Reunited In The Rockies. Mindy Obenhaus

the warmth of the grill as the other women spilled from the house, giddy with excitement. He watched as everyone welcomed their guest, recalling the first time he’d brought Kayla home to meet his family. Was she as nervous now as she’d been that day?

      Of course, back then, his mother had quickly put her at ease.

      When she finally made her way onto the deck, Jude found it difficult to breathe. She was still the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Gone were this morning’s braid and overalls, replaced by an ultrafeminine purple sweater, skinny jeans and riding boots. And her hair. He’d always liked it when she wore it down. Dark as chocolate and smooth as silk. Even now he could remember the exotic fragrance of her shampoo and wondered if she still smelled the same.

      She stopped beside him, her lips tilting upward as her dark gaze captured his. “We meet again.”

      Unable to stop himself, he inhaled deep. But it was the aroma of an open fire and sizzling meat that brought him to his senses. “Guess we should get used to that.”

      “If you ladies want to bring out the rest of the food.” Dad nodded at Hillary, Carly and Lacie. “The steaks are ready, so let’s eat.”

      The meal had barely begun when talk of the wedding started, escalating Jude’s desire to retreat. But for the sake of Noah and Lily, he hung around and enjoyed dessert. At least until Lily decided to walk Kayla through the layout of the event that would take place at the ranch next week.

      After helping clear the tables, he made his escape, certain no one had seen him. Not that the entire family wouldn’t know where to find him.

      Once inside his shop, he flipped on the lights and breathed in the scent of wood. He needed to get ahold of himself. So what if Kayla was staying in Ouray? He was an easygoing guy. A cop, for crying out loud. He knew how to keep his cool. Yet twice in the last two days he’d lost it in front of her. She’d never gotten to him like that before. Why now?

      Because Kayla had wounded his ego and broken his heart. One day they were talking and texting, making plans to see one another, and then nothing. She never communicated with him again. And though he called and texted until he was blue in the face, there was nothing until the recording saying her number was no longer in service.

      Yet, like a fool, he’d continued to hold out hope that he’d hear from her again. The least she could have done was give him an explanation instead of leaving him to wonder.

      Needing to redirect his thoughts, he moved to the packaging area of the shop to double-check an order. Then he heard the door open.

      He looked up, surprised to find Kayla moving toward him.

      His gaze narrowed as he rounded the worktable. “Are you lost?”

      “No, I was looking for you.” Stopping in front of him, she said, “I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier today. You were only thinking of the well-being of my baby.”

      Unexpected disappointment wove through him. As if she would have said that she’d made a mistake. That she’d once loved him, too, and wanted to try again. Stupid.

      “No big deal. It’s not like no one’s ever gotten in my face before.”