Page 62 of Sunrise & Serenity

Okay. If I can get on the back of a horse, I can shake my ass on the dance floor.

The thought rallies me, as does the knowledge that if Graham and my parents could see me now, they wouldn’t believe it.

When a new song starts, I focus on my friend and do what she does. She hooks her thumbs into the front pockets of her jeans as she moves. Since I don’t have pockets, I put my hands on my hips and follow along clumsily as she steps forward and back, then shuffles to the side and spins in a circle. After a minute or so, I’ve given up trying not to laugh at myself as I do my best to mimic the dancers around me, lagging at least a second behind.

Instead of focusing on getting every single move right, I relax and get into the country music vibe, clapping when the crowd does and even letting out a yeehaw at the end of the song.

As the music dies, my heart’s pumping pleasantly, my skin a little damp and flushed. When the next song starts, Taryn raises her brows at me, and I nod enthusiastically.

Not long after, we’re joined by Quinn and Knox. If I thought line-dancing cowboys would be amusing rather than sexy, I’m quickly proven wrong. Fitted jeans, muscled forearms, bright white smiles. I can see the appeal, that’s for sure.

Eventually, the music changes to a more laid-back song, and quite a few of the dancers leave the floor as couples take their place.

“Want to get another drink?” Taryn asks, fanning her flushed face.

My mouth is dry, so I give her a thumbs-up, then follow her and Riley through the crowd to the bar.

Taryn orders another virgin mojito, and this time, I brave a beer. I’ve never been a big beer drinker, and Graham always ordered wine, but I might as well try everything while I’m here.

I choose the IPA Quinn ordered earlier and am pleasantly surprised by how smooth it is.

“Having fun?” Riley asks.

“I am.” I gather my hair and hold it away from my neck. “Though I don’t think my legs will forgive me any time soon.”

Taryn leans in. “Have you spotted any hotties who might help take your mind off your ex?”

I haven’t really been looking. Not only because I don’t have any intention of riding a cowboy tonight, but also because, unfortunately, my mind seems a little distracted by a man who isn’t here. Before I can tell her that I’m only interested in relaxing and having fun, she looks past me, her brows shooting up.

On instinct, I turn, finding a man I don’t recognize standing behind me, his hat pushed back to reveal eyes the color of dark whiskey. The slow smile he gives me is all kinds of charming. “Not bad. For someone who’s not from around here, anyway.”

I blink up at him. “What?”

“You were counting steps for the first few dances.”

He was watching me? I don’t know whether to be flattered or embarrassed. “And here I was thinking I was a fast learner.”

“There was definite improvement.”

Despite myself, I smile. “Good to know.”

“I’m Cash,” he says.

“Sage.”

“Pretty name.”

This time, I laugh. “Are you always this sure of yourself?”

“Usually.” He rests both forearms on the bar but keeps his eyes on me. “So, what brings you to this part of the world?”

“I’m working at Wild Ember Ranch for a few months.”

“Lucky them.” He tilts his head. “Can I buy you a drink?”

I point at my beer on the bar. “Thanks, but I’m okay for now.”

He nods slowly, then straightens. “Maybe you’ll let me steal a dance later. I’ve been told I’m pretty good at counting steps.”