Page 39 of A Cowboy's Heart

No fucking way.

“Is Willa coming?”Fuck! Idiot!

“I don’t know. I knocked on her door, but she didn’t answer. She’d told me she might just go to bed early—said she was tired from the trip.”

Devin nodded and mentally swore. Fine. The muscle in his cheek twitched as he tried to rein in his temper. He should have known she wouldn’t show. She was too afraid of getting involved with him. Mentally snorting, he knew she was already involved. She was just too stubborn about it. He’d just have to have fun without her. He always did. This was the one time he and Jaxon socialized with the guests. They’d dance only if they were asked but they never did the asking, and a lot of women asked them.

Hell, now all I need to say is, so there, and I’m a pouty teenager.

Grumbling, he straightened up and started to move toward the buffet when he heard Jaxon chuckle. Devin spun around and leaned close to him.

“Fuck you, big brother.” Turning, he headed toward the buffet but when he heard Jaxon laugh, he couldn’t stop a grin.

****

“You said you weren’t going, so why are you looking through your closet?”

Willa argued with herself as she moved the clothes hangers along the wooden rod. Pulling out a dark green sundress, she held it up. The dress had apron straps with a tight bodice andfull skirt that fell to just above her knees. Kneeling to find her white wedge sandals, she then pulled the dress on and slid her feet into her shoes. Her red toenails peeked out of the open toe.

She applied light makeup, pulled her hair up into a ponytail then looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror on the back of the bathroom door. Smoothing her skirt, she wondered what she was doing.

Entering the bedroom, she glanced at the clock.Nine-fifteen. She should just stay home, she thought as she sat on the edge of the bed. Sighing, she pushed to her feet, and after checking herself in the mirror once more, she picked up her key to the cabin and her purse then walked out the door to head for the barn.

Glancing up at the night sky, she smiled at the millions of stars twinkling like diamonds. They were so beautiful. The full moon peeked over the Glaciers and lit up the road. She took a deep breath of the clean, fresh air. The heat of the day still lingered but it was far more comfortable now. Crickets chirped, and bullfrogs croaked. No one else was around. She assumed they were all in the barn and she could hear the band playing but couldn’t make out the song. It sounded like a fast one, and she could hear people’s voices and laughter.

The closer she got, the more her nerves made her want to turn around.It’s just a dance!

Taking a deep breath, she picked up her pace, and when she came around the turn to see the barn, she laughed. It looked amazing. The largedoors were open, and she could see inside. People were either sitting at the tables eating or on the dance floor.

“About time you got here.”

She about jumped out of her skin. “Damn it, Devin. You scared me.”

“What took you so long?” he asked as he stepped from the side of the barn.

“I wasn’t going to come here.”

“Why not? You don’t like dances?”

“I think you know why. The more we stay apart, the better.”

Devin sauntered to her and stopped in front of her. “I disagree. The more we’re together, the better.”

“Devin…”

“Christ, I love it when you say my name.” He leaned closer to her. “Especially when you scream it.”

“Stop. I just want to have fun tonight and not think about this.” She waved her hand between them.

He laughed softly. “I don’t see that happening, but we’ll do it your way… for now.”

“I’m going in to get some food. I’ll see you later.”

“I hope so, darlin’. Make sure you ask me to dance.”

She whirled around. “I ask you?”

“Yeah, this is one time we socialize with the guests but only if they ask us to dance.” He winked at her then entered the barn.

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