Page 102 of Sterling Stone

I’m almost giddy, like that schoolgirl in a cafeteria. I’ve been invited to a dance by one of the most popular guys in town.

“Absolutely,” Stone says, spreading those hands on my lower back and jostling me a little bit.

“Then absolutely yes is my answer.” I pat that badge over his chest. “I’d love to go to the Founder’s Day dance with you, Sheriff Sylver.”

He grins. His mouth wide, teeth peeking out when he teases me.

“That’s Superman to you, baby.”

36

[Stone]

When Saturday night arrives, I’m nervous, like I’ve never been on a date before. Then again, it’s been years since I’ve been on one, which doesn’t sound any better.

The barn dance is casual, so I’m wearing my best jeans and a dark brown shirt, plus my cowboy boots and my light suede hat. Once upon a time, we had horses on our property. My mother loved them, and I thought I’d spend my whole life riding. Unfortunately, once she passed, my dad couldn’t stand the gentle reminder of our mother, and he sold off her precious animals.

I never rode again, while Clay bought a horse as soon as he could afford one.

The night is perfect for a barn dance. The evening is cool, shrouded in mountain mist, hinting at fall coming just around the corner.

Autumn always feels like entering a new season of life, Taxi once wrote on a postcard.

I’m eager for the change brewing inside me. The excitement of having Taxi in my life right now. The ease of her being here, blending in with my family and friends.

Taxi often talks about community, and I want her to find it in Sterling Falls. I want her to find belonging . . . with me.

She was worried about leaving Trudy alone for the evening, but to her surprise, Trudy is attending the celebration as well. Emory Milton is sending someone to pick up her friend.

Simon will be at a friend’s house for the night.

When Taxi opens the front door, she takes my breath away. Her bronzed skin has a dusting of powder on her cheeks, and her lips are deep red. She’s wearing a floral print dress giving off country-girl energy that doesn’t exactly match the urban artist vibe she typically has. Red ankle-cut booties match her lipstick. Her hair is pulled up on top of her head, tugging her curls into a wild ball of waves.

“Howdy,” she says, kicking up one heel and giving me a wink while glancing at my hat.

“Stunning,” I reply, still taking her in.

She laughs and tips up on her toes to give me a quick kiss.

“Where’s Trudy?” I peek around her toward the living room.

“She already left.” Taxi pauses, tilting her head and hitching her thumb toward the living room. “Wanna have a quickie before we head out?”

I laugh, loud and happy, uncertain if she’s serious or teasing. “Don’t you worry. I have plans for you later.”

I tug at her waist and pull her closer, laying a better greeting on her. One that I hope conveys all my desire for her. When we break apart, Taxi sways a bit on her low heels. Never had that effect on a woman before, but her physical reaction is exactly how I feel.

Weak-kneed. Light-headed. Full heart.

“Now. I have a date to get to and a dance to attend.”

Taxi flicks her thick lashes and plucks at the snaps on my shirt before laying her hand on my chest. “Anyone I know?”

With my hands still on her hips, like they were meant to fit there, I jiggle her. “Prettiest girl in Sterling Falls.”

“Prettiest, huh? I might get jealous.” She walks her fingers up my chest and taps my chin.

“I’m a devoted man, baby. You’d never have anything to be jealous of.”