“Damn, woman. I do like the way your mind works.”
She wanted to lift up and fit her mouth to his. But there were too many people around who didn’t need to know that she and Jameson had plans for the evening—intimate plans.
Apparently, his thoughts followed the same track as hers, because he quirked a dark gold eyebrow and said, “I really want to kiss you now.”
She gave him her sternest schoolteacher glare. “But you won’t.”
A low, rough chuckle escaped him. “Just checking. I want to be sure I’m clear on the rules.”
“Simple. Nobody else needs to know, and nobody elsegetsto know.”
Something happened in his eyes. He glanced away for a fraction of a second. But then he nodded. “Got it.”
“So, I’m thinking you go first. I’ll say good-night to Callie and then I’ll be along.”
“You remember the way, then?”
“Oh yes, I do.”
He pulled her close again. With a contented sigh, she tucked her head under his chin. As they swayed together, he suggested, “Let’s just finish out this song.”
They held each other close—but not too close—until the song ended.
He whispered, “If you get lost, you call me.” And then he was gone.
One of the Dalton boys asked for a dance. It was a fast one. As soon as the fiddle hit the last note, Van went looking for Callie.
She spotted her roomie by the picnic tables and hurried over to say good-night.
When Van reached Callie’s side, her friend leaned in close and teased, “So? Nice dance with Jameson?”
Van couldn’t hide her grin. “Very nice, thank you.”
They shared a long look, and Callie said, “Let me guess. Things aren’t exactly over between you two, after all.”
“You are sworn to secrecy. I really don’t want anyone in my family to know.”
“Haven’t you heard? Secrecy is overrated. You’re a grown woman. Your family really can’t tell you what choices to make.”
“I know. But I don’t want them hoping and dropping hints and, well, all up in my business in their sweet and loving way.”
“I’ll say it again. They can’t make your choices for you.”
“I mean it. Not a word to anyone.” She crooked her little finger and held it out to Callie. “Pinkie swear.”
Callie groaned, but she hooked pinkies with Van. “Happy now?”
“Very.”
“You have a certain look about you. You’re meeting him, aren’t you?”
“I will say this much. Don’t wait up.”
When Van pulled her Forester into the driveway at Jameson’s house, he was waiting on the front step, his tall frame silhouetted by the inside lights behind him.
Van grabbed her shoulder bag and got out. Shoving the door shut, she ran around the front of the car, eager to get to him. He held out his arms and she jumped into them, laughing, wrapping her arms and legs around him.
Laughing along with her, he spun her in a circle.
