Page 59 of Willow Vale

“Travis won’t care. Come on, I saw Jake flirting it up with someone half an hour ago. One song? I promise I’ll keep my hands to myself, scouts honor.”

I glanced in Travis’s direction, finding him still talking to Desi.

Taking that as a yes,Finn took the tray from my hands and set it back down on the table. He held his hand out, waiting for me to take it. There was a challenge in his eyes.

“What are you up to?” I asked as I took his hand and let him lead me through the crowd until we were standing in the center of the makeshift dancefloor. Couples swayed to the music, losing themselves in each other and the band’s rendition of “Think I’m in Love with You.”

Finn pulled me around to stand in front of him, making a show of spinning me around before tugging me to him.

My face burned as he grinned down at me, clearly relishing in making me blush. Finn was handsome and very charismatic. I saw him as a little brother, even though we were the same age. He was tall and built from years of working on the ranch. His callused hands against mine were proof of his hard work.

His gray eyes looked over my shoulder and he leaned down to whisper, “Oh, just giving my brother something to think about.”

“What?” My brows shot up, but before I could look over my shoulder, Finn spun me around once again before pulling me back. I laughed breathlessly. “You are trouble.”

“And fun. Yes, I agree. I’m touched you know me so well, Lila,” he joked.

We continued swaying to the song. Occasionally, Finnwould sing off key and I’d have to fight back a laugh, occasionally glancing over his shoulder to spot Travis. He was serving a couple of customers at the bar, but he wasn’t smiling at anyone. In fact, he looked like he was about to kick someone out if they pissed him off.

When the band started playing a slow song, Finn suddenly said, “He’s a good man, my brother. He deserves only the best this world has to offer. Don’t you think?” I tensed but his hold on my hand was still gentle as he stopped me from pulling away. He smiled down at me, waiting for me to answer.

So, this is why he wanted to dance. Of course, he would. I’d hurt his brother once and it was only natural that he’d be wary of me. I’m only surprised it’s taken him this long.

“I agree.”

If Finn or any of the Adlers voiced their concerns of us rekindling whatever we’d had in the past, I didn’t think I could take it. I loved them all like family and if it turned out that they didn’t think I was good enough for Travis, it would hurt something awful.

Only now that I’d had him in my life again, in River’s life, I don’t know if I have the strength to walk away again. I didn’t want to walk away.

“I do care for him.” I said. “A lot.”

“I know.” Finn curled his hand under my chin, making me crane my neck up to see the grin on his lips. “So don’t you think it’s about time you guys get a move on already? Do us both the favor and wipe that sour look off his face, huh?”

That wasn’t what I expected to hear from him at all.

Before I could say anything more, I felt it. I looked over Finn’s shoulder and met a pair of sharp blue eyes that stared right back at me. Travis was watching us, leaning against the counter from behind the bar with his arms crossed. Hisjaw was clenched and the expression on his face was unreadable.

The song ended and I quickly stepped back. “Thanks for the dance. I really should get back to work.”

“I’ll never pass up a chance to dance with a beautiful woman. One more thing.” A dimple appeared when Finn grinned. He reached a hand and brushed a curl behind my ear. “It was nice knowing you, Lila.”

“What—” The next thing I knew, an arm hooked around Finn’s neck and Wren was suddenly dragging him back toward the pool table. She was wearing a blue and white striped button-up shirt and jeans along with her brown boots. “I think you stirred enough shit for one night. Hi, Lila. Bye, Lila.”

“B-bye?”

Finn’s laugh was drowned out by the music as he shrugged at me.

I shook my head and turned to head back toward the booth to finish cleaning the table when I felt a hand wrap around my wrist.

“My office,” Travis said as he practically dragged me behind him.

“Travis, what—” It was an effort to keep up with his long strides as he led me down the hall, ignoring all the curious glances shooting our way. Including Jake, who was beaming at this little display from behind the bar. Desi, on the other hand, whisper-hissed at Travis not to make a mess intheiroffice before sending me a wink of approval. My face was probably as red as a cherry tomato. “People are watching.”

“Let them. Get in,” he said as he opened the door and let me step into his office. Seeing as he hadn’t released my hand, I had no choice but to obey.

My heart leaped as I walked into his office and Travisclosed the door behind him, the sound of the band playing down the hall significantly muffled now, leaving us in a tense silence that made a thrill shoot straight to my heart. The sound of the lock clicking shut only amplifying everything tenfold.

I took in the spacious office, the large desk in the corner with paperwork taking up one side and a computer on the other. A filing cabinet was nestled beside the safe by the wall. A leather couch and coffee table took up the left side of the room. There were no windows in here, but the warm glow of the lamp on the desk supplied enough light without Travis having to flip the light switch in the room.

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