Do I?
Do I really?
Because the last time I saw Dallas, he pulled away from me like I was a cliff edge he almost stepped off.
I force myself to breathe as the group inches closer. Rose calls out to them, waving. The men exchange greetings, laughter, and teasing.
Dallas finally turns.
His gaze lands on me.
And stops.
His steps slow. His expression shifts. Surprise, hesitation, a warmth he immediately tries to hide.
My cheeks heat.
He looks away first.
My chest pinches so sharply I have to press a hand to my side.
Jet squeezes my hand. “Is this too much? I know I dragged you here, but if you’re overwhelmed, let me know. We can always head to a bar or something…”
“No,” I whisper back. “No. I’m okay.”
Am I?
I don’t know.
But I didn’t come here to hide.
I don’t knowwhatI came here for exactly, but it definitely wasn’t to hide.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Dallas
December 31st
The musicin the barn vibrates through the wooden beams, a lively twang that gets even the most reluctant rancher tapping his boots. Strings of lights drip from the rafters, casting a warm, golden glow over the barn. Laughter bounces off the walls, couples spin and sway, kids dart underfoot, and the whole place hums with that buzz of New Year’s anticipation.
I should be soaking all of that in.
But I can’t stop staring at her.
Faith Ross.
In a dress so damn tight it should come with a warning label.
Every time I glimpse her, that smile of hers lights up deep inside me, pulling tight and sparking to life. A fuse I can’t outrun.
I’m doing a terrible job pretending I’m unaffected.
The moment I walked in and saw her on the far side of the barn with Jet and Rose, something inside me locked onto her. A bull seeing the gate open.
Her hair spills over her shoulders, soft waves framing that perfect face of hers. Pink gloss on her lips. Eyes scanning the crowd, searching for someone… me.
And when those eyes find me?
