He hated that she felt the need to babysit him, but he appreciated her vigilance.
"Yes. Go."
"Okay, I'll hurry back."
"Take your time. I'm fine."
He couldn't help grinning at the way the butterflies on her pocketssparkled and reflected the light with the gentle sway of her hips as she walked away. He had a feeling she'd worn those jeans just for him, and he loved it. For the dozenth time since telling her he wanted to take her dancing, he wondered if there was really a possibility of him and Riley getting a second chance.
Even though he didn’t deserve it, he wanted it more than anything. But if it was ever going to happen, he'd need to be patient.
He finished his soda shortly after Riley left and decided he should probably hit the restroom too before they danced again. He was about to get to his feet when he saw a large cowboy block Riley's path out of the hallway that led to the bathrooms.
Sudden heat shot through his veins, much as it had that morning when Crew aimed his crass words at Riley, and Daniel shot to his feet.
CHAPTER 16
Riley paused for a moment after washing her hands and studied her reflection in the mirror. The flush in her cheeks provided better blush than she could apply. She pulled her lip gloss from her pocket and applied it.
She could have sworn Daniel wanted to kiss her when they were dancing that slow dance. And she'd wanted him to. Once again, she contemplated asking him to kiss her before the night was over.
She pulled open the bathroom door and walked out. Hopefully, she could convince Daniel to dance another set with her before they went home, and if she was lucky, that set would include another slow song.
A large cowboy with broad shoulders, no neck, and thick thighs blocked the end of the narrow hallway where it opened onto the dance floor. Three open buttons exposed a wide swath of hairy chest.
Warning bells sounded in Riley's head, and a chill swept over her. She tried to convince herself everything was fine, but her feet slowed of their own accord.
"Hey there, little lady." He smiled around the bulge in his cheek that was undoubtedly a wad of chewing tobacco. "How about spending a little time on the dance floor with me?"
She repressed a shudder and gave him a tight but polite smile. "Nothank you. I'm here with someone." She tried to sidestep him, but he shifted and blocked her path again.
"That tall feller? You two look real good dancin' together, but you need a real cowboy." He hooked his thumbs in his belt loops and puffed out his chest.
A crawling sensation skittered across her skin.
Ugh. Do guys really think women find such cockiness attractive?
He stepped a little closer and dropped his voice in pitch. "I can show you a real good time, darlin'."
The stench of alcohol on his breath made her stomach churn.
The drawl of the endearment reminded her of Collin, sending another chill racing down her spine as she felt the blood drain from her face. Her stomach turned rock-hard. She retreated a step, putting distance between them and held up her hand.
"I said no thank you." Her voice was as tense as the muscles bunched in her shoulders.
Nonplussed, he stepped closer still until her outstretched hand pressed against his chest. "Come on, I bet a pretty little cowgirl like you enjoys a good time."
On shaky legs, she retreated another step but found herself with her back pressed against the wall. The sound of blood pumping through her veins reverberated in her ears, and shadows filled the edges of her vision.
Not again! I refuse to be the victim again!
Channeling the fear coursing through her body, she turned it into anger.
The nerve of this man.
Taking the single small step the space between them allowed, she brought her knee up hard and fast into the cocky cowboy's groin. "I said I'm not interested!"
The man doubled over with a grunt and Riley shoved him out of her way. He fell against the wall, cursing her.
