Page 50 of The Texan's Secrets

“It feels great! I hope all kinds of people do well in the venture.”

He nodded, but his attention was pulled back to the dance floor.

“You can’t possibly be jealous of Sammy.” Misha folded her arms across her chest, her tone admonishing.

“Who’s jealous?” Just because a guy didn’t want his date dancing with another man, didn’t make him jealous.

“You’ve been ontwodates with Emilia.”

“I’m well aware of that.” And while it might be strictly true, Nico had spent plenty of additional time with Emilia over the past few days. They’d progressed a whole lot further than your average two dates, that was for sure.

“You should take another run at Surprise Me! in the morning and see who comes up next,” Misha suggested.

Nico looked to see if she was serious.

Her gaze narrowed with what looked like confusion. “That’s the plan...right?”

He didn’t answer right away.

“Nico?” she pushed.

“Sure,” he said, working to keep the reluctance out of his voice. “Sure. Why not?” That was the plan. Despite how he felt now, that had been the plan all along. “But you better keep Kaitlin Gander away from me tonight, or my cover’s going to be blown before I can do anything more.”

Misha gave a considered nod. “I’ll tell her not to bother you.”

Despite his sister’s assurance, Nico felt like the walls were closing in. “Emilia is expecting us to be interviewed.”

“I’ll take care of that too.”

The band switched to a slow song.

Out on the dance floor, Sammy leaned in and said something in Emilia’s ear.

Her gaze darted to the four corners of the room. After a second, she gave a little shrug, smiled, and he took her in his arms.

Nico had had enough. He started forward.

“Nico?” Misha called from behind, a warning tone in her voice.

But he kept going, his vision tunneling down to Emilia as he made his way across the dance floor.

“Excuse me?” He tapped Sammy on the shoulder.

Sammy stopped and turned, his expression incredulous. “You’re cutting in?”

“You’re dancing with my date,” Nico said.

“So what?” One of Sammy’s hands was still on her shoulder.

“So, it’s your second dance.” Nico hardened his look. “And she’s with me.”

“Nick,” Emilia interrupted, sounding anxious.

Sammy gazed curiously at Nico. He seemed to be trying to place him, and Nico realized he might have blown his cover all by himself. He and Sammy hadn’t been friends in high school, since Nico was a few years older. Still, they’d crossed paths from time to time.

But Sammy raised his palms. “Hey, man. No offense. I’m not looking to cause trouble in the middle of a party.”

Nico wasn’t looking to cause trouble either, especially not at Misha’s big event.

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