Page 169 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“Duly noted.” She looked at him with an adoring expression. “I hope you know how much I appreciate this.”

He softened. “What’re you going to wear?”

“My red dress, the one I wore for Sutton’s party.” She frowned, touching the wig. “I hope it looks okay with this hair color. Do you think the reds will clash?”

“I think you’ll look stunning no matter what you wear,” he said sincerely.

“Thanks,” she murmured in appreciation, her thick lashes brushing her cheekbones as she lowered her eyes to her plate. The movement was subtle, yet so distinctly feminine, making Corbin want to jump up and pull her into his arms this very minute. No, better at least wait until they’d had a chance to eat dinner.

He thought of something. He didn’t have any formal clothes except for the white tux, stained with Anton’s blood from the fight. He’d have to take it to the cleaners first thing in the morning, see if they could do a rush job, and make it look decent enough to wear. He thought of his upcoming phone call to Sutton this evening. Maybe it was better not to mention that he was taking Delaney to a public dance. Sutton wouldn’t approve, too much risk of exposure. While they were at the dance, Corbin would have to do his best to make sure the two of them stayed out of the limelight. He glanced at Delaney. Who was he kidding? A woman like her could never be kept in the shadows. Even with the wig, she was a walking bombshell.

Last night during their phone call, Sutton mentioned the possibility of surrounding Hugh and his men in Northern Cal and putting a stop to this whole business. Corbin was all for that, as he’d wanted to hunt Hugh down from the start. According to Sutton, his team on the ground was doing a little more research to make sure they covered all the angles before Sutton made a final decision. Corbin made a mental note to ask Sutton aboutit tonight. If the threat were removed in the next twenty-four hours, the dance would be a non-issue. That would be the best solution. A long shot perhaps, but it was something to hope for.

“Are you okay?”

He forced a smile. “Yeah, why?”

Delaney studied him. “You had a funny look on your face.”

It was uncanny how perceptive she was at picking up on his feelings. “I was just lamenting my lack of dancing skills.”

She laughed. “Is that right?”

“Yep.”

Her eyes sparkled. “Well, I guess I’ll have to teach you a few steps …” her gaze moved over him in that slow sultry way that sizzled his blood “… for practice sake.”

A smile broke over his lips. “I’m all about the practice.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

The Bear Claw Resort was brimming with people. Corbin placed his hand on the small of Delaney’s back, maneuvering her through the crowd as he nodded at familiar faces.

A guy stepped in front of them, wearing a large smile. “Hey, buddy, I didn’t know you were back in town.” He gave Corbin’s hand a hearty shake.

Scott Linton and Corbin played high school football together. Corbin hadn’t seen Scott in several years, might not have recognized him out of context. Gangly in high school, Scott had put on at least fifty pounds.

“Good to see you, Scott.”

“Yeah, you too, man.” He turned to Delaney. “Who’s the babe?”

Babe? Seriously? Scott was certainly lacking in the manners department. “This is my girlfriend, Dee,” Corbin said coolly.

“Nice to meet you,” Delaney clipped, picking up on Corbin’s annoyance.

Scott didn’t try to hide his appreciation as he looked her up and down. “You’re certainly elevating the class here tonight.”

“Thanks,” Delaney said with a surprised laugh.

Corbin saw Addie across the room, a welcome distraction. “Take care. We’re going over to say hello to my sister.”

Scott nodded, stepping back to let them by. They pushed past him. “Good to see you,” Scott called after them.

Addie broke into a smile when she saw them. “I’m so glad you came.” She hugged Delaney first, then Corbin. “You both look fantastic.”

“Thanks,” they said simultaneously. They turned the same direction as Addie, their backs against the wall, facing the crowd.

A wicked light came into Addie’s eye as she gave Corbin the once-over. She turned to Delaney. “What I want to know is how in the heck did you convince my brother to wear a tux?”

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