Page 76 of Pretend To Be My Cowboy
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, the teasing note in his voice slightly different to the ones she’d heard before.
It was huskier, somehow more precious.
And she loved it.
“I don’t know if I can take any more line dancing,” she admitted. Her laughter sounded breathless to her own ears and she was keenly aware of her arm around his neck.
“Too tired?” he asked. Something in the glint of his eyes and the arch of his brow made her heart do a backflip.
“Too humiliated,” she said with a good-natured groan.
He grinned. “Then why don’t we try something a little easier.”
The music started up again, another fast-paced country song that she didn’t recognize but that made her want to tap her toes.
He started moving, his feet shifting in time to the beat as he snared her dangling hand in his.
“What are you—”
“The two-step,” he said as he set them in motion. He leaned down so his lips were right next to her ear. “All you have to do is let me lead.”
She blinked. He wanted another dance with her?
Before she could even process this turn of events, that was precisely what they were doing. The crowd around them hooted and cheered and sang along, but all she could do was stare up at Nash with a grin so wide it hurt her cheeks.
She was flying. That was what it felt like, at least. His grip was strong, his steps sure, and with no effort from her she was being led around the dance floor as if she knew what she was doing.
She didn’t, but it didn’t matter. Her head tipped back as the lights strung overhead swirled with the quick movements. But nothing was brighter than the light in Nash’s eyes as he smiled down at her.
This...this was new. His easygoing, lighthearted grin, the way he winked before dipping her and making her laugh. This was an entirely new side of Nash…
And she loved it.
She loved everything about dancing with him, and she found herself wishing the song would never end.
But it did, of course. And she was breathless with laughter and this giddy joy as they slowed to a stop on the final chord.
“Where did you learn to dance like that?” she asked when they stood there frozen, the crowd cheering around them. For the musicians, not them, but even so, she felt like the star of her very own movie.
For the first time in her life, she was the lead in her life and not the supporting cast in everyone else’s drama.
“My mama insisted that Casey and I both be able to dance,” he said, his tone rueful as they glanced over at a beaming Delphine. “She figured this town held enough festivals and fairs and celebrations that being able to hold our own on the dance floor would be useful.”
Emma laughed. “She was right. You must be in demand with the ladies.” She instantly regretted the comment and the jealous thoughts that came along with them. The two sideline watchers were eyeing them like hawks. She quickly added, “I sure hope you’ve thanked your mother properly.”
She went to move again, but he still held on tight, apparently in no hurry to leave the dancefloor. “You know,” he said slowly, thoughtfully. “I don’t think I ever appreciated the skill until tonight.” A flicker of emotion in his eyes made her lips part. “Until you.”
She blinked rapidly, her lips still parted with surprise as she tried to figure out what she was supposed to say to that.
It was...romantic. And sweet.
She cast a quick glance around.
No one was close enough to hear him and a sliver of trepidation raced through her.
What is happening right now?
It was too good to be true.
