Page 2 of Seaside Cowboy's Marriage of Convenience

She took it, and for an inexplicable reason, tingles erupted over her skin. Weird. She was immune to romance and male charm—wasn’t she? His large palm, somewhat callused from physical labor, cradled hers. She liked the feeling. Often, the hands she shook in business were smooth, greasy from lotion, and sporting a diamond ring or two. She’d often had to put on appearances in those meetings, and other people had, as well.

Austin was... was real, down-to-earth, and it made her pause and take notice.

He led her to the space cleared on the grass for dancing. Kai and Marina joined them with the handful of couples already there, having eyes only for each other.

Kennedy placed her free hand on his shoulder, the tuxedo smooth under her fingertips, his shoulder hard beneath it. Hmm. No padding? His fingers curled around her other hand, and he led her confidently but without trying to get too close, not using the opportunity to hold her too tight. He whirled her around when the dance required it, and her head started spinning. Then she made the mistake of looking into his eyes.

“Why do you always look so sad?” Those blue eyes studied her with a genuine interest. Not as if he tried to score, like other guys did with her, but as if he cared.

Not many people on this earth cared about her—not her wealth—and one of those people had a difficult conversation in store for her. Was it connected to Uncle’s physical? He was supposed to get results today.

“Do Ialwayslook sad?” she deflected. Years of practice.

“Well, every time I saw you at the library. At first, I thought it was because you had to study. And I don’t know any people who like to study.” His gaze flicked to the newlyweds. “Except Marina maybe.”

Kennedy shrugged. “It’s just my facial expression, I guess.”

He held her hand, but he also held her gaze.

Why couldn’t she look away? Her heart shifted.

“What would cheer you up?” Concerned notes coated his voice.

“You already did.” She meant it. She felt lighter dancing with him, even talking to him somehow made it easier to breathe.

“I hope so.”

The music stopped, and a strange disappointment uncoiled inside her. She hadn’t wanted to dance to start with.

He led her back to their seats. She nodded to her empty glass, her throat parched. “You know, I’d love more tea.”

He brightened again. “Coming right up.”

“Thanks.”

He returned with a carafe filled with amber liquid and ice cubes and poured some into her glass. They’d melt fast in the sun. But what was much more surprising was how much her resolve seemed to melt in his presence.

Her hand shook and knocked the glass over, sending tea flowing across her dress. Ruining it in a second.

“So sorry.” He snatched the glass, his features crumpling.

She reached for some napkins. “Not your fault.Iknocked the glass over.”

“ButIbrought the tea.”

Marina rushed to her. “I’ll take you to the bathroom. Let’s try to save your dress.”

“It’s okay.” Kennedy wasn’t going to worry about her ruined dress. She knew too well that some things couldn’t be saved.

Her dress was the least of them.

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At home to check onhis pet during the clinic’s lunch break, Austin rubbed Caramel’s head gently, tenderness spreading inside him after the puppy finished her kibble. But another feeling spread inside him, too. Disappointment.

He frowned. “I can’t believe I missed my chance with Kennedy. If there was a chance, I ruined her beautiful dress!” Which probably cost more than he earned in a month. Twice more. Or was it three times?

Caramel gave a baby bark as if she couldn’t believe that either. Then she lifted herself on her hind paws and hung onto his slacks with her front paws.

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