The laser show finale couldn’t come soon enough for him. But he still didn’t seek her out as the huge crowd migrated to the Raccoon. How many dances could he claim before everyone in town figured things out?
None. But he wanted, needed to dance with her. If this weekend would have to last him a lifetime, he wanted dancing to be part of the memory. And not a fast two-step. A waltz.
As he blended in with the slow-moving crowd, Monty caught up with him. “Mila and Claudie asked me to give you the word.”
“What’s that?”
Monty glanced around as if checking for eavesdroppers. Then he lowered his voice. “They’d like the three of us to invite the H&H women to dance. I agree it would be a nice gesture.”
“You, me and Zay?”
“Right. Rio’s excused since he has a date.”
“I can help out.”
“What about Jordan?”
“You want her to dance with the ladies, too?”
“You know what I mean. You’ve been avoiding her ever since we got back to town. Are you okay dancing with her?”
“Sure. But just once.”
“Ouch. That’s cold, bro.”
He chuckled. “You think we had a fight?”
“Looks like it from the cheap seats.”
“We didn’t have a fight. I just don’t want to be… obvious.”
“Ahh. Mission accomplished. We all think you’re on the outs.”
“Not.”
“Happy to hear it. This plan should help your cause. With the three of us switching around, nobody will think anything about you dancing with her.”
“That’s how I want it.”
“I’m really glad you didn’t have a fight. After the cozy connection you two had as we rode into town, I assumed you’d decided?—”
“You were supposed to be asleep.”
“I was playing possum to give you lovebirds some privacy. I’d intended to sleep, but quickly realized I’d better stay alert. I didn’t fancy ending up in a ditch.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I wasn’t?—”
“Oh, no? Every time I checked, either she was staring at you or you were staring at her. Or you were staring at each other and the only one watching the road was yours truly.”
“For a split second, okay?”
Monty grinned. “I’m just messing with you, bro. Mostly I’m jealous. No woman’s looked at me that way in months.”
“Because you don’t give them a chance.” They were still several yards from the Raccoon’s front door, which was propped open to allow the noisy crowd to funnel through it. “You’re working all the damn time.”
“Pot, meet kettle.”
“It’s not my fault. I’m trying to find an assistant but nobody’s right for it.”
