Page 44 of Rockstar's Accidental Marriage

“Sam’s a big deal around here. Local boy hits it big and all that.” Lila leans in confidentially. “That’s why Bobbi Jo wants him back. But she’s the one who broke it off right after graduation. So serves her right.”

Lila continues feeding me bits of gossip as we make our way through the crowd.

Suddenly, Sam appears at my side, holding out his hand.

“Two-step with me,” he says, eyes locking onto mine.

“I don’t know how,” I admit, feeling self-conscious.

“I’ll teach you,” he says, his voice soft but insistent.

Lila winks at me before slipping away, and I let Sam lead me onto the straw-strewn dance floor.

I try to follow Sam’s movements as he expertly leads me around the floor. By the end of the first song, I feel like I’m starting to get a feel for the dance. But then the music changes to something softer and slower.

When Sam pulls me close for the slow dance, his hand warm against my waist, everything else fades away. The string lights above us create a soft glow that makes his green eyes shine, and I can feel his heartbeat steady and strong against me. Atthis moment, I'm not his accidental wife or his band's manager—I'm just Emily, dancing with the man who's becoming more important to me than I ever expected.

“You’re doing great,” he murmurs, his breath brushing against my ear.

I glance up at him, my heart pounding as our eyes meet. The rest of the people no longer exist, leaving only us, the soft glow of the lights, and the gentle hum of the music.

“Thanks. I guess I haven’t danced to that many country songs.” I whisper, leaning closer so he can hear me as I confess, “It’s hard to imagine you as a country music fan.”

Sam grins. “You’d be surprised. Growing up, that’s all they had around these parts.” Sam gives an amused chuckle. “Some of us teenagers used to sneak out back and blare loud rock and roll music. Until one of the parents would shut us down.”

“Now that I can imagine,” I say with a teasing smile.

Sam suddenly twirls me out and then back in, making me laugh and breathless. His hands go around my waist as he pulls me close—so close that I can feel his warmth.

I rest my head on his shoulder as his hands softly caress my back, and I shiver at the sensation.

“You look great in that dress, by the way,” Sam whispers close to my ear.

I’m suddenly glad I wore the one dress I brought with me. It’s a cornflower blue that exactly matches my eyes. It’s simple, and the way it swirls around my legs makes me feel feminine and pretty.

“You don’t look too bad yourself there, cowboy,” I try to say it in a sexy southern drawl. Sam throws back his head and lets out a hearty laugh. I notice some of the people giving him looks of approval. My eyes snag on Clay, Sam’s dad, and even from here, I can see the slight smile on his face. His stance is one of pride.

I grin up at Sam. “I knew I was right. Your father is very proud of you,” I say, lifting my chin.

He stills, his eyes searching mine. Then he looks around until he spots Clay. His dad gives him a curt nod, but there’s no hiding the satisfied and proud look on his face.

In a low voice, I say, “I’m proud of you too, Sam,” hoping he can see the sincerity in my gaze.

For a moment, I think he’s going to pull away, but then he smiles, his hand tightening on my waist.

"Good," he says softly, "I could get used to that look, Cupcake."

The way he says it, tender and intimate, makes my heart flutter. I no longer mind the nicknames because now I know it’s his way of showing affection. His hand tightens on my waist, and I realize I'm no longer fighting this feeling between us—and haven't been for a while.

Fourteen

Sam

The sun is high, and the sky is endless, without a cloud in sight, stretching over the rolling fields and trees. Driving the buggy down the dirt path, I steal a glance at Emily. She’s sitting beside me, a soft smile playing on her lips. Her hair is loose, blowing gently in the wind, and as I watch, she pushes it out of her eyes—her big, bright, gorgeous blue eyes. For a moment, I can’t look away.

“You’re quiet,” I finally say, nudging her with my shoulder.

“Just enjoying the view,” she replies, turning, her gaze sweeping over the pastures.

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