Page 32 of Forbidden Flame

I draped an arm over the back of her chair. “I disagree. They’re throwing us together, and it would be rude of me not to pay attention to you and make sure you’re taken care of.”

Daphne covered her mouth as she laughed. “Is that what you call this?”

I leaned forward. “I can’t wait to get you alone.”

Her eyes widened. “How do you expect that to happen?”

“There are many places we could sneak off to. Are you planning on staying here tonight or the inn?”

“I was going to go home so that I could be there in case Izzy needs me.”

“Why don’t you stay with me?”

“Are you sure Heath and Marley won’t want to stay in their house?”

I leaned forward so that I was blocking the rest of the room. No one needed to know what we were talking about. “They’re staying at the inn because the bridal party and the bride and groom will be there.” I was glad that I’d insisted on staying at the cabin tonight.

Daphne frowned. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea.”

“The offer stands.” I winked at her as I moved so that we were facing forward. I had the rest of the evening to convince her to give me another shot. I was confident about my chances.

Gia announced the bride and groom, and they went right into their first dance. Everyone stood to watch.

“They’re so in love,” Daphne said as she watched Sarah and Knox sway to the music. Sarah was smiling as Knox dipped his head to say something to her.

I nodded. “Couple goals, right?”

Daphne just shook her head, her lips twitching.

I felt more hopeful tonight than I had in weeks. The object of my desire was next to me, and I had the rest of the evening to spend time with her.

After a minute, Emmett led Addy to the dance floor, and Sebastian joined him with Ember. Several people lifted their phones to snap pictures, and Abby was crouched nearby to get the best angle. At some point, Knox cut in to dance with Addy, and Emmett danced with the bride.

It was a touching moment. Not for the first time, I wished that I was a part of this family, not just an extension of it.

Gia urged the bridal party to come out and dance to the second song, so I held my hand out to Daphne. “You can’t say no.”

It was literally our duty to spend time together. I couldn’t have planned this better myself. Things had worked out perfectly.

Daphne smiled as she placed her hand in mine, and I led her to the dance floor. I pulled her to me, breathing in the scent of her floral shampoo.

“Do you think anyone is talking about us?” Daphne asked.

I wanted to say I didn’t care if they were, but that wasn’t true. I was here because of the Monroes’ good will. I wasn’t a kid anymore. If the farm wasn’t doing well, or I did something to hurt their family, I’d be asked to leave. They didn’t owe me anything.

I looked around the room, but no one’s attention was on us. “We’re doing what’s expected. I think we’re okay.”

Daphne fell silent for a few seconds. Then I asked, “How did you brothers react to the bachelorette auction?”

“They didn’t want me to do it, and the concession was that Teddy came to keep an eye on me.”

“They didn’t ask you for information when you came home? No one noticed you came home in the middle of the night?”

“Izzy was at the farmhouse with my dad, and I live alone, so no one noticed what time I came home.” The tone in her voice suggested she was grateful for that. “Teddy showed up for breakfast, hoping to get information, but I said it was a nice night, but there wasn’t a connection.”

My arms tightened around her. “Even though there was?”

“You know I couldn’t tell my brother the truth. He would have shown up here demanding retribution.”

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