Page 70 of Just One Chance

I set my glass on a nearby table. "You want to dance?"

She smiled. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"I'm being the perfect escort. I can't have you standing here alone in that dress." I took her hand and led her to the dance floor.

I turned to face her, placing a hand in hers and one on her hips.

She tipped her head to the side. "Why do you seem irritated?"

I pulled her closer. "I'm thinking about how I can't leave you alone dressed like that."

She laughed, and my chest tightened. "You don't want someone else dancing with me?"

"Is there something wrong with that?" I asked, wondering who scheduled a Valentine's dance unless it was to torture me.

She smiled, and it was breathtaking. "Not at all. But you sound jealous, possessive."

"Jealous of someone who's not even hitting on you yet?" I asked, realizing how ridiculous that sounded.

"Yes, actually."

"I want you to myself. Is that so bad?" I asked softly.

Her face sobered. "I want the same. You're looking handsome in that suit. I don't see you dressed up very often."

"The most dressed up I get is slacks and a button-down. I only bring this out for special occasions."

A smile spread slowly over her lips. "I can see why. You're devastating in black."

That made me pause. No one had ever noticed me like Kennedy.

"All the women are looking at you."

My gaze didn't stray from hers. "That's absurd. I've been to these things before, and no one hits on me. Not like my brothers."

She tipped her head to the side. "That's because you give off this stay-away-from-me vibe. You're all in your head, probably thinking about whatever it is you're making in your shop at the moment. You don't have the headspace for scanning the room, looking for the right woman. She has to be in your life already."

I wasn't sure I had anyone so accurately describe me before. "You might be right."

She grinned. "You know I am. You're too busy to look around you and see the women checking you out."

"I still don't believe you." And I wasn't going to check because I didn't want to look at anyone but her. "You're mine for the night."

She smoothed the lapel on my jacket. "Are you asking to be my date for the evening?"

"I wasn't asking."

She laughed. "Sure, Boone. I'd love to be your date."

The tightness in my chest loosened. "We might have to make an appearance at the brewery."

"I want to see everything the Harts have to offer tonight."

"That can be arranged." With Kennedy at my side, I wouldn't be pulled into serving anyone at the brewery or cleaning dishes at the restaurant.

We continued to dance around the room, enjoying the band's music. After a few songs, we paused and grabbed two glasses of champagne.

Then I led her outside onto the patio. There were various seating areas with heaters strategically placed throughout the space so that various groups could gather and have privacy. I led the way to the edge of the patio far away from the atrium windows. I wanted Kennedy to myself, even if it was only for a few minutes.