I place my hand into his. “I would love to.”
Dinner might be over, but the night’s just getting started.
CHAPTER 16
Joel
“You’ve got some moves,” Ellyn says, laughing as we move in time to the Christmas music that’s been remixed to a country rhythm.
We’re in the middle of the bar that turns into a dance floor after nine o’clock, on the opposite side of the river from the restaurant where we just had dinner.
“It sounds like you’re surprised,” I tell Ellyn before taking her hand and spinning her, even though that’s not a part of this particular dance.
She moves easily, allowing me to lead while she follows. I take it upon myself to wrap my free arm around her waist, still holding onto her hand. I position her so that now her back is pressed against my front, both of my arms wrapped around her body.
We continue to move in time to the music, keeping up with the steps of the people around us. I barely even take notice of them.
Ellyn is all that I see.
“Pleasantly surprised,” she says over her shoulder, looking up at me. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been out dancing. I missed it.”
“We’ll have to change that, darlin’,” I say, the endearment coming easy. I release her right hip in time to spin her out again, keeping one of her hands in mine and loving the sound of her laughter.
This is the moment when I can no longer ignore the fact that the crotch of my pants is becoming more and more snug. My hard-on for this woman grows with each passing brush of her skin against mine, with every whisper of her breath against my neck, and with each sound of her bubbly laughter that fills my ears.
I’m two heart beats away from telling her exactly how much I want her, before a vibrating in the front of my pants starts.
It takes me a second to realize it’s my phone. Thankfully, the DJ has decided now is a perfect time for a break.
“I need to go to the restroom,” Ellyn says, slightly breathless.
“I’ll walk you.” I start to follow her but her palm against my chest stops me.
“It’s just over there. I’ll be back before you know it.” She leans in, presses her body against mine, and kisses my cheek.
A growl bubbles up from my chest, making Ellyn let out the sweetest giggle.
I watch her as she walks away, the whole time having to fight my body to keep still and not follow after her.
My thoughts are interrupted when my phone begins vibrating again.
“Yeah,” I answer Randy, one of my ranch hands.
“Boss, we think Ol’ Girl’s gonna give birth tonight.”
“What are her symptoms?” I ask, my voice taking on a tone completely awash in business.
Randy tells me that Ol’ Girl has been restless for the past twenty minutes. I curse and glance down at my watch. From here it’ll take me about thirty minutes to get out to the ranch to supervise the birth.
Ol’ Girl’s pregnancy has gone smoothly thus far, but this is her first foal and first births can be unpredictable.
“Okay, okay …” I say, looking toward the bathroom in time to see Ellyn emerge. “I’ll be there in about forty-five minutes.”
“Should I call the vet?” Randy asks.
“Not yet. Her symptoms aren’t warranting a visit just yet. Let’s give it some time.” I’ve been present and assisted with more horse births than I can count. I’ll have a better idea of what she needs once I lay eyes on Ol’ Girl.
“What’s the matter?” Ellyn asks, and it’s then that I realize I must be wearing my emotions on my face.
