Page 28 of More Than a Blind Date

“Oh, yeah. That does sound bad. Horrible even.” Colt doesn’t even crack a smile.

I ignore his sarcasm and continue, “She modeled all these dresses, trying to pick out what she’s going to wear to the rehearsal dinner and wedding. And while they were all pretty, the last one…” I sigh as I lean against a stall. “She looked amazing. Stunning. And of course, that’s the one she plans to wear to the wedding. I’m starting to feel like I’m…” I pace, hoping the right word will pop into my head. But currently it’s mostly mush thanks to how fantastic Rose looked in that gorgeous blue dress.

“Attracted to her?”

“I only signed up for this to help her out. She needed me. But I’m too old for her. She’s only twenty-five. Eleven years is too big a gap. Plus, I don’t plan on getting married. Ever.”

“You don’t look thirty-six. I thought you were much younger than that.”

“It’s because I’m short and have a baby face. It’s a curse.”

“As for being attracted, it’s probably just because you haven’t dated in a while. It’ll fade as you spend more time with her and get more comfortable. Put aside the idea of a relationship. It’s off the table. Knowing that, you can just pretend and be friends.”

“You’re right. I think since I haven’t dated, I’m feeling discombobulated. But that’ll ease. Should I make it clear to her that I’m serious about ending the façade in six months?”

“Nah, don’t bring it up. She knows the agreement.”

“Good advice. Thanks, Colt.”

He nods. “Anytime.”

I leave the barn feeling much lighter and less concerned than when I arrived. If I’d had this conversation with Tandy, shewould’ve said something about leaning into my attraction and following my heart. I’m thankful that Colt took a more logical approach.

Rose hasn’t reachedfor my hand since I walked out after seeing her dresses. She hasn’t given any indication that she’s upset, and I’m hoping she’s not. But tonight, we have to play the part, so as we stroll toward the private dining room, I reach for her hand.

“Ready to be introduced a dozen times or more?” I brush my thumb on the back of her hand.

“I think so.” She inhales and forces a smile.

I pull open the door. “They’ll like you. No need to be nervous.” It’s easy for me to say because these are my friends. And I know that this group of people is as genuine as a gold bar in Fort Knox.

Primrose and Anderson are standing near the buffet table, and she tugs him down for a kiss. No one else is here. I should have planned better so that Rose and I weren’t the first couple to arrive.

When the happy couple spots us, they hurry over.

Anderson extends his hand. “It’s great to meet you, Rose. I’m glad you could make it.”

Prim hugs me, then does the same with Rose. “I was so surprised when Anderson told me about you. Dallas had us all fooled. We thought he’d be single forever.”

The doors open, and Prim’s daughter, Bailey, runs in with Parker, Bluebonnet, and Mr. and Mrs. Fields.

I whisper to Rose. “Parker is Prim’s brother, and the people with them, the older ones, are their parents.”

Bailey runs up to me and throws her arms around my neck. “Dallas, you’re here!” She drops her voice to a whisper, but not quiet enough that everyone around can’t hear. “And you’re smiling. I like it when you smile.”

“It’s a happy occasion. Of course I’m smiling. And I’m getting to see my favorite nine-year-old.”

Bailey extends her hand to Rose. “I’m Bailey. Are you Dallas’s girlfriend?”

Rose nods. “I am.”

“I think that’s why he’s smiling.” Bailey grins.

Mrs. Fields waves, then clasps Bailey’s hand. “Do you want to sit by me, sweetheart?”

“By DeeDee.”

Anderson scoops her up and points toward the end of the table. “I’m sitting by your mom at the end of the table, and I saved the chair beside me just for you.”

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