Page 38 of Heart & Hope

“He’s an ass. But Mary-Sue is nice. I’m focusing on that.”

I chuckle. “I see your coping strategy, Ruby Robbins, and raise you one.”

“Oh, yeah? What did you have in mind?”

“Dance with me?”

“Reed, I’m working.”

“I know. It’s only three minutes or thereabout. You are allowed breaks, aren’t you?”

“I—”

I press a finger over her lips as Mary-Sue walks up behind her. “No buts, Mrs. Robbins. We’re dancin’.”

As we pass Mary-Sue, Ruby glances at me, lips parted in a covertoh.

I wink at her, and she takes my hand and bumps her shoulder into my side. The second we reach the dimly lit dance floor and the soft music plays, I pull her into my hold. How long have I waited to do that?

I hold her hand and spin her around. Mary-Sue and Bill watch on, a lovestruck expression on the older woman’s face. Bill simply shrugs with a smug smirk before walking back to the bar. A few other couples move onto the dance floor. We move around them all, trying not to bump into other people.

Ruby rises to her tiptoes, bringing her mouth to my ear. “Thank you.”

I tighten my hold on her and dip my head. “Anything to see you smile, baby.”

A grin lights up her face, and I twirl her out, holding her hand and pulling her back in. She rolls back and lands at my chest with a palm splayed over my heart. I step back and take her with me. We have a comfortable rhythm when I crash into a guy behind me. I turn back to apologize.

But a familiar face greets me.

Fuck.

“Rawlins, what are you doing here?”

Justin fucking Morley.

Of all the assholes to grace this place with their presence. If he doesn’t keep his mouth shut, he’s going to blow my cover. Our cover. Ruby’s job.

“Same as you, Morley.”

“You’re invested in the inn, too? Or was it your father?” His gaze darts around, as if Harry could be somewhere in the room.

“Nope, only me.”

Ruby’s hand moves on my jacket. “Ruby, this is Addy’s old boss, you remember?”

She doesn’t move to acknowledge Morley. “Yes, I remember.” Her voice is almost vicious, and I tamper the smile that wants to stretch my face.

“Ruby?” Mary-Sue calls from behind us.

“Later, Rawlins,” Justin says, swinging his dance partner, who has been ignored this whole time, away from us.

We turn back to face Mary-Sue.

“Rawlins?” Confusion twists her face. “Ruby?”

“Yes?” Ruby pulls out of my hold, dazed. She looks like she’s going to be sick.

Mary-Sue glances from me to Morley. The shithead has all but blown our story to the heavens. With a glance at our hands, I’m guessing she is scanning for the wedding bands. God, these people really have some nerve.

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