by MJ Fredrick
But no, he released her, curving his hand around her cheek to stroke her skin with his thumb. She looked into his blue eyes, saw the heat and desire there, and wanted to ask why he’d stopped. But he kissed her forehead and helped her sit up.
“I want more,” he said.
“So do I.” She tried to play off the jumble of emotions with a laugh.
“That’s not what I mean, Liz. I want more.”
“I don’t know if I have it to give,” she confessed.
“Will you do me a favor? Will you give me a chance? Will you come to the grand opening with me? If you hate it, we’ll leave. But I don’t want to go with anyone but you.”
Maybe it was the kiss, maybe it was the way he was looking at her, but she found herself nodding and agreeing to go with him.
*****
Brianna’s joy in trying on dresses in San Antonio made Liz glad she’d agreed to the quinceañera, even as she was constantly running numbers in her head. If she only paid the minimum on her loan for a couple of months, she could give her sister a decent party, even though the idea of paying even that much more interest made her anxious.
She pushed the thoughts away as Brianna swirled in front of the mirror in a white dress with a black floral overlay, then stopped and frowned, tugging at the loose bodice.
“I wish I had your boobs,” she told Liz.
“No you don’t,” Liz and Sophia said together.
“Always in the way,” Sophia added.
“You can’t run. You’d knock yourself out doing cheers,” Liz said.
“Permanent blouse gap.”
“You can never lay on your stomach.”
Brianna rolled her eyes. “But I’d look amazing in this dress.”
The saleswoman, who had introduced herself as Clarissa, stepped in then. “You just get it altered to fit. Your slender figure will show it off to perfection.”
Brianna turned a wary eye to the woman. “How much are alterations?”
Clarissa named a price that had Brianna turning to Liz, her gaze pleading.
“Are you sure that’s the dress you want? We haven’t been to all the stores on your list.”
“Oh, well, you know,” the saleswoman added hastily. “We are the best, and we offer on-site alterations and full service. Were you thinking about invitations and flowers?”
“We’re on a budget,” Brianna said, squaring her shoulders. “We’re doing a lot of stuff ourselves.”
“I can understand that,” Clarissa said in a voice as smooth as her hairstyle. “But we can work on a payment plan—“
“No credit,” Sophia spoke up. “We’re doing this cash only. No sense paying for it after it’s done.”
The saleswoman nodded, and turned back to Brianna. “Would you like me to hold the dress while you shop elsewhere?”
“Yes, please,” Brianna said breathlessly. She picked up the skirt and turned into the dressing room to remove the dress.
“Thank you for that,” Liz said.
Clarissa waved a hand. “I know what it’s like to work with a budget and a teenaged girl. I can hold it until end of business today.”
“Do you have dresses that are—less formal?” Sophia asked, wandering to a rack near the back of the store.
“Like cocktail dresses? Party dresses?” Clarissa’s tone perked up.
“Mom, today is about Brianna,” Liz protested.
“No reason why you can’t look, too, since we’re here. I mean, what are you going to wear to the grand opening?” Sophia turned back to the saleswoman. “So do you have anything she could wear to a party this weekend?”
“Oh, Sis,” Brianna breathed a few minutes later, back in her own clothes, when Liz stepped out of the dressing room in a jersey knit black dress that wrapped around and tied at the waist. It displayed a lot of cleavage and a lot of leg, and a glimpse of the ink on her right arm, and the dark fabric made the blue tips of her hair glow.
“It’s too sexy,” Liz said, tugging at the neckline, thinking of the reaction of the other guests at the grand opening. This would be exactly what they’d expect of her, and she wanted something classier for her first time in public with Killian. “It’s not the kind of dress you wear on a first date.”
“It is if you want there to be a second,” Clarissa teased.
Liz actually loved the way she looked in the dress. She’d never been much of a dress person, but this one flowed along the lines of her body, hugging her curves, making her look like someone she didn’t recognize. But it would draw too much attention, something she wouldn’t have worried about just a few days ago. She wanted Killian to be proud to be seen with her. She didn’t want everyone in town thinking they knew why he was with her. She saw the same concern in her mother’s eyes when she turned away from the mirror.
She shook her head at the saleswoman. “I’m afraid it’s too much. Do you have anything else?”
But everything else was too mother-of-the-bride, or junior bridesmaid, nothing for a party with Sage McKenna.
At least, like she’d told Brianna, they had more stores to visit.
But she couldn’t find anything at the other stores, either. Everything was either too bright, too young or too old. They even stopped at a fabric store, but nothing there satisfied Liz or Brianna, plus making two dresses would be putting too much work on Sophia in too short a time.
Brianna didn’t have any luck, either, probably because she had the dress from the first store in mind. Liz’s stomach was a little tight as she thought about the price, but she wasn’t going to say anything else. She had agreed to work Victoria’s wedding, and that should pay for the dress. They returned to the first store, where Clarissa greeted them with a wide smile.
“After you left, I went to the back and looked through the dresses back there.” She addressed Liz. “I found just the thing. It’s perfect.”
Brianna gave a little huff of annoyance that she wasn’t the center of attention. Liz stepped back and put her hand behind Brianna.
“We’re just here to get her dress. And I guess you’ll have to take her measurements so we can have it altered?”
“Of course. But just indulge me, will you? I held it back with her dress.”
She hurried behind the counter, where Liz could see Brianna’s dress, and emerged with a strapless sheath in a deep burgundy. Even Brianna gasped in approval when she saw it.
“Oh, try it on.”
“I thought it would be stunning with your skin and hair.” The saleslady held the dress out. “I’ve been hoping you’d be back.”
Liz took the hangar hesitantly. The fabric was lovely, with just enough stretch to be sexy. She glanced discreetly at the price tag and hid her wince, but turned to the dressing room anyway.
Brianna was on a stool getting her measurements taken when Liz stepped out of the dressing room, smoothing the bodice of the dress up. For a strapless design, it didn’t reveal too much of her boobs. And honestly, it was the prettiest dress she’d ever worn. Probably she wasn’t smart to imagine what Killian’s reaction would be when he saw her.
Clarissa stopped measuring and stepped back with a smile, and Brianna and Sophia turned, open-mouthed.
“I knew it!” the saleswoman said gleefully. “It’s perfect.”
“I can’t believe it fits so well.”
“So you’ll take it?”
Liz’s pulse hammered as she mounted the steps to the Sagebrush Saloon. Killian had said he’d meet her at the front, because he hadn’t been able to get away from the office until late. Liz had thought that was a good idea—easier to leave if she needed to—until this moment, when she had to enter on her own.
She debated between waiting for him—God knew for how long—and feeling awkward out here, or feeling awkward inside. After tonight, their, well, whatever this was, would no longer be a secret. Okay, admittedly they hadn’t done a great job keeping their, well, whatever this was, a secret to begin with, what with dinner at the Coyote and breakfast at the taq
ueria.
But tonight was like a declaration in front of the whole town, in front of all of Killian’s friends and other constituents.
No pressure.
She decided on inside, where at least there was alcohol.
The Sagebrush had an unfinished look, but Liz knew it was by design. The walls had been stripped down to the original limestone, with some exposed dark wood matching the floor. Several tall tables were placed around the floor, and a stage dominated the corner to the left of the bar. The bar itself was huge, tall and long, and behind it were mirrors framed in the same dark wood, reflecting lights and space, making the place look even larger. Rusted stars and barbed-wire twisted into the shape of Texas hung on the wall, giving it a decidedly Texas feel.
She was aware of a few looks as she walked in, and did a quick inventory to ensure she wasn’t overdressed. She was maybe on the dressier side, but not out of place. In fact, she felt pretty damned good. She’d removed the blue from her hair and instead tipped it the same color as her dress, then swept the length up into a messy but sexy updo and wore a pair of stacked heels that might bring her eye-level with Killian.
Okay, maybe she got more than a few looks as she strode toward the bar. Sage stood nearby, a tall blonde goddess with her hair hanging to her waist over a deceptively casual blouse and pencil pants, with big silver jewelry adding class to the look. Her eyes widened when she saw Liz. She excused herself from her conversation with her brother and Cassidy as Liz leaned over to gain the attention of the bartender.
“Margarita, on the rocks.”
“Perhaps you didn’t know this is a private party.” Sage stepped up beside her.
“I did know that.” Liz turned to face the princess. “I’m here as Killian’s guest. I thought he might have mentioned it.”
Sage blinked her long eyelashes. “Killian Dawson?”
Liz might have let it slide if Sage wasn’t being so snotty. But then again, what was new? “You know Killian. He works in the big building in the middle of the town square?” The bartender set a glass on the bar and she reached into her purse to pay.
“No charge tonight,” the bartender said, glancing at Sage as if for confirmation.
“Ah. Well, thank you.” She smiled at Sage and took a sip. “Really good.”
“So where is Killian?” Sage looked pointedly past her, around the room.
“He told me to meet him here. Why would I crash your party, Sage?”
“You tell me, Liz.”
Liz was grateful for the heels that put her almost eye-level with Sage. “Are you asking me to leave?”
“Not if you’re waiting for Killian.”
“But you would, otherwise?”
“Like I said, this is a private party.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t have encouraged people to bring guests.” She turned to the bar and took another sip of the truly excellent margarita. Too bad she probably wouldn’t return.
Sage moved off, leaving Liz alone. Liz watched in the mirror as Sage put on a plastic smile to greet her other guests, to take in compliments on the hard work that had resulted in an admittedly magnificent bar.
She found it safer to focus on the decor than on the people watching her, some of whom had overheard her conversation with Sage.
“Hey. Here you are.” Killian placed his hand on her waist and bent to kiss her cheek before he stepped back, his appreciative gaze sliding down her body. “Wow, you look phenomenal. I thought we were meeting outside.”
“I felt a little strange just standing there, so I came in. Want a margarita? It’s an open bar.” She resisted the urge to look around, to see if people noticed his familiar greeting.
“Let’s get something to eat.” He took her hand and guided her toward the buffet, set up along the wall beneath the windows in silver chafing dishes. He slid a look at her. “You really look incredible.”
“Thanks.” This time she allowed herself to glance about, and saw several speculative looks aimed their direction. When they met her gaze, they turned away.
He stopped in front of the first chafing dish and grimaced at the creamy enchiladas. She helped herself to one, but skipped the beans, rice and tortillas. She didn’t skip the guacamole, but noticed he only took beans and guac. She couldn’t imagine the discipline that took every day, watching everything he ate. God knew she’d never exercised discipline, not when it came to something she really wanted.
Like Killian. Her body heated as she imagined how this evening might end up. How she wanted it to end.
He guided her to one of the tall tables. There were no seats, so they leaned on the table as they ate. Liz pushed aside the thought of the other people judging her, and allowed herself to be amused that she could identify her hairstyles moving among the crowd. They showed to advantage, which pleased her. Maybe they’d bring her more business.
She was, however, surprised that her customers did little more than give her a small wave of greeting. These were the women who told her their secrets as they sat in her chair, but now acted like they barely knew her.
Well, truth was, they barely did. And the fact that she was their service worker, well, that didn’t help. Nor did the fact that many of their husbands were giving her a once-over.
She didn’t belong here. But that hadn’t stopped her before. She remembered what Killian said about believing she was fearless. So she held her head up, smiled, and leaned just a little closer to Killian.
Who noticed. And touched her. A lot. His fingers brushed along her bare arm, lighting her whole body on fire. She wanted him to touch her shoulder, the back of her neck, wanted his fingers in her hair. She wished they were back at the reservoir, just the two of them. Then she wouldn’t have to worry about what other people were thinking.
“Can I get you another margarita?”
She agreed, and was surprised when he returned with only a glass of water for himself.
“You don’t drink, either?”
“Not a good thing to have a drunk mayor at an event like this. Besides.” He leaned close. “I want to enjoy every moment tonight.”
She flushed and sipped her margarita.
He straightened a bit, and she followed his gaze to where his mother had just entered. Of course she would be there, as the former mayor’s wife, and a member of so many committees in town. Liz chanced a glance at Killian, whose relaxed expression had tensed, just a bit. But he wrapped his fingers around Liz’s hand as his mother approached.
Evelyn Dawson noticed the display, and her lips tightened momentarily before she spread them in a wide smile for her only son. She rounded the table to kiss his cheek, leaving a smear of rosy lipstick.
“Killian, Liz. Are you having a good time?” Her glance took in Liz’s two margarita glasses, and her expression said she expected no less.
“We haven't been here long. Did you see the buffet?”
She pursed her lips. “You aren't getting rid of me that easily. I’ll get something to eat when your sister gets here.”
“Would you like something to drink?”
She sighed and looked toward the bar. “A glass of red wine would be really nice.”
“I’ll get it,” Liz volunteered, grateful for the excuse to pull her hand away, since the contact was so clearly bothering his mother.
“Liz,” Killian protested, but she waved him away and headed toward the bar.
When she returned, wine glass in hand, she saw Allison had joined mother and son, flanking Killian’s other side. An alien emotion rose in her chest. Okay, she’d had fleeting thoughts of “Hands off, he’s mine,” on occasion, but never had the sensation rose up so fiercely. She squared her shoulders and strode back, placing the glass on the table in front of Evelyn.
“Oh, are you working here, too?” Allison asked, eyes wide. “Could you bring me a glass of—”
“She’s my date,” Killian said, reaching around to capture Liz’s hand and pull her to his side, then rested his hand on her hip.
&nb
sp; Liz shouldn't have taken such delight in his blatant display—she’d never wanted to be any man’s possession before, and if a man didn’t want her, she had no use for him. But the thrill of Killian’s no-nonsense tone, his strong touch and the look he sent Allison all combined in a delicious thrill.
“I see Cassidy and Grady,” Allison said, lowering her lashes. “I think I’ll go say hi.”
Well. That thrill disappeared quickly. Allison’s feelings were hurt. She hadn’t meant for that to happen. Liz met Killian’s gaze and saw he realized it, too.
“I made it clear to her that I didn’t want to date her,” he said, low. “I thought she understood.”
“You can’t make people understand,” Liz said, covering his hand with hers.
“She’s a sweet girl,” Evelyn said. “Very sensitive. I imagine she believes she’s just what you need. She loves Evansville and thinks she would be a good partner for you.”
Liz did her best not to shift as his mother pretty much gave words to her own feelings.
Killian scrubbed a hand over his jaw. “I may be mayor, but my personal decisions don’t have to be based on what’s best for Evansville. They have to be based on what’s best for me. I thought you would understand that, of all people, Mother.”
Evelyn blushed at Killian’s reference to his father’s affair with her, and his subsequent divorce so he could marry his mistress.
“Killian,” Liz said softly.
He turned to her. “We’ve already had this conversation.” He flipped his finger between the two of them. “You know where I stand. Now if you’ll excuse us, I want to introduce Liz to Sheriff Treviño and his wife.” He tucked his hand around her waist and guided her away from his mother.
“You’ll be standing in the unemployment line if you keep this up,” Liz warned when they were out of earshot.
