Page 55 of The Second Dance

“Andy Reed.” Mitch drawls. He’s the darker version of Skyler. Slender and more clean cut. He blazed through college, graduating early, while his compatriot, Cody, has taken the scenic route.

“Hi, Mitch.” My gaze bops between the three men. “You’re out in Boulder now, right?”

His gaze softens slightly. “Yeah. Working for an engineering firm.”

“What kind?”

“Civil.”

“I love Colorado. So much to do.”

He grins. “I’d live on the ski slopes if they’d let me.”

“And you drove all the way out here for the ceremony?”

He nods. “Hell, yeah, I did. They’re dedicating the garden to grandma. I wouldn’t miss it.”

“That’s sweet.” I turn back to the side. “And Cody, you’re still at UNL, right?”

His gaze stays razor sharp. “You know your stuff. Always doing your homework, Reed.”

I give him a tight smile. “It’s my specialty.”

He looks at his dad. “Where’s Bo?”

Chad looks right at me. “Not coming.”

“Ah.” Cody looks back at me, his expression flat.

“Is Aunt Heather coming?” Mitch asks.

“Naw.” Chad says, looking around. “I think she’s mad that I took up an interest in her little bird group.”

I narrow my eyes at the wordlittlebefore remembering that I’m supposed to be sucking up to the guy with the checkbook.

It’s hard, though.

Mitch grins. “Took the sting out of her stinger.”

Chad laughs. “Damn straight I did.”

Cody frowns, grabbing Mitch by the arm. “Come on. Ella and Shalene just showed up.”

“Oo.” Mitch grins, rubbing his hands. “Lead the way.”

They walk away, leaving me alone with Chad. He shoves his hands in his pockets. “It’s because of you.”

I look up at him. “What?”

Chad glances around, studying the lay of the arboretum. “He’s not coming because of you.” Chad squints down at me like he’s studying a new species. “I didn’t take you to be such a heartbreaker. Once wasn’t good enough, you came back and got him again.”

My face catches fire. I look around, feeling strangely isolated in a crowded park. “You don’t know the whole story, Mr. Thomas.”

“I know more than you think, Miss Reed.” He gives me a strained smile. “Hey, relax. I’m not holding it against you. I’m just surprised. You always came across as such a good girl. I didn’t expect to relate to you as much as I do.”

My mouth drops open, but whatever I might have said is cut short when my boss sweeps up.

Chad’s expression instantly transforms into a charming, easy-going mask. He would have made a killer politician.

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