Second Dance Cowboy (Second Chance)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  What was holding him back? Nothing.

  Dillon took a step toward his intention and felt a tap on his shoulder. He swiveled and met Oliver’s bright blue gaze. “Hey Dillon. That’s the most worms I’ve ever seen.”

  Dillon laughed. “A man can never have too many worms when he’s fishing. The pond is fully stocked, waiting for some lines. I bet you’re ready to head down.”

  Oliver’s smile, just like his mom’s, was wide and bright. For the second time in a minute, his heartstrings tugged. Dillon’s protective side came alive and he knew he’d do anything to help Oliver and Peyton. He lifted his chin and caught her chocolate gaze on him. She was smiling and she mouthed, “Thank you.”

  At the moment, he was hooked. “Grab your gear, buddy.” Dillon tousled Oliver’s thick hair.

  Once they both had what they needed, side by side, Dillon and Oliver walked the beaten path.

  ****

  The sun was setting and some folks had returned from fishing. Dillon and Oliver hadn’t come back yet. Peyton had stayed behind and hung out with Uncle Marty, Aspen and Dillon’s Aunt Bettie. A retired schoolteacher, she had the best stories to tell about the kids she’d taught for thirty-five years, her late husband, and how she loved the Brooke brothers. Peyton wasn’t the only one interested in the woman’s tales. Marty hadn’t taken his ears, or eyes, off the woman since he’d sat down with her at the campfire.

  Peyton listened as her uncle told Bettie about his farm. As he talked, his eyes lit up and hadn’t seemed this energetic in weeks. There was a definite attraction. She’d always hoped that he’d find someone, a companion. She knew he’d never love anyone like he had his wife, but Peyton had never liked the thought of him being alone. He had so much to offer in the way of kindness, he should share it with someone who appreciated a gentleman.

  Aspen went to grab a water and Peyton excused herself. She decided to give Marty and Bettie some alone time.

  Leaving the warmth of the fire, she wrapped her sweater closer around her body. The smell of the first batch of fish in the large fryers made her stomach growl. She caught sight of Oliver and Dillon coming down the path and her heart skipped several beats. Oliver had a renewed skip to his walk and a smile on his face. She could easily get used to evenings like this. Dillon had a wonderful family, and they all welcomed her, except Dante who’d disappeared earlier.

  Thinking on her future, she’d always wanted a large family, and had one day hoped she’d have more kids. She wanted Oliver to have a brother or sister.

  She noticed Deckland and another group standing in the yard. Clangs of horseshoes and laughter echoed across the short distance.

  Following the worn path to the house and captivated in her thoughts, she didn’t realize she wasn’t alone until her hand was on the screen door.

  “Peyton?”

  She jumped and turned toward the deep Texas twang. “Dante? I didn’t see you sitting there.” He was sitting on a rocker, his hat in his lap and his booted feet were propped on the rail. She could smell the alcohol before she spotted the whiskey bottle beside him.

  “Come and sit for a minute,” he slurred.

  “Well, I would but I was going to the restroom—”

  “Ah, just a minute.”

  Not wanting to seem rude, she crossed the porch and leaned against the rail. “Why aren’t you down with the guests?”

  He shrugged and she noticed the top few buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned. The sun had set and in the dim lighting, his eyes looked glossy. His jaw had several days of beard growth. He was still handsome, of course, but not the well-groomed pretty boy she’d seen in passing.

  “I’m not up for socializing. I don’t know why I came.” He chuckled and picked up the bottle, taking a long drink. He swirled it around inside of his mouth, all while keeping his gaze on her in heated curiosity before he set the half-full bottle beside the chair. Swiped the back of his hand across his chin, he sighed. “I’m sure you understand why.”

  “I do.” She played with the seam of her shirt. If she got much closer to him, she’d get a contact buzz.

  “Do you?” Brows shot up.

  “I guess to a certain extent. I’ve had my own bad break up. In fact, I was a bit commitment phobic for a while. Thankfully, time heals all.”

  “And you and Dillon are in love? Very fitting, I guess.”

  Dante’s words scraped against her emotions. “Why is that?”

  “Cassie spilt up with me to be with him.” He dropped his feet, his boots banging the wood. His hat fell to the floor and he didn’t bother picking it up.

  “Is that what she told you?” she asked. Her discomfort level grew.

  “Not in those words. But I can tell you this much, since Dillon came home she’d been out here several times.” He scratched his jaw.

  Peyton knew of one time Cassie had come to the ranch, Dillon had told her, but he hadn’t said anything about any other visits. It didn’t surprise her. She had a feeling Cassie would try to get Dillon back. Dante was a good guy, but his bad boy image hadn’t faded. If a woman looked to settle, she’d want someone she could rely on. A man like Dillon made a woman feel secure, like she was the only female in the world.

  She gulped precious air as she blinked back tears. Her heart was lost.

  “Now that’s a look that speaks volumes.” Dante picked up the bottle again.

  “I’m sorry things ended for you and Cassie. Maybe it was for the best.” She started to move but his next words stopped her.

  “Don’t get comfy with Dillon. Why do you think he came back? Isn’t it clear? He’s back in town less than a day and he jumped me at Starkey’s. Does that sound like a man who’s over a woman? Deckland even warned me to tread carefully.”

  She absorbed his words, wishing she could wipe away the pain in her chest. As much as she wanted to defend Dillon and ignore Dante’s bitter accusations, she knew he made a point. From the first time she’d heard about the incident at Starkey’s, she’d questioned where Dillon’s heart hung. A bruised ego could make anyone search for a salve to ease the pain.

  In the end, maybe she’d dove right in with him because she’d had some bruising too. She’d needed a real man to expel a bad taste.

  But it wasn’t a “rebound” relationship.

  There was a so much more.

  No one plans to fall in love. It happened, quickly and without prejudice. The heart opens, accepting all of the ooey-gooey, fluffy emotions.

  “Oh. You do love him, don’t you?” Dante blew out a ragged breath.

  “Dillon and I don’t have a committed relationship. We were both lonely—looking for comfort. Not love. I can’t say what his plans are with Cassie, but it’s none of my business. ” She took a step toward the door. “A word of advice, don’t down your sorrow in booze. If anything, it only makes the pain worse.”

  The silence inside of the house enveloped her, making her thoughts loud. She needed to stay focused more than ever. Tears filled her eyes but she forced them away. She had no one to blame but herself. Had she blinded herself to the reality of the situation? Would Dillon want Cassie back now that she was free?

  Until she was certain what he wanted, she needed to build her wall back.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  TWO WEEKS HAD passed since the fish fry. Dillon hadn’t called or stopped by, and Peyton hadn’t made an effort to contact him. The silence hurt, but her pride kept her from reaching out.

  Things were changing.

  Aspen had left for Shelby. They’d shared a teary-eyed farewell, but promised they’d see each other soon.

  Uncle Marty and Bettie were growing closer. Although he’d made it clear that their relationship was platonic, Peyton had a feeling he didn’t want to admit how much he liked Bettie and her company.

  Moving on the farm had opened a fresh chapter for Oliver. He was looking forward to attending a different school and meeting new friends. His acceptance in change amazed her.

  Peyton had missed her li
ttle house in town, but there were so many things she liked about the farm. Sitting in the sunroom drinking her first morning coffee while watching deer play in the yard. A larger kitchen to try out the recipes from the cookbook that had belonged to her mother. The barn cat had kittens and Oliver’s excitement.

  They’d adopted a dog who had a hankering for shoes, but loved to chase the soccer ball, which gave Oliver endless amounts of laughter and entertainment.

  Renting her house had turned out much easier than expected. The young couple recently had a baby and Peyton knew they’d fill the halls with memories.

  The new dance assistant was working out splendidly. Peyton added three more classes. She’d even taken an online crash course in bookkeeping and realized numbers weren’t as scary as she’d first believed

  That afternoon in the studio, the group of seasoned adults finished warming up and awaited her instruction. The women had become like family. Most of them had started the class to stay healthy and active, some just for fun. Peyton loved teaching them, and laughter flowed freely.

  Pushing the power button on the stereo, the upbeat tune started and the women lined up in two rows. Some already moved their hips to the rhythm. “Let’s begin with our simple hip rolls, mixed with arms.” Peyton instructed as she examined their moves, proud how far they’d come in the new routine over last few weeks. Peyton showed them the next move through the mirror. A new reflection in the back of the room made Peyton’s stomach leap. Cassie.

  “Ladies, continue. I’ll be back in a flash.” Peyton met Cassie at the door and motioned for her to step out in the hall. “I’d ask if you’re here to sign up for a class, but I have a feeling this visit has nothing to do with dance but all about a cowboy.”

  Cassie leaned against the wall as a cunning smile swept across her red-painted mouth. Peyton had to admit, the woman was beautiful as well as voluptuous—she could see why men were attracted. “You’re a smart chic, Peyton. I think you knew I’d eventually come.”

  “No, I really hadn’t thought about it.” This was the last thing Peyton had expected. She missed Dillon, but she’d have to get over the emotional prison of caring for him, eventually. If he’d chosen Cassie, then so be it.

  Cassie chuckled. Humor laced her tongue but ice dripped from her gaze. “I want to thank you for pulling out of the picture.”

  Peyton narrowed her eyes as anger crawled up her spine. “I’m not following your meaning.”

  “Dillon and I belong together. No one shares this much history without hiccups along the way. We’ll overcome the hurdles, like we always did in the past. After all, he came back for me.”

  Peyton had no qualms with Cassie, even if she did seem a little too full of herself. Allowing the woman to control her emotions wouldn’t happen now, or later. “Your idea of a hurdle is getting engaged to two brothers and then calling off both relationships right before the wedding? I think most people would call that a pattern. And, for the record, I didn’t clear the path so that you and Dillon could run off into fantasyland where everything is rainbows and ice cream. The man needs some space to gather his thoughts, and in time, I think he’ll see the truth.”

  “Is that right?” Cassie pushed away from the wall and placed her hands on her cocked hips. She was good at using her hips as a gesture. “And do you think he’ll see the error of his ways and come crawling back to you?” Overly plucked brows lifted above an arctic gaze.

  If Cassie thought she could get a rise from Peyton, she would find out it was a lost cause. “Dillon doesn’t seem like the crawling type. However, you on the other hand, crawled out of one man’s bed and slithered into another—or at least you’re attempting to. I have a feeling Dillon has rejected you and that’s why you’re here.”

  Her lips pursed. “Do you have a problem with me? Jealous maybe?”

  “Not at all. You came here, remember? Your reasoning is clearer than ever. You’re fishing for answers—you’re not sure that things have ended between Dillon and me.” Peyton’s patience faded. “Let me assure you, Dillon is yours, if that’s what he wants. I’m out of the picture, for now because I’m not desperate to land a cowboy. So, I have a class I need to get back to, unless you’re registering for the adult tango.” Cassie shook her head. “Didn’t think you’d be interested. Then you and I are finished here.”

  Peyton walked away, but not before Cassie’s invisible laser of fury landed on her. Peyton made sure she turned and smiled widely at the woman. Cassie stomped off and stormed down the hall. Peyton’s smile grew wider.

  ****

  Dillon relaxed on the porch, head back and eyes closed, then he heard Peyton’s car. He looked as it came up the drive, engulfed in a dust cloud. He hadn’t expected to see her, not after the fish fry.

  Over the last few weeks, he was torn between wanting to call her and hanging onto a sliver of his pride. Seeing her climb out of the driver’s side, he found himself smack dab in the middle of confusion once again. Anger sliced through him knowing that she could make him want her with one glance.

  “What are you doing here?” He didn’t even bother retaining the growl to his tone.

  His words didn’t break her pace as she marched up the sidewalk toward the porch. She came to a stop at the steps and sent gravel flying with the tips of her shoes. If he didn’t know any better, he’d say she was pissed, yet she looked sexier than ever.

  “Don’t you smile, Dillon Brooke.” Her arms crossed over her chest as the corners of her mouth quivered. Was she trying not to cry?

  “I didn’t realize I was. Once again, why are you here?”

  “Oh, I’ll get to that.” Her arms dropped at her sides. Her chest lifted and fell with each breath as her nipples turned to hard buds underneath the material of the T-shirt. It read, ‘I’m only mean when I have to be.’ Fitting.

  He chuckled and her gaze grew hotter. “Did you wear that shirt just for me?”

  She shrugged. “Your girlfriend swung by the studio today. I’d appreciate it if you’d remind her that this isn’t high school and I don’t have time for games.” She cocked one slender hip.

  “My girlfriend?” He lifted a brow. Had he missed something?

  “Are you going to play stupid?” She blew out a breath, sending tendrils of hair off her cheek.

  “I’ll go out on a limb. Are you referring to Cassie?” He dropped his booted feet, curious where this headed.

  “The one and only. She’s mighty pretty, but it’s a shame she doesn’t have the integrity to boot. I want out of this awkward mess happening with you, Cassie and Dante. Y’all may like sharing, but I assure you, that’s not my taste. Tell your girlfriend to stay away from me!”

  He stood and stomped across the porch, looking down at her. “I want no part of this either! I’m sick and tired of the drama and the he said-she said bull shit!”

  “Are you kidding me?” She trudged up each step until they were shoe to boot. “This is your entire fault, Dillon. Isn’t it clear?”

  “My fault?” He jabbed his thumb into his chest.

  “If you can’t see straight through Cassie’s manipulation then you’re deserving of whatever you get.” She stabbed her finger in his chest too.

  “Cassie is not my girl. Too bad that’s difficult for some people to understand. I only want peace and quiet. You thought you had to come all the way out here to give me a lecture about something I want no share of, well, that’s a waste of our time. You got what you wanted. We’re over before we ever got started.”

  Some of the hardness left her expression. “What do you mean? Are you trying to turn this around?”

  “Before you throw accusations about my intentions, maybe you should remember exactly what you and I had. Two lonely people who needed comfort. We have no chance for a future, remember.”

  She blinked. “What?”

  “I’m glad you could vent to my brother,” he snarled.

  “You were eavesdropping on my conversation with Dante at the fish fry?”

&nb
sp; “I wasn’t snooping, Peyton. I walked up at the right time. Hell, who knows, we’d still be enjoying sexual comfort, and honestly, I’m done with relationship homicide.” She opened her mouth but he gave a sharp nod. “Don’t bother. You have your mind made up.” He moved past her, but her fingers on his elbow stopped him.

  “I have the right to explain. I’m sure it won’t change anything, but I won’t walk away until I’ve said my peace.”

  He gritted his teeth to keep from saying something he’d regret. Hearing what she’d said to Dante had drilled through Dillon like a freight train. And to think he’d planned to tell her that he loved her that evening. He tore his fingers through his hair, feeling roots break.

  “Yes, I did say those words to Dante, and I’m not trying to place the blame on him, but he told me that you and Cassie would get back together. I guess I allowed my pride to get the best of me.” Her bottom lip trembled and he ripped his gaze away.

  “The problem here is not what Dante believes will happen. The whiskey did a lot of speaking for him that night. What matters most is that you didn’t have any faith in me. I’m smarter than going back with a woman who slept with my brother. I thought you knew me. Or do you find me that desperate?”

  A heavy sigh escaped her. “I came by my insecurity honestly.”

  “And I’m not Richie!”

  “Of course you’re not.” She blinked. “Can you honestly say that I wasn’t a stand in for Cassie? You came home to get her back, right?”

  He couldn’t lie. It’d only make things worse. “When Deckland told me that Cassie and Dante were getting married, yes, I stormed back, but I can’t say that my purpose was to get her back. When I told her that you and I were in a relationship, I guess I did hope she’d feel a streak of jealousy.” He wanted to explain further but her eyes filled with hurt. He didn’t want to upset her.

  “Then how is it wrong what I said to Dante? Cassie is available now and she certainly believes you two are on the mend. Why would she assume that unless you’ve given her a reason?”