“Long story,” Sam said. “Basically, she reconciled with her ex and couldn’t make it.” He sounded good natured enough about the situation, which wasn’t surprising. I’d never seen Sam pining for a woman, and I longed for the day someone had him by the collar and could shake some sense into him. He needed a good humbling.
“I’m not going to ask for details,” I said. “All I’m going to say is you made a good choice bringing Ella tonight. She’s drama free, and you two are good friends. Right? Only friends?”
“Yes, obviously. Did you think we were on a real date? It’s Ella, and you’ve offended me.” Sam pressed a hand to his chest and gave me an indignant look. “I’m drama free too.”
“Yeah, right. The anniversary party?”
There was a moment of silence during which we both relived our parents’ fortieth anniversary party, where Sam somehow ended up with two dates for the evening. It was a regrettable misunderstanding, he claimed, but that didn’t stop one of the women from pushing him into the pool. Was it hilarious and well deserved? Absolutely. But it also ruined my parents’ special celebration, embarrassing them in front of their family and friends.
“That was years ago,” he said. “I’ve matured since then.”
“Then how come you still break up with women before the relationship gets too serious?”
He skewered me with a look. “And how come you haven’t dated anyone seriously since your divorce?”
He had a point, but I wasn’t going to admit it. “I’m not avoiding it. It’s just hard to date in a town this small.”
“Speaking of dating…” He looked around the room. “Where’s that attractive guest of yours? Miss Wagonbutt?”
If he couldn’t cause his own trouble, he’d make some for me.
“Wagonblast. She’s not here yet, and please be cool tonight.” Instead of agreeing, he curved his lips into a villainous smile. “I’m serious, Sam. She’s wealthy, and she probably has friends with money. Possibly even celebrities. I need her to have a nice evening so she’ll recommend us.” Sam was never going to find out that I kissed Lauren, not if I could help it.
“I’m sure that’s why you want me on good behavior around her. You’re hoping Jeff Bezos will forgo his yacht next summer and vacation at Silver Sage instead.” He took in my ominous glare. “Fine, fine. I’ll be boring and well-behaved.”
“Thanks,” I said, not fully believing him. “I appreciate it.”
Despite Sam’s dubious dating record, he wasn’t a bad guy. His curious nature made him a good vet because he was forward-thinking when it came to diagnoses and treatments. In a social setting, he was always entertaining, but also somewhat unpredictable, and tonight I wanted everything to go as planned. I needed the “unexpected surprises” portion of Lauren’s vacation to be limited to falling head over heels for me. No more stampeding cows or bar fights.
The Jernigans blew in like a hurricane, with their three children racing in circles around the room. The Shahs and Masons arrived shortly thereafter, their teenagers side-eyeing each other, as if they wanted to meet but weren’t sure how to approach each other. I’d be sure to make introductions if they didn’t do it themselves soon.
Merle called everyone over to begin the dance lesson, but Lauren still wasn’t there. I hung out close to the door because she deserved to be greeted by the ranch owner like all the other guests, right? That would be the excuse I gave to Sam if he razzed me later.
Finally, Lauren floated into the Round Room in a white summer dress with short fluttery sleeves, her hair curled in waves down to her shoulders. Her tan had deepened over the last week, and it brought out the gold in her cinnamon-colored eyes. Had I ever felt my breath catch when a woman walked into a room? Not since high school when I had an unrequited crush on my history teacher, and that was a very long time ago.
Lauren sauntered over to me, and my mind went blank. Her ruby lips, painted to match her new boots, captivated my attention. There was nothing I wanted to do more than sweep her into my arms and plant a kiss on that luscious mouth.
When she reached me, she pressed a hand to her chest. “I’m so sorry I’m late. My dress wasn’t ironed, and I had to let it steam in the bathroom while I showered.”
I forced myself not to think about Lauren in the shower.
“No worries at all.” Her boots had a heel on them, placing her closer to my height, but I still had a good four inches on her. “You look like you belong here when you wear those boots.”
“Well, I figured, when in Wyoming…”
Our eyes caught, and I couldn’t look away. This woman had me on a string.
“Dance lesson has started,” I said. “You should jump in.”
“Aren’t you coming?” she asked. “I’m going to need a partner. Will you dance with me?”
CHAPTER15
LAUREN
“I’d love to.” Matthew crooked his elbow, offering me his arm like a gentleman right out of one of those romantic old movies my mother used to watch. “Shall we?”
I hooked my hand onto his bicep, my heart drumming a wild staccato beat. We joined the dance lesson as partners, and although I tried to listen to the demonstration the older couple was giving us, Matthew’s presence seriously distracted me. The heat from his body seemed to warm mine, and my concentration didn’t improve when we turned toward each other and he wrapped his arm around me, resting his hand on my shoulder blade.
