“Since about three days ago in a certain barn,” I say quietly.
Her cheeks flush pink, and she glances around to make sure no one’s listening. “We agreed we weren’t going to talk about that.”
“Did we? I don’t remember agreeing to anything.”
“We agreed to pretend it never happened.”
“That’s different than not talking about it.”
“How is that different?”
“Pretending means we’re actively ignoring it. Not talking about it means we’re just avoiding the subject.”
“You’re splitting hairs.”
“I’m being precise.”
The band launches into their first song, something with a steady beat that gets people moving toward the small dance floor. Callie picks up her beers, clearly planning to return to her friends.
“Dance with me,” I say.
“What?”
“Dance with me,” I say.
“Dance with us,” Jesse corrects, stepping forward.
“Dance with whoever you want,” Wyatt adds, trying to sound nonchalant while shouldering between us.
Callie looks at us for a long moment, fighting laughter. “One song,” she says to me, probably because I asked first. Or because I am the best-looking McCoy.
“One song,” I agree, offering her my hand.
But Jesse offers his hand at the same time. So does Wyatt. Three hands extend toward her like we’re the world’s most awkward assholes.
She takes mine, and I try not to look too smug as I lead her to the dance floor. Behind us, I hear Jesse say, “I’m next,” and Wyatt reply, “Like hell,” followed by what sounds like a brief scuffle.
“You know, I’m here with friends,” she calls over her shoulder.
“Your friends will survive without you for four minutes.”
“I don’t two-step.”
“I’ll teach you.”
“I don’t want to learn.”
“Liar.”
She looks at me for a long moment, weighing her options. I can see the exact moment she decides to throw caution to the wind.
“One song,” she says.
“One song,” I agree, offering her my hand.
The dance floor’s crowded but not packed, which gives us room to move without bumping into other couples. I lead her to a spot near the center and turn to face her.
“Okay,” I say, “basic two-step. It’s just quick-quick-slow-slow. Follow my lead.”
