I glance up to see Colton staring at me, and he's…dancing. Again, I am in awe that he somehow learned how to be an awesome dancer while I was gone. I listen to his soft instructions as he goes through the steps with me, and I feel like I'm finally starting to get it by the middle of the song. I watch his feet and listen to his deep timbre as he tells me where I need to put my feet next.
He chuckles softly when I mess up, but he continues to help me. "You're gettin' it, Penny," he encourages.
I don't know if I'm more mesmerized by his dance moves or the fact that he's so close to me. I suddenly feel hot, and I don't think it's all because of dancing. My body is attuned to his, and I will always feel a magnetic pull towards him. But I can't allow myself to think like that anymore. Instead, I force myself to concentrate on the dance. Towards the end of the song, I'm barely watching Colton, having picked up the repetitive moves on my own.
Colton leans over and whispers in my ear, "There you go. Now you're gettin' the hang of it, country girl."
As the song ends, instead of turning to the left, I turn to the right and bump right into Colton. He catches me in his arms, and we both laugh at my clumsiness. "I guess I'm not that great of a teacher," he remarks.
"Oh, no, you were great. It's me. Trust me."
He gives my arms a gentle squeeze and gazes down at me. It's as if the rest of the world around us slowly melts away, and it's just the two of us on that dance floor. His dark eyes look impossibly darker under the brim of his cowboy hat. He looks so handsome in that damn hat. He's almost irresistible.
Shaking my head to clear my unwelcome thoughts, I go to pull away; but Colton keeps a firm hold on me.
"Dance with me," he whispers into my ear. When I go to protest, he pleads, "Just one song, Penny. Just give me one song."
My teeth sink into my bottom lip, and I slowly nod. One dance won't hurt. I just hope my heart can handle the fact that this will be the last song I ever dance to with Colton.
I sink against his chest and let him put his arms around me asI Got The Boyby Jana Kramer plays softly in the background.
After a while, I get the courage to look up at Colton. His expression is blank as if he's trying hard to not let his true feelings show through the mask he's currently wearing. In an attempt to lighten the mood, I ask, "So when did you learn to dance? You always had two left feet growing up."
Colton grins slyly. "I guess some things change."
He has no idea how true that statement is. Things change, and sometimes everything you've ever known changes. I stare up into his eyes, and they immediately draw me in. The lyrics of the song are hitting me hard, especially when I glance over his shoulder and see Ruby Sue shooting daggers at me. I definitely have Colton's past, and Ruby Sue is getting his future. The realization hits me hard like a speeding train, and I suddenly pull back from him.
Colton's hands linger on my elbows like he doesn't want to let me go. But he has to let me go.
And I need to let him go.
"I'm sorry," I whisper. "I can't do this."
I walk away from him. Tucker is at the edge of the dance floor with a forlorn look on his face, and I instantly feel guilty for dancing with Colt in front of him. Tucker is my date, after all.
I take Tucker's hand and lead him a few feet onto the dance floor. "Dance with me, Tuck."
His dejected expression instantly does a complete turnaround as a big grin spreads over his lips. "You don't have to ask me twice," he says, as he pulls me into his arms.
Ruby Sue walks over to Colton, and I surreptitiously watch as they seem to be arguing on the other side of the room. I wonder if Colton likes to make her mad just so they can make up…like he used to do with me. Tears prick at my eyes, and I instantly regret thinking about the two of them together. The whole scene is almost like a car accident. You know you shouldn't, but there is a part of you that just has to look.
I want to know the things he does for her when they go on a date. Does he hold her hand? Does he tell her he loves her? Does he do that thing where he tucks a piece of hair behind her hair just as an excuse to touch her? Does he tell stupid jokes just so he can hear her laugh?
All those things were what he used to do with me. But I'm in his past --- someone that he doesn't even want to remember.
"Penny?" Tucker's voice tears me from my reverie. When I meet his gaze, he says, "I know things are difficult between you and Colton right now. If you're still having second thoughts about New York ---."
"I'm not," I say adamantly, but I don't know who I'm trying to convince more --- him or me.
My answer seems to assure him. "I don't want to beat around the bush anymore, Penny. Now that you've agreed to go with me to New York, I want you to know that I want us to be more than just co-workers. I want to…take care of you."
I stare up at him, not knowing how to answer that. I already knew Tucker had feelings for me. I just don't know how deep they actually run since I've been the one putting them on the backburner.
When I don't say anything, he continues. "We can take it slow. We'll go at your pace. I just want you to know that I really like you, Penny. You light up my whole world when I'm around you. And I won't miss an opportunity…again…to try to win your heart."
I can't tear my gaze away from his as he tells me just what I need to hear…but it's not coming from the right person's mouth. I want Colt to be telling me these things, but Colton hasn't and probably never will. And I need to face the cold hard truth. I'm leaving Colton behind to start a new life without him. I need to be open to new experiences…and new love. Tucker would treat me like gold. I know he would. He's already proven his loyalty, his passion and his fondness for me. The sparks aren't quite there, but maybe something could develop over time. Once my heart heals, I'm sure I could find love again someday.
Tucker pulls away from me and spins me back to him, swaying us gently to the music. I guess he's not the only guy in the room that has dance moves. He laughs gently against my temple as if he's having the time of his life.
