Page 39 of The Second Dance

I glance down the bar at Will. He’s lanky and stylish. And very cute. I’ve known him for over a year, and he’s never shown any signs of being interested in me. “Him? No.”

Bo tilts his head. “I call it like I see it.”

“Then you need to have your eyes checked.”

“I can see just fine.” His voice has a low, sultry quality to it, and it forces our conversation to take a sharp turn. One second we’re joking with each other and the next, I’ve got a warm and fuzzy feeling kindling in my belly.

“Incoming.” Will says, breaking the spell. He slides Bo’s flight in front of him, but he’s not talking about the beer. He’s talking about the little gaggle of pseudo friends tumbling into the bar. They’re the kind of friends you see at parties. Come across at the bar now and then. But never feel compelled to take it to the next level.

Acquaintances, shall we say.

And they are fascinated by Bo.

Of course, they are. He’s gorgeous. And larger than life.

We’re hitting peak happy hour traffic, and the bar suddenly implodes with music and laughter. As people crowd around us, Bo edges closer and closer. He stretches his legs out into my space. I could push him away, the same way I did Ben Pierson. ButBenmade me uncomfortable. And Bo makes me feel like good things could happen.

I let my legs tangle with his, which feels like this secret, flirty exchange that’s occurring right under everyone else’s nose.

And I’m the one who puts my hand on his thigh. It’s strong and warm under my palm. I like how solid his muscles feel. He puts his arm on the back of my chair, leaning in to murmur in my ear. “You know a lot of people.”

I shrug, hiding the shiver that runs down my spine.

“Popular, wherever you go.” He says, letting his fingers glide across my shoulder.

“Don’t start with that Fraulein bullshit again.”

He gives me a lopsided grin. “I would never call you that… Anne Diana.”

I groan, taking my hand back. “I am seriously regretting coming in here.”

“Not me.” He says, capturing my hand and planting it back on his lap. “I’m having a great time.”

21.

Bo

I’m fairly certain Andy Reed knows half the people in Lincoln.

It’s dark on the interstate, but there’s a full moon. She’s got her head turned, looking at the dark landscape, but I can see her reflection in the window.

She’s always impressed me.

I know everyone in Silver Bend, but that’s a town of barely eight hundred, and I got a head start by being born there.

Andy knew people at the plant nurseries, the coffee shop, and that bar.

At that bar, she was a damn celebrity. It’s pretty obvious that she’s developed a new following of admirers there, too.

Obvious to everyone but her.

I pull off the interstate and turn towards our hometown. I can see Silver Bend’s water tower illuminated on the horizon.

I love my hometown.

The people.

The memories.

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