“That he missed me.”
Kissing her on the forehead, I whisper. “Good. He’ll be yours again by morning.”
“You think so?”
“Yep, we’re gonna finish this song, and then we’re gonna walk out of here together. You’ll have a text waiting for you when you wake up.”
We’re making our last trip around the hardwoods when the bar door opens, and the music, neon lights, and all of the people filling the space around me fade away.
She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
She’s not from Eastlyn, this I know for certain.
If she were from Eastlyn, she’d be mine.
I know this body and soul.
Yes, she’s tall, blond, and beautiful, but there is something more filling the atmosphere. I have no idea what it is exactly, but for some reason, I feel like the trajectory of my life has just completely changed.
“Miles, the song is over. Let’s go.”
No, no, no, no! Not now!
“Right, time to go.”
Shit. Here’s hoping I can take Scheana home and get back here before my mystery woman is gone.
Scheana puts her hand in mine, and we walk across the dance floor for the entire bar to see. Making sure everyone sees us leaving together.
Shit! Why now?!
My mystery woman takes a seat at the bar, and when she does, she takes a look around, clearly feeling like a fish out of water and trying to get the lay of the land. As her eyes peruse her surroundings, our eyes connect for the briefest of moments. Her cheeks turn pink, and even with the distance between us, I see something flash in her eyes, but when she looks down at my hand holding Scheana’s, she immediately looks away.
We leave the bar and jump in my blue Dodge parked across the street, and I can’t start the diesel engine fast enough.
“Do you really think this is going to work? He looked pretty pissed.”
Knowing how insane I feel over possibly not meeting the stranger who just walked into my hometown bar, I can’t even imagine how tortured Adam has been for the last hour.
“It’ll all work out, Scheana. He’ll see the light.”
“God, I hope you’re right. Why do I get the feeling this is going to backfire?”
“Nah, I know men, and you’re it for him.”
She falls silent, and in two minutes, we’re parked in front of her place.
Always the gentleman, I get out and run around to open the door for her. I may be a man-whore, but it doesn’t mean I wasn’t raised right. She hops out of the truck, but I swear she takes the steps to her front door in slow motion. Either that, or I’m ridiculously anxious to get my ass back to the bar.
Once she’s finally up the five—yes, I counted them in my desperation—stairs that lead to her front porch, I’m ready to watch her walk through the front door and listen to her lock it behind her so I can bail, but by the way she’s bouncing on the balls of her feet and looking at me like Puss in Boots with those big eyes of hers, she has something to say.
“Miles, thanks for tonight. I really appreciate it.”
Taking the keys out of her hands, I unlock her front door,hoping she’ll get the hint. “No problem, darlin’. Keep me posted, okay?”
Not budging, she speaks again. “I will.”
“Okay, well you sleep well and lock up. I want to hear that deadbolt.” I kiss her on the cheek and back up until I’m on the top step.