Page 44 of Rafe

As the band started, Maggie watched the dancers on the floor sway and twirl in perfect harmony with the music. The room buzzed with energy, the air thick with the mingling sounds of laughter and melody. It was the kind of bar that seemed to pulse with life, vibrant and inviting.

A few minutes later, the band launched into a familiar song, and almost instinctively, a line dance began to form. The rhythmic stomping of feet echoed through the space, and Maggie felt the irresistible pull to join in.

“Do you line dance?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“No, ma’am,” Rafe replied, his tone teasingly apologetic.

“Do you mind if I join this one?” Maggie inquired; her enthusiasm was evident.

Rafe grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. “Sweetheart, I would love it if you did. I can watch you.”

With a playful wink, she leaned over, pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, and made her way to the dance floor, ready to lose herself in the rhythm and joy of the moment.

She laughed with the other dancers who were lost in the music. She really loved this town and its people, but… nope. She shook her head. That evil man would not invade her thoughts tonight. She wanted to have a good time, then go home with Rafe. A man she was head over heels in love with.

When she made her way back to him, she smiled as she sat on the stool.

“That was fun.” She picked up her drink to take a sip.

“It was fun watching you.” Rafe grinned.

“Just so it was only me you were watching,” Maggie teased.

“Maggie, no other woman in this bar compares to you. You know, I love when you dress sexy, but those damn tight jeansand T-shirt are driving me crazy.”

“Rafe, you say the most romantic things.”

He shrugged. “I believe in romance. You have to do what you can to make sure the person you’re with knows you only have eyes for them.” He glanced around the bar. “I’d rather be with you than any other woman, and that’s the truth.”

“I know. I can see in your eyes that you’re being honest. I feel the same about you.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Do you want to stay a while longer or leave?”

“I’m ready to go, if you are.”

“I am.” Rafe stood, waved Siobhan over and asked for the bill. When she brought it back, he handed her the money for it and told her to keep the change.

“Have a good night, you two. Thank you, Rafe.” Siobhan smiled then walked to the cash register.

Rafe took Maggie’s hand, led her through the crowd, then out the wooden double doors and to his truck.

Maggie smiled when he closed the door on the truck and walked around the front. She could not take her eyes off him.

“Please don’t screw this up for me, Frederick,” she whispered as Rafe opened his door and climbed onto the seat.

After he started the truck, he drove out of the parking lot and drove them toward his place.

She waited for him to park, then opened the door and stepped out. She saw Rafe open the back door and remove her bag. She laughed when she heard Booker barking from inside.

“That’s some watchdog you have.”

“Yeah, he’ll bark like crazy but as soon as you step inside, he’s all over you.” Rafe took her hand and led her to the door. He unlocked it, opened it, and Booker came running out.

“He won’t run off, will he?”

“No. Booker, inside,” Rafe said, and Maggie watched the dogrun into the house.

“He listens well.”

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