Page 42 of His North Star
My eyes stayed on Ty. His tall form. Broad shoulders. Blond hair. He was a catch for sure. I just had to find the man who would accept me as I was and hope they understood that Ty and I were a packaged deal.
Ty came back with two plates heaped full of baked berry goodness and vanilla ice cream. No way could I eat the amount he dished up for me. A few moans escaped my throat as I chewed my first bite of the sweet huckleberries. Ten small bites, then I’d be done.
“Wow,” Ty said, licking his lips.
“Right?! It’s really good. I wonder if they’ll give me the recipe?”
“I can ask if you want.”
“Yes, please.” I nodded. “If you manage to get it, I’ll share.”
“You’ve got a deal.”
I bumped his shoulder. “We make a pretty good team.”
“Yeah.” A tinge of sadness entered his tone. “We do.” He bumped me back.
I used to be able to read his emotions easier. Lately, he’d closed himself off, and it bugged me. After we ate and Ty successfully obtained the recipe, we went back to the dance floor. We made it in time for the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” to begin.
“Yes!” I cheered.
Ty and I joined the closest row and got our moves on. Ty was a great dancer and always made me laugh—usually until I cried. The next hour went by in a flash. Dance after dance, twirling across the floor, fast and slow. Ty’s eyes sparkled. His low laugh joined mine in perfect harmony. This was my Ty. Not the melancholy one from dessert.
My heart bloomed. If tonight was my last night on earth, I’d die a happy woman.
“I need a water break,” Ty said, out of breath.
I nodded. “Let’s get a selfie first.”
After taking a few snapshots, I followed him. Sweat beads dotted my forehead and the back of my neck. I lifted my hair and fanned myself. Ty’s flushed cheeks only added to his cowboy appeal.
After chugging an entire water bottle, I asked, “Ready to hit the dance floor again?” “You’re not tired yet?” He bent forward, hands resting on his knees.
Oh, please. Mr. Rugby had plenty of endurance. He was being a wimp. “Yeah, but I’m having a blast and don’t want to stop.” I winked. Oh no. My eyes widened in horror. James had worn off on me.
He groaned. “All right. I have a few more songs in me, but then, ready or not, we’re leaving.”
Thankfully, Ty hadn’t noticed the wink. “Yes, sir.” I saluted like a soldier.
He grabbed my hand, leading me back to the dance floor. I grinned like a fool. After two more fast songs, a slow song came on. By then, my feet could barely move. They throbbed in rhythm with my pulse.
We didn’t actually dance. We swayed with my arms around Ty’s shoulders and his low around my waist. Ty’s head leaned on top of mine, which rested against his chest. His hot breath riffled my hair.
“I could fall asleep like this,” I said.
“I wouldn’t mind.”
“That’s because you’re the best.”
“Don’t you forget it.”
As the final chords of the song hung in the air, Ty tightened his arms around my waist one last time, then let me go. “Come on, sleeping beauty. Let’s get you home.”
“Are you okay to drive?” My eyelids were heavy. It took way too much effort to keep them open.
“I’m in better condition than you are.” He pointed to my sleepy face.
“I promise not to fall asleep.”
