Page 103 of Second Chance Saloon

Her heart kept pace with the fast beat of the music. She wanted to drag him onto the dance floor with her, but he truly was hopeless when it came to line-dancing.

Never mind, they could go dancing in different kinds of clubs in New York. And whenever they came back to visit Mimi, she’d try teaching him again. Maybe Colt could help her; he had a spring in his step. After Mitch and Kit placed fourth in team calf roping at a small rodeo last month, Colt considered himself sufficiently warmed up to Mitch. It only took him almost four years.

The song finished to a round of roaring applause from both dancers and the audience.

Lyla hugged her tightly. “Thanks, Jacks! It was awesome!”

Jackie laughed, hugging her back. “You’re welcome.”

Lyla looked into her eyes, her expression serious. “You know I love you like the sister I never had, right? I’m only sad we won’t be at the same med school, but we’ll still live together, and I can’t wait to become kick-ass doctors at the same time!”

Jackie blinked back a stray tear at this unexpected outpouring of emotion. Lyla was normally the opposite of sentimental. Even though she could’ve guessed she felt that way about their friendship, her heart swelled as she heard her say it.

“I love you even more, Ly. First day at UT was the best day of my life. Not only I got you as my roomie, but I met Mitch.” Dimples dug into her cheeks.

Lyla nodded. “Glad we’re on the same page. Now, excuse me, but Nick promised me a dance and I’m sure he hoped I’d forget, but I never forget anything.”

Jackie snorted, watching her walk away. She pushed her sweat-licked hair off her forehead, swaying her hips as she walked to Mitch. “Like what you see?”

He growled, pulling her close. “You were amazing out there.”

She bowed her head. “Well, thank you. Guess needing to learn that dance at school had its perks.”

He leaned in and kissed her on the mouth.

“Carrying Your Love With Me” by George Strait came on, completely flipping the atmosphere in the bar.

Lyla dragged Nick onto the dance floor, where so many other couples were swaying to the soft sound.

Jackie tugged on Mitch’s hand. “Let’s dance.”

He let her lead him onto the dance floor, planting both of his hands on her hips.

She laced her fingers behind his neck, resting her head on top of his chest.

Her heart rammed against her ribcage, its beat synchronizing with his breathing the moment their bodies connected. They fitted together like a custom-made two-piece puzzle.

His fingers moved up her spine achingly slowly. “You know I’m going to marry you one day, right?”

Jackie closed her eyes, letting out a fully contented sigh. “I hope so.”

“There’s nothing to hope for when it comes to us. I’m all in.”

They swayed on the spot, arms wrapped tightly around each other.

His words spurred her heart into a gallop. “So am I.”

If you are, you can’t keep secrets from him. You need to tell him about these damn letters.

The song finished, but Mitch didn’t let her go. “Because you and me? We belong together. It’s as simple as that.”

Jackie lifted her head, kissing the corner of his lips.

She’d tell him, soon. But not right now. There’d be plenty of time for that. Now, she would sneak him into the bathroom and have her quick way with him.

“Thank you for walking me home,” Jackie said two hours later, when they reached the bottom of her street.

“Of course. Though I have an ulterior motive.” Mitch squeezed her hand. “Lyla’s staying over at Nick’s, and with Amber out …”