Page 31 of More Than a Blind Date

“I am thrilled that y’all met. Simply delighted.” She accepts the drink and takes a sip. “Rose, it was fantastic meeting you. I’mgoing to find Matthew and then hug the happy couple. But I’ll catch up with y’all later. And I better see the two of you on the dance floor.” With a wave, she walks away.

Dallas tucks an arm around my waist. “Hopefully, she behaved.”

“I kind of love your aunt. She’s awesome.”

“She is. But I don’t say that out loud very often.” He motions toward a table. “Ready to find a seat?”

“Yes. And you were right. Everyone has been great. All the time I wasted being nervous wasn’t warranted.”

“I’m surrounded by a bunch of awesome people.” He pulls out a chair. “That drink okay? If you don’t like it, I’ll grab you something different.”

I take a sip. “Oh, it’s yum. I like it a lot.”

“Good.” He sits down beside me. “I will say that it’s been nice not being the odd one out at the wedding. Thanks for coming with me.”

“Thanks for inviting me.” I bite my tongue before suggesting that even after our deal is over, he can still call me if he needs a plus one to events. Saying that would make me sound desperate and not just to avoid Richard.

Dallas leadsme onto the dance floor, and I’m worrying that I’ll do permanent damage to his toes. He’s in boots, so that might protect him some.

We start moving, and I inch closer, hoping that will help me follow his lead. By the end of the second turn around the dance floor, I’m flush against him.

He’s quiet through the first song, but the second song is slower, which makes it easier to talk.

“Earlier, I wanted to tell you how stunning you look today, but your super-hot comment had me tongue-tied for a bit. You’re beautiful, Rose. And I’m not just saying that in case someone is listening.”

“Thank you.” I’m used to people telling me how young I look, but I’m definitely not used to people telling me how pretty I am. It feels kind of good. Especially coming from Dallas.

Since he’s only two or three inches taller than I am and we’re dancing so close, his voice cuts through the music when he speaks. “The best thing about having you with me today is that I don’t have to do the silly garter toss.”

I laugh, then whisper in his ear. “I think only married people are excluded, so don’t be surprised if someone drags you out there.”

“Or maybe they won’t do it at all. I can hope, right?” Amusement dances in his brown eyes.

It’s shocking that anyone would have ever described him as grumpy. He’s the opposite of that.

We dance a few more songs, then retreat to the table. Now that I’ve had more time to talk to his friends, I like them even more. I’m a tiny bit jealous. Daphne is fantabulous, but she’s only one person.

The deejay calls all the unmarried ladies out to the floor, and I wink at Dallas as I step away from the table. There aren’t many ladies waiting to catch the bouquet, but I’m not the only one, which means, I can avoid catching it without being obvious.

Primrose tosses the flowers, and a young woman snags them out of the air. Anderson goes pale, which makes me think that it’s his sister that caught the bouquet. Dallas has been great about filling me in on the people and stories, so I don’t feel completely in the dark.

Then the deejay asks for all the unmarried men to go out onto the dance floor.

Dallas stands next to a kid about ten. “Seriously? Was this really necessary?”

Anderson chuckles and doesn’t even bother to turn around. He shoots the garter like it’s a rubber band, smacking Dallas in the chest. “Kent isn’t ready for Mason to catch it. That leaves you.”

Dallas picks up the garter, then hugs Anderson. They have a noticeable height difference, maybe a foot. But it’s clear they share a deep friendship.

My sweet date is gazing at me as he walks back to the table, and before he sits down, he leans in and kisses me. It’s all for show since everyone is watching and he just caught the garter. But I love every second of it.

It’s latewhen we walk out of the venue, much later than Dallas typically leaves to go to Colt’s. And since Dallas has checked the time twice since we walked out the door, I’m guessing that is what’s on his mind.

“If it’s too late for you to go to Colt’s, I can just drive back to my apartment. It’s not a big deal.”

“I don’t want you driving by yourself this late.” His fingers are laced with mine until we get to the truck.

Before climbing in, I press a hand to his chest. “Well, what if we both stayed at your place? I can sleep on the sofa tonight. Then you won’t bother your friend. I’m guessing that’s why you keep looking at the time.”

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