on to the dance floor and as she watched them dance, she was overwhelmed by the love that was so obvious. Her sister was lucky to have found a man who understood and respected her. Together, they looked good. They were perfect for each other, and she had nothing but goodwill for their upcoming marriage.
“Will you dance with me?”
“Cowgirls don’t dance,” she said.
He laughed. “Okay. Maybe then we have a drink first?”
“Let’s head towards the bar.” She could already see that the bar was a hit.
People waited in lines. They had hired two bartenders for the night who were doing a good job of making the line move at a fast speed. It all looked good.
Like the others, they also stood in line and got their beers. Walking to one of the benches that were set up, she sat on it. “It’s a good night.”
“It sure is.”
She watched the people who were dancing on the floor. Everyone was having an amazing time. It was a good turnout. It was possible that they would be able to raise more than double the money they’d anticipated. “This was the most fantastic idea ever,” she said.
“I’m full of fantastic ideas,” he replied with a wink.
She tried to hide her smile then lifted her bottle to her lips and drank. Then she glanced over and said, “I’m sure you are. Do you like to dance?”
“I’m fairly good at it, and yes, I enjoy it but only with the right woman.”
She didn’t want to ask it. No, she shouldn’t. “And I’m the right woman?”
“Oh, yes you are.”
She glanced into his eyes and then quickly looked away. She felt nervous at the look she saw there. She didn’t have to ponder over for it for long because it seemed that Juston had taken a short break from the kitchen to whisk Shayne onto the dance floor. They were awesome.
“All your sisters are good dancers,” he commented.
“It runs in the family. You should see my mother. When she’s on the floor, it’s hard to look elsewhere. She’s magnificent. Of course, now that my father isn’t here—umm.” Paige cleared the lump of sadness that was lodged in her throat. “Mom doesn’t dance that much anymore. She and dad were great together on the dance floor.” Paige smiled wistfully at the memory.
“She’s lonely?”
“He was her soul mate. After losing him, she hasn’t looked at another man. The farm has kept her busy and so have we, and I suppose she doesn’t want to start all over again.”
“Would you be okay if she did?”
Paige nodded. “Yes, I think so. I would like her to find someone who loves her. Companionship is important, and even though we’re around her, we’re also busy with our own lives.” She thought about it. Yes, it would be a little difficult to take in initially, but eventually she would be okay with the idea of seeing her mother with someone. Picking up her beer, she drained it. “I’d be all right with it.”
Lando took her bottle and his then walked over to one of the bins that were set up in various locations. When he came back, she was moving her legs in time with the music. “Come on, one dance, and we’ll see if we can set the floor on fire as well as the others.”
She put her hand in his. “Okey-dokey. Let’s give it a shot.”
He was an excellent dancer, and as she’d said, it did run in their family. They moved in tune with the music, and she felt it in her veins, in her heart, as she danced with the man. Damn him! He’d charmed her. This was officially their second date, but already she felt she knew him well. There was a comfort level and yet, at the same time, there was a heat she couldn’t deny. Their sexual chemistry was off the charts.
After about a dozen songs, she pulled him off the floor. “Beer!” she panted. The line at the bar was a little shorter now, so they got their beers quickly. “Let’s go for a walk.”
As they sipped their beer and strolled out of the room, a man crossed their path. Paige was a little surprised to see him. Max, their
Tonino Benacquista Emily Read
Lisa Scottoline, Francesca Serritella