Page 21 of The Rancher's Fake Fiancée

Cole held out his hand. “Let’s go find our song.”

She placed her palm inside his. It was warm and felt almost comforting. “Our song?” She followed as he led them to the center of the floor where other couples were already gathering. He made a twirling motion bringing her around into his chest which sent coherent thought to abandon her unsteady brain for the moment. Cole drew her closer and they began a two-step around the center of the floor.

“I’m not telling you how to do your job,” he whispered just above her cheek, “but shouldn’t a happy and in-love fiancée be smiling adoringly at the man she is madly in love with and looking forward to him slipping a gold band on her hand?”

He was reminding her of the job at hand. What else should she be thinking about? The whiff of cologne that made her want to move in for a closer inspection? The fact that his arms were especially inviting to have them draw her against his length even tighter? Or should she remember it was all an act for others watching them with interest…all for a show. That cold thought was fact and facts counted in her job. And appearances. She fitted a wide smile on her face and wound her free hand higher to rest caressingly at the nape of his neck.

“I do adore you, darling.” Her words were just loud enough to be heard by those dancing close enough around them. Just right for them to carry back to their respective tables and share with their fellow townspeople.All for show.That thought carried a sting in that moment where it never had before. “I do love a romantic dance with you.”

His gaze had narrowed and moved slowly from hers to the area of her mouth, lingered long enough to cause a stirring within her pulse rate, then lifted to make its way to her gaze again. “Too many people around us for my liking,darling. But guess I’ll just have to wait for that long drive home to show you how I really feel.”

She missed a step at his words but quickly recovered.

“Oops.” His hold tightened around her waist. “Didn’t mean to shake you up there, sweetheart.” His smile wasn’t sorry at all but totally seductive.

“You’re very good at this, dear,” she said in a lowered voice. “Sounds like you’ve had some experience with romancing your partner before.”

His grin held a slight hint of devilment. “You wouldn’t be jealous, would you? But no worries.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I’ll keep you close enough in case any of those daggers being sent your way by jealous ladies watching us won’t touch you.”

“You are such a gentleman. How did I ever get so lucky to have been the one chosen by you over all the others?” That should add even more looks to land on her.Bring them on ladies.

“You like to play with fire. I never figured on that one.”

“I’ll be leaving soon, and you’ll have to deal with them all even more determined to take my place.”

“No one will come close to that.” Their gazes locked of their own accord. The words didn’t seem to be part of any act but came out unbidden and silence followed in their wake. Jessie could almost believe they were heartfelt. But it was an act…right? When she looked into those gray depths, something shuttered them from her search. The wall was in place again.

Luckily, the music ended at that moment, and she wasn’t sure if she felt relief or disappointment. His hand remained at her lower back all the way back to the table.

She didn’t have a chance to sit as Uncle Joe was on his feet and asking for the next dance. Jesse smiled and nodded. It was a good escape. But she soon saw that Cole had taken Katie onto the floor also. The sight pleased her. If he meant what he said earlier, then he would be trying to get to know the woman his uncle felt so strongly about. To her surprise, the song was a fast one…a polka and she felt like her feet rarely touched the ground as her partner was certainly lively and very good at the steps. She felt the laughter come naturally as they moved around the other dancers.

“You are very good at this, dear girl,” he said, paying her an earnest compliment.

“A good partner makes a lowly one look better,” she said, concentrating on each step to keep up. “And you are a wonderful dancer. You must have attended a lot of these dances in your lifetime here.”

“You could say that.” He grinned and nodded. “It keeps a body young in my estimation. And gives an old man a chance to dance with some pretty girls and remember my youth.”

“Well, you are definitely outdancing most of the younger men here. Makes me wish I had you to teach me to be better on the dance floor.”

“Well, since you are going to take up residence practically next door to me, seems we will have time to have some dance lessons since you’ll soon be a Connor.”

Reality came back again. She nodded. “That’s right. There will be those opportunities.”

“You know it does me good to see you and my nephew together on the dance floor. I remember those special looks that Mary and I used to share when we danced. I like to think Katie and I are settling into that habit, also. It certainly does my heart good to see you and Cole and think what the future holds for the both of you.”

Jesse felt a total sham. She liked this man, and his opinion meant a lot to her. And she could only imagine what it would feel like to be part of his family. And an ache began inside the area close to her heart. It was hard to maintain a smile on her face until the music finally ended.

“Thank goodness, the next one is a slow one,” Katie said as the other couple came up to their side.

“Nonsense, Katie girl,” Uncle Joe grinned. He took her hand in his. “I ordered a slow one just for us.” He drew her out onto the floor as the lights dimmed and the slow ballad began.

“He is amazing,” Jesse said. Before she could turn to leave, Cole’s hand had captured hers and drew her back to him.

“I think I’m not too bad, but it’s too good a song to waste. I’m a Reba fan.” And that’s how she found herself in his arms again. And the steps were slow, bodies had to be close…very close. Her head naturally found a nice spot just below his shoulder. It also seemed natural to find her eyes closed as the music filled the hall. They drifted around the floor among other couples. For once she didn’t care to put on a show. It was lovely just to not think about anything but that moment. They didn’t say a word as they moved in perfect step with each other. It was also natural to lift her head as the song came to an end and find his lips dip to meet hers and the rest of the room faded into darkness as the kiss and its warmth took over and wrapped them inside its cocoon.

That’s when the room wasn’t silent any longer, but applause began in a small wave and then turned into a loud roar as other couples around them good-naturedly laughed and clapped, shouting encouragement to continue to the pair. They were the center of all attention and Jessie was silent for once, unsure of what to do.

Cole appeared to return their regard with a nod of his head and a huge grin on his face. His arm drew around her shoulders and held her beside him. He nodded and returned some of their kidding and his hand on her shoulder sent a silent message that registered in her foggy brain.

---