Page 26 of September’s Cowboy Travis

“You get used to it.”

The band started another song, and Travis held out his hand. “Dance with me.”

“A man who wrestles steers and knows how to dance? You’re quite the mystery, Cole.” I put my hand in his.

He laughed and led me onto the floor.

I knew enough to be able to follow his lead without embarrassing either of us, which Travis clearly hadn't expected. His eyebrows climbed after the first turn.

“You know how to dance.”

“You really think Bozeman doesn't have country music?”

“I was prepared to teach you.”

“I’m sure you'll find another way to be useful.”

His hand pressed firmer at my waist. The pavilion was crowded enough that we had to stay close, and after earlier at his kitchen counter, I was way too aware of every shift of his palm against my side.

Halfway through the song, I caught him watching me again. “What?”

“Thinking about earlier.”

So was I. Why did one afternoon at his kitchen table have more pull on my brain than most of the men I'd dated in years?

When the song ended, I tipped my head toward the open side of the pavilion. “Can “we talk a walk?”

He twined his finger with mine and led me away from the crowd. The music softened behind us. The rodeo grounds were mostly dark beyond the security lights near the stock pens, and the night air felt cool after the packed dance floor.

I stopped next to the fence. “Why did you stop earlier?”

Travis knew exactly what I meant. “I told you.”

“You told me you didn't want me leaving afterward. That's not quite the same answer.”

He looked toward the arena for a second before meeting my eyes again. “I know how to do casual, Kaycee.”

“I know.”

“I don't want that with you.”

The words were simple enough that there was nowhere to hide inside them. I'd spent years making sure my life stayed flexible. Projects ended, I handed over the report and went home. Nothing got complicated unless I allowed it to.

For once, I didn’t need time to think it through. “Good.”

His brows lifted. “Good?”

“I don't want casual either.”

Travis watched me for a long second, then stepped closer. “Come home with me.”

I didn’t hesitate. “Okay.”

We were almost to his truck when he slowed and glanced toward the row of parked cars. “Your car's going to be here all night.”

“So?”

“People will talk.”