Page 97 of Tempting Promises
“No, no, princess, you can’t do that. We have witnesses.”
Grady raises one hand. “I heard nothing.”
Addy smiles. “Me either, the music is really loud.”
“Traitors,” I tell them both.
Grady looks to Addison. “Dance with me?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
Cue the gagging feeling again. Before my brother can get too far away, he turns to me. “Dance with Charlotte, maybe she’ll compliment you again.”
Way to put me on the spot, asshole.
Charlotte looks anywhere but at me. I wait, because there’s nothing more I’d like than to take her in my arms right now. She’s like an addiction and I could use even a small taste right now, so I don’t want to overdose on her.
Finally, her eyes find mine and I extend my hand.
“You don’t have to just because he said it.”
“I’ve never done something I don’t want to because my family suggests it.”
She hesitantly lifts her hand, placing it in mine. Neither of us speak as we walk to the dance floor, away from Grady because I don’t want any more of his unhelpful suggestions. We stop, and her hands rest on my chest as mine are against her lower back.
We sway to the music, just looking at each other, and I clear my voice. “You really do look beautiful.”
“That’s twice now,” she tries for humor, but I hear the tinge of hope in her voice.
“I meant it both times.”
“I meant it too, you clean up very nicely. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in anything other than jeans and a T-shirt.”
“It’s the uniform of ranchers, isn’t it?” I ask, teasingly. “I don’t know that I’ve seen you in a dress before either.”
She smiles. “I, too, wear the uniform of ranchers.”
“I like this on you.”
Her blush is so fucking alluring.
“Thank you.”
I stretch my neck, hating the way this tie feels like it’s choking me. “I’m starting to believe this was a way to torture farmers who are looking for contracts.”
She smiles. “My feet are killing me, too. How much longer do we have to stay?”
“Well, I have my meeting tomorrow and the last thing I want to answer is why he didn’t see us at the party.”
So far, I haven’t seen Carson, or I would’ve already found a reason to get out of this place.
Charlotte’s fingers move up my chest, her arms now resting on my shoulders. “Well, if I have to suffer, it’s nice to know you are as well.”
I’m not suffering all that much at the moment. Lord knows when we get back to that fucking hotel room I will be.
“So, are you going to see Aurora after this?” I ask, stupidly.
“No, she doesn’t know I’m here.”
