Page 26 of Small Town Prince Charming

Ryan stood, then hesitated. He held Tracey’s hand again. “I didn’t kiss her.”

“Oh, I know.” Tracey chuckled. “I saw exactly what she did. She didn’t want to let go, and I don’t even blame her. You’re a great guy.”

“She’d make my life hell.”

Tracey frowned. “Because she believes you chose wrong?”

“In her mind, everything I do is wrong, but this is perfect for us. You’ve managed to step in, help me, and be the partner I need. I still feel like I’m bumbling along, but it’s not so hard or awkward.” He kissed her. “I want you.”

“I feel for you all over again when I saw you.” She squeezed his fingers. “We have time to feel our way along and it’ll work.” She leaned in close. “But it hasn’t been that long, and I want to see where you’re tattooed, and if you’re pierced.”

Her bold statement shocked and thrilled him. “You can explore to your heart’s delight. I’m yours.”

She swatted his ass. “Then let’s get to work so we can play later.”

He liked how she thought. Yes, things were happening at warp speed, but when the right pieces appeared, he had to let them fall into place. He cared about Tracey, and she’d proven to be the partner he desired. He could see them being a family and growing old together. Thinking about the future with her warmed his heart. This was the right decision for his family.

He joined Tracey and Keelan at the table and settled in to watch the performance. He knew the light cues, but he wanted to double-check he’d noted them correctly.

“Did you know you and Keelan are having an affair?” Ryan asked. “According to Katie, you are.”

“Oh geez.” Tracey shook her head. “It starts all over again.”

“Ritchie might have something to say about it,” Keelan said. “He doesn’t like to share.”

“He’s a lucky guy,” Tracey said. She elbowed him. “But so are you.”

“Agreed.” Ritchie was the reason Ryan knew Tracey and Keelan weren’t going to do anything. He’d been jealous of the guys’ relationship, but now that he had Tracey, he’d have something just as special.

He sat through the recital. Maisey did better than he expected and picked up the routines. She had to have been watching the other girls for the last four weeks, but to see her do so well among them amazed him.

He noted the moment to dowse the spotlight for the last dance and jotted down when to focus on Donnah again.

“Incoming.” Keelan groaned. “Get ready for battle.”

Katie strode up to the table. “Maisey said she’s got a new mom.”

“She does.” So to speak. There had to be some legal wrangling, and he needed to ask Tracey to marry him, but that’d happen.

“So you’ve made your choice?” Katie asked. She leaned past him and pointed to Tracey. “It won’t last. You’re just the flavor of the month. He’ll change his mind like he does all the time, and you’ll be left behind, so don’t get comfy.”

“I understand.” Tracey smiled. “Thank you for your concern.”

Katie stared at her, and Ryan couldn’t read her expression. Shock? Disgust? He wasn’t sure. “Well.” She notched her chin in the air and walked away.

Keelan snorted. “Wow.”

“What?” Tracey gathered her things. “By the way, I have your gift for Maisey.”

“Thanks.” She amazed Ryan with her ability to be so nonchalant about what had happened. She seemed to take Katie’s intrusion and actions in stride. He stared at Keelan. “Katie went away with little fight. Something’s odd about that.”

“Well, when you get Tracey’s epic response to your attitude, I mean, what else is there to say?” Keelan laughed. “Go, Tracey, go. Maybe we can get the theatre board wrangled free from the stranglehold next and sort out the problems.”

“That would be nice.” Ryan sighed. “Dinner anyone? I’m ready.”

Keelan pointed to him. “Ritchie’s bringing tacos. Why don’t I ask him to pick up enough for the five of us?”

“We can go upstairs to the roof of my building and eat. It’ll be a picnic,” Tracey said. “I’ll bet Maisey would love that.”

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