After I saw her earlier today at the Club, I asked my assistant to remind me when I’d signed off on the waitstaff uniforms. I hadn’t expected a plain black pantsuit to be so provocative. Maybe it was just who was wearing it that made the uniform seem so suggestive. Rosey looked sexy as fuck, her hair swept up, giving easy access to her neck. Then there was the way the vest clung to her torso, emphasizing her curves and small waist. I’d never even noticed the uniforms until today. Until I saw Rosey in hers.

I don’t know why I ended up telling her about my family background yesterday. For some reason, I wanted to share with her. Not that I’ve revealed the whole story. Like the fact that I’m the owner of the Colorado Club.

Will she be pissed I didn’t tell her? Not that she’d have any right to be—I mean, we hardly know each other. Except it feels like we do. Or we… should. Maybe I’m hoping she’ll feel like I should have told her. Like I owe her something because—because what? We shared a mug of hot chocolate and a conversation?

I’m being ridiculous.

I’ve never been one to question and second-guess myself like this. Not in business. Not with women. Why has Rosey managed to get under my skin?

The bus pulls up on the main road, to let me off at the end of the drive and I watch the door open with embarrassing eagerness. Rosey appears in the doorway, calls a thank-you back to the driver and steps down to the road. She’s smiling to herself and that makes me grin. Two days ago she walked out on her fiancé and she’s already smiling into the cold Colorado air. Is that the Star Falls Effect?

“Hey,” she calls as she sees me, my boots resting on the balustrade of the porch. “More hot chocolate?”

“You’ve made me an addict,” I say. “You want some? Milk’s still warm in the pan.”

Her grin lifts on one side and she nods.

I stand and throw her a blanket. I don’t have a swing on my porch, just a bench. “Get under there. It’s cold tonight.”

When I return with her drink, the green plaid blanket is pulled up to her chin.

“I should have taken my coat off on the bus,” she says. “So I’d feel the benefit.”

“You want to go inside?” I ask her.

She reaches up for her drink. “No, this will warm me up.” She glances at the mug. “No marshmallows?”