The song ended too soon, and as they stepped apart, Lila felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment. Whit gave her a smile that did funny things to her stomach. “Thank you for the dance,” he said.
Lila nodded, struggling to find her voice. “You’re welcome.”
As Whit walked away, Lila stood there, her mind spinning. Maybe Capri was right—perhaps Whit Calloway wasn’t so bad after all.
The evening’s festivities continued in full swing when a hush fell over the crowd, followed by murmurs of excitement. Lila turned to see the source of the commotion and spotted none other than Roxie Steele, the visiting enigmatic and glamorous romance author making her grand entrance. Draped in a figure-hugging red dress that shimmered under the string lights, Roxie exuded confidence and charm. Her arrival was like a bolt of lightning, electrifying the atmosphere.
Aware of the attention, Roxie sauntered through the gathering with an easy grace, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She made a beeline for the group of older men gathered near the firepit, her laugh carrying over the music like a seductive melody.
Clancy Rivers was the first to fall under her spell, his cheeks flushing as she leaned in close, whispering something that made him chuckle and adjust his hat. She moved on to Ford Keaton, trailing a perfectly manicured hand along his arm, eliciting a bashful smile from the usually stoic rancher. Even Albie, holding his niece, blushed profusely as Roxie winked and blew him a kiss.
Roxie’s playful flirting left a trail of blushing faces and stammered compliments in her wake. The older men, normally reserved, competed for her attention, their grins wide and their spirits high. Watching the scene unfold, Lila exchanged amused glances with her friends, their laughter ringing out into the night air.
Lila glanced up to find Whit standing next to her, a grin on his face. “Who’s that?” he asked.
“That’s Roxie Steele.” She explained how the visiting romance author had captured the town’s attention, especially the older male residents.
He shook his head and let out a low whistle. “I can see that.”
The party began to wind down, and Roxie, with a final dazzling smile and a twinkle in her eye, sauntered back to her cabin. As she disappeared into the night, Whit turned to Lila and said with a grin, “Well, I guess there’s no arguing that romance is well and alive, even in the wilds of Wyoming.”
Lila chuckled, feeling the warmth of his gaze on her. “Seems like it,” she replied, her heart jumping a beat. The soft glow of the stringed lights cast shadows that highlighted the sharp angles of his face.
For a moment, they stood there, the sounds of the party fading into the background. Whit’s eyes softened as he took a step closer. “You know, Lila,” he said, his voice low and inviting, “I had a really good time tonight. I think I’m going to like it here.”
Lila’s breath caught as their eyes locked, a spark of tentative truce igniting between them. She froze with the astonishing revelation that her feelings for Whit were betraying her, evolving into something she couldn’t quite name. Even if he annoyed the pete out of her, she was attracted to him.
She supposed it wouldn’t hurt to at least give the Texan a chance. Besides, what choice did she have really? Whit Calloway was here to stay. She might as well drop her rocks and get on with it. It might work in her favor if they at least became friends.
The music slowed to a gentle, romantic tune, and Whit extended his hand once more. “Care for another dance?”
Lila hesitated for several heartbeats before taking his hand, her pulse quickening. “Sure. I’d like that.”
The stars shimmered like diamonds against the velvety black sky as Whit and Lila found their way onto the makeshift dance floor. Hesitant at first, Lila allowed Whit to draw her into the dance. His strong arms encircled her waist, pulling her closer than she had anticipated. She again became acutely aware of his presence—the solidness of his build, the warmth radiating from his body, and the intoxicating blend of cedar and leather that clung to him. It was a scent so uniquely male that it stirred something deep within her.
As they swayed to the music, a deep longing bloomed within her. Her heart quickened, and she found herself leaning into Whit’s touch, savoring the feeling of being held.
But just as her guard began to fall, an image of Aaron formed in her mind. His familiar smile, the feel of his embrace, the life they had built together—it all came rushing back. She felt as if she were betraying him, her love for him. It didn’t make sense, but guilt gnawed at her.
Panicked, Lila abruptly pulled away, mumbling an incoherent excuse about needing air. Without waiting for Whit’s response, she fled into the night, her heart a tumble of longing and sorrow.
Capri grabbed her by the elbow as she passed by. “Hey, what was that about? Are you okay?”
Lila stopped, her breath coming in ragged gasps. “I…I don’t know, Capri. I just couldn’t?—”
Capri’s eyes softened with understanding. “Is this about Aaron?”
A tear slid down Lila’s cheek as she nodded. “I felt like I was betraying him. I haven’t felt this way in so long, and it scared me.” She groaned and dared to glance back at Whit who stood on the dance floor watching her. “It’s been years, but somehow it felt like Aaron was right next to me on that dance floor.”
Capri pulled her into a comforting hug. “It’s okay to have romantic feelings again, Lila. Aaron would want you to be happy, to move on with your life. It doesn’t mean you’re forgetting him or what you had together.”
Lila sniffed, resting her head on Capri’s shoulder. “I know, but it’s so hard. I didn’t expect to feel anything like that again, and now it’s all so confusing.”
Capri squeezed her tighter. “Take your time. Nobody is expecting you to have it all figured out right now. Just know that it’s okay to let yourself feel again, to open up to new possibilities.” She cupped Lila’s face in her hands. “Whit Calloway is a hunk. Even if he is your boss.”
Lila pulled back, letting herself laugh. She wiped her tears. “Thanks, Capri. You’re right. He is.”
“Anytime,” Capri said with a reassuring smile. “Now, let’s get you home. You’ve had enough excitement for one night.”
