Page 27 of The Texan's Baby Proposal

She smiled at him. “You can stop asking. I’m sure. I’m pregnant, but I don’t feel any different yet and I don’t think I look different, either.”

“I can’t believe the doctor has it right. You really don’t look it.”

“Time will tell,” she said, amused that he doubted her.

“You’ll have a good time tonight. This is a fun bunch. I’ve known Gabe and Meg for years, and the guys I work with know how to cut loose and party.”

“I can be your designated driver.”

“I did better than that. I got us booked into a hotel for the night. Everybody will be staying.” He glanced at her as she stared at him and he grinned. “Don’t panic. You’ll have your very own private room.”

She shook her head. “You surprised me there. Thank you. That was a wise decision to get me my own room.”

“I’m really good company.”

She laughed. “I have to agree on that one.”

“I might be better company in the bedroom than anywhere else, for all you know.”

“We’re not going to find out tonight,” she said, laughing at him. “I think you’re ready for a party. Are you sure you haven’t already had a sip?”

“Me? No. I’ve been working. I’m just ready for tonight. And I’m tired of cowboys, cattle, bales of hay and my own company. I want to hear someone with a voice higher than mine and dance with my new bride.”

“Well, I can accommodate that,” she said, enjoying his company after making sure she hadn’t seen him for the past week.

“What do you want to drink tonight? I might as well find out now while we can discuss it.”

“Think there’s any chance of lemonade? If not, I’ll take water. If not water, then maybe apple juice.”

“I’m sure I’ll find something you’ll like and can drink,” he said.

By the time they parked in the dusty lot in front of Buster’s Beer and Bar-B-Q, the place was packed. Red neon flickered over the parking lot and music floated from the building. Marc took her hand and they entered a big open room with a large dance floor and a stage. Low lights illuminated the inside. Some people played pool near the front. On the dance floor, couples doing the two-step circled the room. Marc waved at someone as he made his way through the crowd. He kept his arm around her waist and held her close against his side. It was easy to put her other arm around his waist, and she thought that would make them look like a happily married couple to anyone who saw them.

She met the men he worked with, greeted Meg and Gabe, and then Marc took her hand to go to the dance floor.

It was fun to get out there with him, to dance and move around the floor in time to the music. Marc turned her so she danced backward and when he smiled at her, her heart skipped a beat. It was exciting being with him, even just dancing in a big circle and not talking to each other at all.

He was the best-looking guy in the place. She realized he was even more handsome and appealing to her now than he had been in the office. Then again, she knew him better now. She’d been with him when he was teasing her, having fun, just being friendly and kissing her soundly. Her views of him were changing—had already changed from the days she was his secretary. He meant more to her now. And tonight would move them even closer together, make them closer friends, make him more appealing and make her want his kisses. It would be a night of fun and excitement, as well as temptation and worries.

She felt the warnings and was aware she hadn’t even spent a full week on the ranch with him yet, but she didn’t heed them. Not tonight. Tonight she was just going to have a good time.

As they danced in a big circle, she faced him and he smiled at her. His hat was squarely on his head and he looked like the other cowboys in the room.

She was having a wonderful time and wondered how she would fare by the time they finally parted at her suite door. She suspected some kisses at the end of the evening were inevitable. She just needed to remember to stop with kisses.

His appeal heightened as they danced. He was filled with energy and his enthusiasm was contagious. There was no way to resist his appeal tonight. Marc made her feel as if he cared about her and as if this was the best fun ever. At the moment, it was, and she laughed as she danced with him. Once he pulled her close as he spun her around.

“If you think this is fun, just wait until later,” he whispered, causing tingles to tickle her insides. He had always looked handsome and confident in his business suits at the office. Now, dressed like the rancher he was, he was sexy, hot and irresistible. He was filled with vitality and she wanted to stay in his arms.

She had to resist him later, but not now. Now she could dance and laugh with him and work off some of the blazing desire that consumed her.

Enjoy dancing with him, she told herself as he spun her around again. Just don’t go to bed with him.

In one year he would end the marriage as promised and she didn’t want a broken heart when he did. She wanted to be able to walk away as easily as he would. To do that, she needed to stay out of his bed.

She had no idea what time it was when Gabe and Meg told everyone good-night and left. “Should we be going?” she asked Marc.

“Do you want to?”

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