gathered Emma against me, fitting her into my side where she was supposed to be.

I put my nose in her hair and inhaled. She didn’t smell exactly right. She’d been away from her lavender shampoo for too long. But the hints of it were still there.

And more importantly, the sweet smell that just belonged to her. Some magical mixture of pheromones that I was addicted to. “I was miserable without you.”

“Same here.”

“You said you needed some space to think. Did you get what you needed?”

“I guess so.” She snuggled closer to me. “I spoke to my dad and Madison. My mom too. They told me they support me completely. All this time, I was terrified of them knowing what happened. I was so ashamed of it. But my ex is the villain in that story, not his wife and not me. I know the truth, and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.”

“Didn’t I tell you basically the same thing?”

“I know. Logically, I knew that was true. I shouldn’t have doubted how my parents would react. I shouldn’t have run away from you either.”

“Baby.” I kissed her on the nose. “Sounds like you’re still trying to blame yourself, and I won’t have that. Maybe it’s a good thing that you ran from me.” I couldn’t believe I was saying that, but I was pretty sure it was true. “Because it made me realize that I can’t live without you. I don’t mind chasing you. It’s worth it if I get to have you. You’re worth it.”

I didn’t mention the fact that she was still supposed to leave for her music program in a few weeks, assuming she got off that waitlist. After what had happened, I was more determined than ever that she get everything she wanted. Those music schools would be beyond stupid if they didn’t see her worth.

I could’ve sat there for hours, just basking in her glow, but Emma asked, “Will you tell me what happened with Ayla?”

“She showed up last night on my doorstep.”

“Does the media know? I’ve been trying to stay offline.”

If only I had been doing the same. But I was glad she hadn’t been subjected to all the rampant speculation that was going around. “Nobody knows yet except for you and my siblings. And Maisie, obviously. She and Ayla met this morning. She was excited to meet a celebrity. Especially when Ayla sang her latest hit. A personal concert for Maisie’s dolls and stuffed animals.”

“Oh, bringing out the big guns.”

I chuckled. “There’s no way the rest of us could compete with that. Except maybe you, when you play for us. You’re every bit as good a musician as her. Probably better.”

Emma poked me in the ribs, her face turning crimson. “That is so not true. Not even close.”

“I’m not entitled to my opinion? It’s you and the Beatles. With music, I only go for the very best.”

She laughed, tucking her face against my chest. “Go on. How did Ayla convince you to let her stay?”

I recounted what Ayla had told me. How she and Lori had reconnected. The secrets Lori had shared with her sister. “She suspected me of doing something to hurt Lori. Apparently that’s why Ayla wouldn’t tell me anything. And when she finally decided to reach out…”

“You didn’t want anything to do with her.”

“Exactly.”

“You trust the private investigator she hired? Maybe you or the local police could find this L person Lori was seeing.”

“It’s hard to say.” I had been racking my brain ever since Ayla had told me those details. I had also passed on the new info to Teller and Sheriff Douglas. But the file on Lori’s death had been closed for years now, and it wasn’t easy to reopen it.

Besides, the investigation into Lori’s death wasn’t even our most pressing concern. Not by a long shot.

“I need to get rid of the paparazzi that’s hanging around in Silver Ridge. If they get wind of the fact that Ayla is there, it’s going to get a hundred times worse.”

She nodded, sighing. “Do you need to head back?”

“Soon. But you’re coming with me. I’ll sneak you back into the Big Blue Monster.”

“I was thinking I’d stay on Dixie’s couch. If I go home with you, won’t it draw more attention?”

“Does that really matter at this point? I want you to be comfortable with this, but I also need you with me, and that’s not negotiable. Any reporter who messes with you had better watch out. But if they help spread the word that you’re mine? I don’t have a problem with that.”

She tilted her head to kiss me. I pressed her into the pillows, letting my weight rest partly on top of her. Just enough so that I could feel her beneath me.

“This bed was very cold and lonely the past two nights,” she said.

If I had actually slept in mine, it would’ve felt the same.

I kissed her more deeply, getting lost in the sweetness of her mouth as my tongue stroked inside.

She loved me. I hadn’t even had the time to relish that fact. I wanted to make love to her right now, knowing that we both felt the same. My cock firmed up as I imagined it. And she certainly seemed willing. She whimpered, her legs lifting to cinch around my hips.

Reluctantly, I turned down the heat on our kisses. “I would love to spend the rest of the afternoon in this bed with you. But I need to go back downstairs and properly introduce myself to your family.”

“You don’t have to. Uncle Aiden will be fine.”

“No, this is important.” Aiden had been trying to take care of her. He’d also served, and given the fact that we were around the same age, our time in the Army had probably overlapped. I needed a do-over on that first impression. Because I intended to be a part of Emma’s life and I wanted her family to know it.

Her Navy SEAL father and her stepmom in West Oaks were on the list too, but one thing at a time.

“Also, I haven’t eaten since cold takeout last night, and something smelled amazing downstairs. I’m starving.”

She laughed. “Then we can knock out both things at once, because we’ll most likely find Aiden in the kitchen.”

I didn’t want to interrupt Aiden while he was working, because I would’ve found that annoying if it were me. I’d already done enough to get Emma’s uncle on my bad side.

So we swung by the tavern to grab a bite to eat, just like any other customers. The food really was delicious. Then went to the inn’s front office. When we knocked, Jessi opened the door, and Aiden was there right behind her.

He frowned as soon as he saw me. “You again.”

“I’m Ashford O’Neal,” I said, offering my hand. “I apologize for barging in the way I did earlier.”

Aiden grunted an acknowledgment, glaring at my extended hand. But Jessi pushed past him and pulled me into a hug.

“Jessi Shelborne. And trust me, I understand. If Aiden hadn’t been able to find me , he would’ve been equally loud and insistent.” She gave her husband a pointed look.

We stepped into the office, and Jessi closed the door. It was a small but welcoming space, with a wood desk and a couch up against one wall. Jessi took a seat, a hand on her small belly.

“I’m Aiden.” He clasped my hand in his grip. And squeezed. I squeezed back. “You don’t think you’re too old for Emma?”

Emma and Jessi both made frustrated sounds. But I appreciated Aiden being straightforward. The sooner we could get this part over, the better.

“I wasn’t sure at first. But now, after getting to know her, I think we’re perfect together.”

Aiden held eye contact with me another moment, then shrugged. “That’s a decent answer. Nash might still have a problem with it, but he married my little sister Madison. Questionable decision in many ways. I’ve satisfied my uncle duties.”

Emma punched Aiden lightly on the arm.

“Ow! What was that for?”

“I figured Madison would want me to. Also, for interrogating my boyfriend.”

Boyfriend. I really liked that. When I’d shown up at Last Refuge earlier, I’d had every intention of claiming Emma as mine. Now, she’d just claimed me in front of her family. My chest puffed up with pride.

Jessi reached out to take Aiden’s hand and pull him down on the couch beside her. He managed to land softly, arm going protectively around his wife. “Ashford, Emma told me how much she’s enjoyed spending time with you and your daughter,” Jessi said. “Clearly you mean a lot to her.”

I palmed the back of Emma’s neck as our eyes met. “She means a lot to me. I love her very much.”

“Love you,” Emma whispered back.

“Awww.” Jessi waved a hand in front of her face. “Don’t mind me. Since getting pregnant, I cry about absolutely anything. Do not show me a diaper commercial unless you want waterworks.”

Aiden smiled fondly at Jessi. “She’s not exaggerating.” He pressed a quick kiss to her lips.

“How old is your daughter?” she asked me.

“Maisie is six.”

“You two should bring Maisie to have dinner with us sometime. After things have settled down, I mean.”

“I’d like that. Thanks. The food here is amazing. I’d make the trip any time.”

“I hope you will,” Jessi said.

Aiden didn’t add anything, but he looked pleased. I doubted he and I would be best friends. But we did have a lot in common.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. “Excuse me, I should check this. It could be about Maisie.”

When I pulled my phone out, I found messages from Grace and Callum. Photos, to be exact. News about a sighting of Ayla Maxwell in Silver Ridge had hit social media about an hour ago, and even more reporters than before were swarming outside my building, like they were multiplying. Maybe they’d already been on their way, but still.

Dammit.

“What’s wrong?” Emma asked.

I turned my phone around to show the others. “The media somehow found out about the guest who’s staying at my place. Local police are trying to rein them in, but this is bad. There’s no way the media will leave us alone now.”

Jessi cringed. “From the other stuff we’ve been seeing online, I’m assuming your guest is your famous sister-in-law?”

“She turned up last night, begging for a place to stay. But my apartment is hardly equipped to handle the attention a superstar celebrity gets. I don’t think Silver Ridge is ready for this, either.” My stomach swirled with unease. “My little girl is there, probably scared by all the noise and chaos.”

I had zero regrets about coming to find Emma, but I needed to get back to Maisie. And I also needed a solution to this mess. Kicking Ayla out on the street wasn’t an option, because she was family. Even if I’d denied that fact for a long time, it was undeniable now.

“We might be able to help,” Aiden said.

“I need a discreet, secure place for Ayla. And probably a twenty-four-hour professional bodyguard detail.” I waved a hand. “Do you have that tucked away somewhere around here? If not…”

Aiden grinned. First time I’d seen that expression on the man. “Come with me next door, and we can talk.”

“Emma! Did you pursue your professor’s husband?”

“Emma, did you start dating Ashford because you knew his connection to Ayla? Were you hoping to make your own shot at fame?”

I kept Emma in front of me as we pushed through the gauntlet of reporters to our door. “Get off my property,” I growled. Plus a few other choice words. Videos of me would end up online, but I couldn’t help myself. They were messing with my girl.

Luckily, Stella’s barking drowned out most of what I had said. I was carrying her big furry body in my arms. Callum held the front door open for us, taking Emma’s bag as she rushed inside. I followed.

Callum gave her a one-armed hug. “Glad you’re back, Emma.”

“Me too.”

I set Stella on the ground and made sure the door was locked and all the curtains were drawn. Then I enclosed Emma in the circle of my arms, dipping to kiss her temple. “You all right?”

“Fine. But that was bonkers. I don’t see how Ayla lives that way.”

“When we get upstairs, you can ask her.”

Emma shivered. “So weird. I can’t believe I’m about to meet Ayla Maxwell. I’d better get my fan-girling out of my system.”

“She’s very much human. Just like the rest of us.” Mistakes and all.

“Do you think she’ll sing my favorite song of hers for me? I’ve never heard her do it a cappella.”

I lifted my eyebrow.

“Okay, maybe I shouldn’t ask the first day we meet.”

I had to kiss her again because she was adorable. I didn’t know how I could love her more.

Callum carried Emma’s bag. Upstairs, Grace was in the kitchen, stirring something in a heavy pot and something else in a skillet. Food sizzled. The air smelled like cooking meat and garlic.

The moment we walked in, Maisie came running, and Stella let out a happy bark.

“Emma! You’re here!” Maisie jumped into Emma’s arms, nearly knocking both of them over. “I can’t wait for you to meet my aunt Ayla. She sings just like that lady on your phone.”

Emma set down Maisie, who fell to her knees and hugged Stella.

“Little busy around here,” Callum said, moving around them. My small entryway had never been this full.

Ayla peeked out shyly from Maisie’s room. She nodded at me, and I nodded back.

Maisie took Emma’s hand. “Come on. This is Aunt Ayla.”

The two women met in the hallway. “I’m such a fan,” Emma gushed. “Is that awkward? It’s probably awkward.”

Smiling, I left them to it and went into the kitchen. Callum had joined our sister, and they were already bickering over the pots and pans on the stove.

“I didn’t touch your sauce, jerk.”

“Looks to me like you messed with it.”

My apartment was way too small for all these people. But I actually didn’t mind it. I put one arm around each of my siblings, pulling them in for a rough hug.

“What’s happening?” Grace asked.

“I love you both. I really appreciate everything you’ve been doing.”

Callum smirked. “You say that like you’re surprised at the feeling.”

“We love you too.” Grace waved a wooden spoon at me. “And we’re glad Emma is back, since she’s clearly the real reason you’re in a good mood. Now set the table for dinner.”

“I will. Cal, you haven’t been hitting on Ayla, have you? Is that why she was hiding in Maisie’s room?”

My brother looked offended. “I haven’t done a thing. I’m a gentleman.”

“She doesn’t meet his usual standards,” Grace said. “Because they’ll definitely be seeing each other again.”

Callum flipped her the bird.

“What was that about you being a gentleman?” Grace deadpanned.

“I learned it from Ashford.”

I moved to the next topic, ignoring their bickering. “Emma and I have a plan for getting Ayla to a secure location where she can stay as long as she needs. If everything goes well, the media will have no idea where she is. But they’ll know she’s not here.”

“Sounds good.” Grace bent over the stove again. “Tell us all about it after dinner. I never cook like this, so you people are going to eat it and enjoy it, so help me.”

Dinner was delicious. Grace had made chicken parmigiana and a spinach salad, with Callum’s penne alla vodka on the side. My table wasn’t made to hold so many, but somehow we managed it, with extra chairs pulled from various other spots and Callum standing and eating by the counter.

Ayla insisted on handling the dishes. Afterward, we gathered in the living room. Emma squished against me on the couch with Maisie on her lap. Stella tried to climb up too, but when there wasn’t room, she settled for lying on top of Callum’s feet. Ayla and Grace took the two upholstered chairs.

“I don’t want you feeling like I’m kicking you out,” I said to Ayla. “But this…” I pointed at the windows, where paparazzi vans were camped up and down the street. “This isn’t good for any of us.”

Ayla pulled her feet up into the chair and tucked them beneath her. “I really am sorry. I wouldn’t have come here if I thought the media would find out.”

Maisie got up and crawled into the chair with her aunt. “But I’m glad you’re here.” Ayla shifted to make room for her, closing her eyes as she kissed Maisie’s head.

“Thank you, sweet girl.” Ayla looked so much like Lori in that moment. I got a little choked up.

“I’m glad you came too,” I said. “This was long overdue. But Emma’s uncle in Hartley made us an offer that might solve the issues we’re having.”

I told them the rough outline of the plan. We had two objectives. Leading the reporters away from here, and getting Ayla to Last Refuge without the media knowing.

“My uncle and his friends have a lot of experience protecting people in danger,” Emma explained. “People who don’t want to be found.”

“He can keep me hidden at this Last Refuge place?” Ayla asked her. “I thought you said it was a hotel.”

Emma nodded. “They have secure areas with a heavy security presence, and they’re on an isolated mountainside. Plus, before you go, we’ll have a couple of decoys leave here separately disguised as you. Myself and Grace.”

I nodded at my sister. “Would you be up for that, G?”

Grace grabbed a blanket and draped it over her head. “Just give me some sunglasses and I’ll be ready for my close-up. Or maybe not, but it’ll be dark.”

Callum scratched his stubbled chin. “Think I’ve seen this same plan in a bunch of movies and TV shows.”

“That’s because it works,” I said. “Callum, you’ll leave with Grace. We’re hoping you two will lead away most of the reporters. Then I’ll escort Emma outside as the second decoy. We’ll head to a different location. Ayla, you’ll leave last with my buddy Judson Lawrence. ”

Ayla pressed her lips into a straight line. “But where will Maisie be?”

“Our chief of police, Teller Landry, and his sister Piper will come get Maisie and Stella before any of us leave. I texted them both earlier, and once I give them the final word, they’ll head over.” Judson was already on his way here. I’d spoken to Elias as well, and he had his own important role to play.

“But I want to stay with Ayla and Emma.” Maisie hugged her aunt around the neck. So much for Dad being her number one. But I was smiling.

“I know, Maisie-doodle,” Emma said, “but you’ll have Stella with you. And then you and your dad and I will meet up afterward.”

“Really?” Now, Maisie looked to me for confirmation. I nodded. Dad was still good for something, at least.

“Ayla, Judson will drive you out near Hartley,” I continued, “where you’ll meet with one of Aiden’s contacts, who will take you to Last Refuge. The rest of the world will have no idea you’re there.”

“And if anyone somehow finds out,” Emma said, “the security team at Last Refuge will protect you for as long as you need. You can stay there until you’re ready to go wherever you want to go. What do you think?”

Ayla stroked Maisie’s hair with a shaky hand. “I’m grateful for this. I really am. You’ve gone to a lot of trouble. But I don’t know any of these men you’re talking about.” She glanced at the window with a pained expression. “Maybe it would be better if I just leave right now. Drive away and let the reporters follow me and…I don’t know. I guess I’ll figure out that part later. I came here without a plan. None of you should have to deal with this.”

Emma exchanged a glance with me. “What if Ashford drives you to the meeting location instead? I can make sure my uncle Aiden is there at the pickup. You can trust him. I swear. You’ll be completely safe the whole time.”

My immediate reaction was to protest. If I drove Ayla personally, I would be separated from Maisie and Emma for several hours.

But they’d be with my friends. There was no way I’d let Ayla drive away by herself, knowing the lengths these tabloid reporters would go to get their story.

“I can do it,” I said. “I’ll drive you, and Judson will go with Emma.” I would reunite with Maisie and Emma afterward as soon as I could. “Agreed?”

Ayla hesitated. But finally, she nodded. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

“Good.” I started sending off texts to Teller, Piper, Judson, and Elias. “We’ll make our move tonight.”