Page 68 of The Chances We Take

“What’s on your mind?” he asked before he spun me out and back into his chest.

“I’m just happy Ellison and Colter found each other.”And hoping I can find a love like theirs one day.

“I am too,” he murmured, and I wondered if he was thinking the same thing as me. Contemplating if there was actually someone out there who would love him the way I thought I could…if we were together.

Halfway through the song, I found myself resting my head on his chest, breathing in his scent. The moment reminded me of the time we danced together at the bar during the Houston Rodeo, but my heart also sank a little thinking about how that all ended.

And maybe it was all in my mind—a silly delusion of a hopeless romantic—but I thought I felt a delicate kiss on the top of my head.

There’s no way. It’s just your mind playing games with you again. Like when he brushed his fingers against yours during speeches. That was obviously an accident.

When the song ended, I removed my hands from his shoulders and tried to pull away, but he pulled me closer for a split second, like he didn’t want to let go quite yet.

I looked at him in confusion, and that was enough for him to lift his hands off my waist, clearing his throat before saying, “Thank you for dancing with me,” and walking off.

What the fuck was that?

Erin nudged me with her elbow when I sat back down to take a drink. “He’s totally got it bad for you.”

I practically spit out my champagne. “Hedoes not!”

“Please, you guys have been making eyes at each other since the ceremony. Since before then, even.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I dismissed her claims, shaking my head. But when I looked up, Reid was standing on the other side of the dance floor with Colter, watching me. He turned away once he saw me looking back, and my brows pulled together.

“Have you ever noticed that even in the most crowded rooms, he always finds you?” Erin asked. She must have noticed Reid staring at me too. “Listen, I get it. You’re in denial. You’vebothbeenin denial. But you’re never going to know unless you try, right?”

I took a deep breath, shaking my head and refusing to meet Erin’s gaze. “If there was really something there, something between us, then why hasn’t he said anything? I have to protect my heart, Erin. I can’t keep letting myself get hurt.Especiallyby him. What we have right now means too much.”

“Since when have youeverlet the fear of something hold you back?” She wasn’t wrong. Usually when I wanted something, I went out and got it. “Just think about it, okay? I think you’ll be surprised.” She patted my hand with hers, getting up to go talk to Sloane and Ellison.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

reid

Iglanced across the dance floor where Isabelle and Erin were talking. Isa held her flute of champagne before taking a large swig of it, and Erin was looking over in my direction throughout their conversation.

Isa shook her head at something Erin said, but I wasn’t able to watch the rest of their exchange, because Jake strolled over to me.

“Man, you and Isabelle have been really getting along haven’t you?”

“What do you mean?” I raised an eyebrow, still keeping her in my periphery.

He rolled his eyes. “Come on, Reid. Enough with it. We all know you have feelings for her. You’re about as subtle as an elephant wearing a pink tutu.”

“I—”

“And it’s not like Isabelle is hiding anything either. I mean, she’s looking at you right now.” He not-so-subtly nodded toward her, and I fought the urge to look.

I lost.

I turned my head, and our eyes met briefly,but then she turned away, pretending to be more interested in her drink.

“See?” Jake pointed out, having proven his claim.

“You were there, though. In Houston.” I couldn’t get past the night I messed everything up by saying we’d never be more than friends. The night she agreed.

“That was over a year ago. Maybe things have changed for her. Or maybe she never actually wanted to be just friends. I’m not going to pretend I know anythingabout what goes on in the minds of women, but I’m telling you, she doesn’t see you asjust a friendnow.”

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