“Oh, you know it. The only thing they love better than their own schemes is watching one of ours play out. They also want to apprise Isabel of their great-auntie status. I’ve heard rumors of a baby shower this week.”
“That’s nice.” CJ slowed the truck as they approached the town square. Usually on a Tuesday night the grassy area around the gazebo was empty and quiet. Instead the clatter of several folks putting together various sizes of wooden structures filled the air. “What’s going on?”
“Your head must be in the clouds,” Nick said. “This weekend is the Founders Day celebration.”
“I totally forgot that was coming up. How many years is it?”
“I dunno.”
“I’ll look it up.” Garrett pulled out his phone and tapped on it a few times. “A hundred and fifty-two. What happens on Founders Day weekend?”
“All kinds of stuff.” CJ put on his turn signal and waited for a truck to back out of a spot right in front of the Moose. Good sign that he’d scored it. If all went well, he’d be ushering Izzy out the front door and into his truck in about two hours. He shut off the engine.
“Just think, bro.” Nick unlatched his seatbelt and leaned forward. “Could be your last Founders Day celebration.”
“Nick, stop it.” He opened his door.
“I just want you to consider everything before you make such a life-changing decision.”
“I’ve already made it. I just need Isabel to come on board.” He and Garrett exited the truck and waited on the sidewalk for Nick to climb out of the backseat. “Nice night.”
Garrett nodded. “Feels good to ditch our jackets for a change.”
Nick stepped up on the curb and settled his hat on his head. “Don’t look now, but Matt just grabbed a space in front of Gertie’s. Your lady-love has arrived.”
“I noticed.” The transportation plan for tonight had been choreographed over dinner. Matt had invited Izzy to ride with him, Lucy, Jake and Millie. Rafe was bringing Kate and Leo, leaving room for Nick and Garrett in his truck if CJ took Izzy home early.
“There’s Rafe,” Garrett said. “Looks like he’ll have to park in back. Do you want to wait for Matt and company or go in?
CJ took a steadying breath and tugged his hat a bit lower. “Let’s wait.”
“You said you didn’t want to look too eager to see her.”
“But I don’t want to act like I’m avoiding her, either. I’ll keep it cool. I want to see what she did with her hair today. She was getting it cut.”
“I hope not too short,” Nick said. “It’s gorgeous long.”
“I know.”
Jake helped Millie out of the back and then assisted Izzy. She stepped down and laughed at something Jake said. She wore a bright yellow shirt with a hem that reached to her hips, snug jeans and boots. Clearly Lucy had taken her shopping after the salon appointment.
Her hair was shorter, chin-length instead of reaching her shoulders. For a second, he grieved the loss of the silken strands that had caressed his body when they’d made love.
Then she tossed her head and the sassy swing of her dark hair sent a message straight to his groin. He gulped.
“You’re staring, bro,” Nick murmured.
“I didn’t expect the haircut would make her even sexier than before.”
“You want to ditch the program and just go for it?”
“No. She’d only dig in her heels if I come on too strong. Stick with the plan. I’ll… manage.”
“Count your breaths,” Garrett said.
“Count my breaths?”
“Try it. Works for me.”
“Okay.” One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Sure enough, he was back in control. “Thanks, Garrett. Good tip.”
“Works while you’re having sex, too, whenever you’re worried about your timing.”
Nick glanced at him. “Really?”
“In my case, anyway.”
“I believe you. I don’t have a girlfriend so I can’t test it. CJ might be able to, though. Hey, bro, if it works for you, let me know, okay?”
“No can do.”
“Why not?”
He flashed Nick a grin. “I always have perfect timing.” Especially with Izzy. Although if she kept ramping up her hotness factor, she might make a liar out of him. And he wouldn’t mind a bit. But first the Brotherhood campaign had to succeed.
Chapter Ten
He’s up to something. An hour into the evening and CJ still hadn’t asked for a dance. Not that Isabel had been left without partners. She’d been on the floor for nearly every number.
The Buckskin Brotherhood knew their dance moves and seemed eager to demonstrate their specialties. Leo, the classically handsome wrangler, loved to waltz. The two-step was Rafe’s favorite, and he was surprisingly agile for such a big man. Afterward he apologized if he’d worn her out. He had, but she wouldn’t admit it.
Matt had a classic country style that relaxed her, and Jake kept her laughing through the entire number. Garrett was a terrific dancer. She’d seen him clear the floor with other partners. But he toned it way down with her, evidently worried that he’d overtax her.
Nick didn’t have that concern. He had his own athletic version of country swing—fun but challenging. He was also the one who insisted she sit out for a while, though.
He escorted her back to the large booth the Brotherhood had commandeered and ordered her popcorn and a bottle of non-alcoholic cider. When she made quick work of the popcorn, he ordered fries and nachos.
“Popcorn was plenty, Nick. You didn’t have to order something else.”
“Oh, yes, I did. It’s for me as much as you. Dancing works up an appetite, although in my case, that’s easy to do. I’m always hungry.”
She grinned. “Then you must be pregnant.”
“If I am, I’ll never have to work another day in my life. A few rounds of the talk-show circuit, a bestselling memoir, and I’ll retire to devote my time to the miracle baby.”
“You’d retire and give up ranch work?”
“Nah, you’re right. I’d hang onto that. Nothing like the scent of fresh horse poop in the morning. Starts the day off right, y’know?”
“You can’t fool me. You love your job.”
He nodded. “Very much.”
“I assume you’ve heard about CJ’s crazy idea of moving to Seattle.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“It’s ridiculous, right?”
“Doesn’t matter if I think so. It’s CJ’s life. He knows what he needs better’n me.”
“Then again, maybe he’s given up on the idea.”
“Oh?”
“He asked me to join you guys for an evening at the Moose, so I assumed he’d pick me up. Instead, Matt turned out to be my ride. Then we get here, and CJ hasn’t said more than five words to me since we walked through the door.”
“He hasn’t been rude, has he?”
“Not at all. Very polite. Nice smile. I just expected… more contact with him, I suppose.”
“Well, I do have some inside info on that.”
“Can I pry it out of you?”
“No prying necessary. He told me he’s giving you some space. He said I was free to tell you that if you asked.”
“Space for what?”
“Whatever folks need space for. I never understood that concept.”
That made her laugh. “Technically I need space because I’m expanding by the minute, but I doubt that’s what CJ—”
“Seriously?” His gaze dropped briefly to her stomach. Then he looked up, clearly fascinated by the concept. “By the minute?”
“By the second, in fact, or the millisecond. The baby is growing at a steady pace.”
“Makes sense, but I never thought of it that way. While we’re sitting here waiting for fries and nachos, your baby is growing.”
“It’s mind-blowing, right?”
“Yes, ma’am. I thought only two of us were in this booth, but turns out there’s one more
.”
“And because of that third person, I’ll pick the chili peppers off because they might be too much for the little tyke.”
“I should have thought of that and told them no peppers. I’ll take them off for you. I love ’em.”
“I’ve heard about your legendary fondness for all things edible. Is there anything you don’t like?”
“Anchovies.”
“But they’re delicious!”
“I suppose you eat them in Seattle.”
“I do.”
“Because you’re all about seafood and such?”
“Absolutely. I love all kinds.”
“I wonder if CJ’s thought about that.”
“He doesn’t like it?”
“I’m sure canned tuna’s fine with him, and we’ve had baked salmon a few times since Garrett started handling the cooking. Jake never fixed it.” He shrugged. “For all I know, he’ll discover he likes seafood. I just wonder if he’s considered that angle.”
“What angle?” CJ slipped into the horseshoe-shaped booth, but on the opposite end, putting him about as far from her as he could get and still be at the same table.
“Folks eat a lot of anchovies in Seattle,” Nick said. “Isabel loves them.”
“I didn’t know that.” His gray eyes twinkled as he glanced at her. “Plain or with other stuff?”
“Either.” She held his gaze. He looked extremely handsome tonight. The pearl-gray shirt might be new. She’d never seen him wearing it. “I can eat them right out of the jar.”
He didn’t flinch. “I’ll have to try that sometime.”
“You won’t like them, especially plain,” Nick said. “You couldn’t handle those sardines Leo brought from Great Falls that time. Anchovies are even—”
“That was at least five years ago.” He continued to focus on her, his expression calm, his smile friendly. “I’ve matured. My palate has matured. Anyway, I just came by to see if you need anything, Iz.”
“I’m good, thanks. Nick’s ordered a basket of fries and a plate of nachos.”
“Yeah, bro,” Nick gestured toward the server coming their way. “Feel free to stick around and have some. Get yourself a cider. I thought Isabel needed a break.”
He nodded. “Good idea. Enjoy.” He stood. “Appreciate the invite, but I just remembered I promised Henri I’d dance this number with her. I’ll check back later.” Touching two fingers to the brim of his hat, he made eye contact one last time before walking away.
She didn’t want him to go. She wanted him to promise a dance to her, too. Her neediness was damned embarrassing.
His loose-hipped stride took him over to the table occupied by Henri and her five best friends. He offered his hand to Henri, led her to the dance floor and whirled her into a lively two step. They danced well together.
Her throat tightened. After the way they’d parted the night before, she couldn’t fault him for distancing himself. But she didn’t have to like it.
“You really care about him.”
She turned back to Nick. His knowing expression left her no room to maneuver. “I really do. Which is why I’m against this move to Seattle.”
“To be honest, I didn’t think he’d take to being a father this quick or be so determined to be fully involved.”
“I didn’t either. But when you get right down to it, I don’t know him all that well.”
“I thought I did. Then again, I’ve never seen him faced with something like this before.” He gestured to the nachos. “While you were watching him, I took off all the peppers and ate ’em.”
She glanced at the plate and laughed. “You and I are a pair, Nick. Odds are we can hoover up food better than anybody in this joint.”
He grinned back at her. “I’m glad to finally meet someone who’s as food-driven as I am.”
“You need to hang out with more pregnant ladies.” She started in on the nachos.
She and Nick had finished those and the basket of fries when Leo came to claim another waltz. And the rotation continued as before.
When Jake invited her out on the floor, the song was an easy two-step that allowed for conversation. “Did you guys plan this dancing-with-Isabel thing in advance?”
“Yes.”
“Jake! Now I feel like a charity case.”
“The exact opposite. You’re a favorite. We had to divvy you up fairly so we wouldn’t squabble in front of you.”
“Come on, Jake.”
“It’s true. You’re fun to dance with. None of us wanted to waste this golden opportunity.”
“Except CJ.”
“CJ has issues.”
“Don’t we all. I was hoping he and I could be friends, but that’s turning out to be more difficult than I thought.”
“So he’s said.”
“You’d think we could dance together at least once tonight. I’m not sure how much longer we’ll be here since everybody has to get up for work. I wonder if he was planning to ask at all.”
“You could ask him, instead.”
“Yes, I could. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that. I’ll blame pregnancy brain.” Or pride. “If he turns me down, then—”
“He won’t. That’s not CJ.”
“You’re right. Thanks for the suggestion.” She surveyed the couples on the floor. “He’s dancing with the woman who owns the indoor riding arena.”
“That’s Ed.”
“I need to catch him before he takes her back to the table where the Babes are. If I don’t, he’s liable to ask one of the others. That’s mostly who he’s danced with.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll make sure we’re within range of CJ and Ed when the song ends.”
“You’re a pal, Jake.”
“We’ll have to double-time it to get there, though. Hold on.” Dodging and weaving through the dancers, he twirled her for a dramatic finish that left her face-to-face with CJ as the last notes of the song trailed off.
He exchanged a look with Jake. No telling what unspoken message it conveyed, but it obviously meant something.
Breathing fast from the accelerated pace, she touched CJ’s arm and gasped out her question. “May I have the next dance?”
His gray gaze lit up. “I’d be honored.”
Chapter Eleven
For the past half-hour, CJ had been itching to dance with Izzy. But the Brotherhood had advised him to hold off. Matt had finally given him the go-ahead and he’d planned to approach her after escorting Ed back to the table. She’d beat him to it. Bonus.
There was the matter of returning Ed, though.
“I’ve got this,” Jake murmured. Turning, he bowed to Ed. “May I have this dance, ma’am?”
Ed grinned. “Certainly, son. CJ got me all warmed up. Think you can handle a hot Babe like me?”
“I doubt it, but I’m more than willing to try.”
Shaking with anticipation, CJ turned to Izzy. He’d given the band specific instructions and added a generous tip. Right on cue, they played the opening chords of his requested song, Tim McGraw’s She’s My Kind of Rain. He held Izzy’s gaze and slowly drew her into his arms.
As the lyrics spilled over them, he began to move. He longed to tuck her in tight, but that part was up to her. The glow in her dark eyes brightened, filling him with so much joy he could barely breathe.
Gradually she eliminated the distance between them. When her body finally nestled against his and she locked her hands behind his neck, he settled his clasped hands at the small of her back. So sweet. So perfect.
“I gave up on you asking me.”
“I was about to.”
“That’s what they all say.”
“I wanted to give you—”
“Space?” The corners of her plump, kissable mouth turned up.
He nodded.
“But you invited me to go along tonight.”
“You’d said you wanted an evening at the Choosy Moose.”
“Mostly to dance with you. It’s one of the things
we do best.”
“The second-best thing.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Well, it is.”
“Yeah, okay.” She favored him with a tiny smile.
“Your hair looks great.”
“Thanks. Eva did a good job. She said to tell you hello.” Her body brushed his in a gentle, sensual rhythm.
“I like how she cuts my hair.”
“I think she has a slight crush.”
“I don’t encourage her.”
“Why not?”
“My interests lie elsewhere.” Time to switch topics. “How’s Naomi doing at the shop?”
“Just fine.”
So much for that conversational thread. “I noticed you picked up boots today. Like ’em?”
“Yep. Comfier than my high-heeled ones. Bought a hat, too.”
“Sounds like you’re ready to ride.”
“Tomorrow. With Lucy and Matt.”
“So I heard.”
“You did?”
“Word gets around.”
“Hm.” Her gaze turned speculative. “This song… I’m trying to remember if I mentioned it to you back in April.”
“You might have.” He’d learned it, could have asked the band to let him sit in and play it with them. Choosing between showboating on stage or holding Izzy on the dance floor had been easy.
“Is it a coincidence they’re playing it now?”
“No, ma’am. I promised myself I’d have at least one dance with you. When I knew for sure the time was coming up, I requested it.”
“So you really were about to ask me?”
“I was.”
“That’s very romantic.”
“I’m a romantic guy.”
“I’m beginning to see that. You remembered we danced to it at the wedding reception.”
“And you said it reminds you of the misty rain in Seattle, which is fun to walk in without an umbrella, especially when it’s warm.”
“I said all that?”
“Uh-huh.”
“I guess the champagne loosened my tongue.”
“You were fun that night. A little crazy, but—”
“Maybe too crazy.”
“Not really. You mellowed out toward the end of the evening. Then the band played this. It was a turning point. For me, anyway.”
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