Page 31 of Scoring with my Bestie's Ex

The dance floor extends well outside the barn, surrounded by dozens of sitting areas with small fires being tended by workers.

Speakers are hung up everywhere. No matter where you are on the dance floor, you’ll hear the music clearly.

“This is fantastic!” Ellen squeals, jumping up and down and clapping her hands.

The pretty, green skirt she bought at of the shops today floats around her. She quickly grabs Mike’s arm and drags him away, leaving Bella and me .

She’s been quiet all day. When I saw Steven bothering her outside the cabin earlier in the day, I thought that might be why. But she’s been relaxed in her quietness, unlike this morning.

“Want to get some lemonade?” I ask.

Bella beams at me. “That’ll be lovely.”

We head toward the refreshments table, I ask for two lemonades and hand one to Bella.

“Looks like Ellen and Mike are dancing already,” she notes.

I smirk as I catch sight of them spinning their hearts out on the dance floor.

“Would you like to dance?” I ask Bella.

She bites her lip. She has on cherry-red lip gloss that makes her mouth entirely too beguiling. The sight of her teeth denting the soft skin is too much for me to ignore.

Luckily, Bella doesn’t catch me staring.

“I don’t think so,” she says. “I know things have been… well, I’m not sure how to say this.”

“Say what?” I press.

She gestures for me to follow. I do, weaving through the chattering crowd. We step outside and move to an unoccupied fire pit.

Once there, Bella turns to me. “I officially broke up with Steven.”

My eyebrows lift. “I thought you already did that.”

“I thought so, too. But now I said the actual words. I guess he didn’t realize that me leaving was us breaking up.” Bella smiles at me. “I’m relieved. But… everything is still new. I have been Steven’s girlfriend for years. I’m not sure how to be just Bella again.”

Ah. I nod. “I understand.”

“Good. I checked an update on the road situation. Several other towns have offered their help, and Castleton thinks we should be able to get out of here tomorrow.”

I hold my hands toward the fire, fighting the sense of dread that comes with her words. That should be a good thing.

“That reminds me. There was some property damage from another slide,” I say. “I’ve decided I’m going to host a charity event of some sort to help the people affected. Probably a dance.”

Bella lays a hand on my arm. “That sounds wonderful. Just let me know if you could use help. I’ll do what I can.”

The fire crackles, sending sparks up into the sky.

“Thank you,” I say.

She’s so beautiful. Cherry-red lips. Brown eyes glowing almost amber in the firelight. Her cheeks tinged with pink. She seems more confident right now than she’s ever been before.

“I’d love to keep in touch, once we’re back in the city.” Her hand is still on my arm, and her fingers tighten as she speaks. “You’ve been so great to Ellen and me these last few days.”

“It’s no problem. I hate to see people in distress.”

“I’m starting to understand that about you.” A devilish smile curls those red lips. “I’d like to get to know you when I’m not in distress, though.”

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