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“To love you.” John smiled.
To love her? Her heart twisted sharply. He loved her and Cody, she didn’t doubt that. They were his family. But he didn’t love love her. If he was dropping hints about getting her into bed—well, he was a man. And men rarely passed on the opportunity to jump into bed with a woman, according to every single female she knew. She was there. He was there. They were married. Why not hop into bed and make the most of the opportunity?
She looked at Ryder. How many nights had she woken up hot and bothered and tangled in twisted sheets? But could she live out those incredible dreams without falling in love with him? Because, if she gave in, she worried this time her heart would never recover.
The music changed, dropping into an easy rhythm, and Ryder took her hand. “Dancing time.”
She clung to his hand and followed him onto the dance floor, a bundle of nerves. “Go easy on me. It’s been a long time.”
He spun her into him, sliding one arm around her waist. He dropped a soft kiss onto her lips. “Like riding a bike.” His words tickled her ear. She was mind-numbingly aware of his hand on her lower back, of the intensity in his pale blue eyes. He pulled her closer, leaving no space between them. “Just hold on to me.” And he started moving.
She couldn’t think. She should be concentrating on not breaking his toes, but she couldn’t break the hold of his gaze. Melting into him was her only option, so she did. He led, guiding her around the room with ease, as if there was no one else on the hardwood floor.
When the music ended, his hold didn’t loosen.
She smiled, her nerves over dancing replaced by something entirely different.
The fiddler started again, the notes fast and short. Ryder grinned. “I’ve always wanted to do this with you.” He took her hand and stepped away from her.
Always wanted?
It was the last thought she had before the steps demanded her attention. It took a while for them to get their speed up, but they figured it out. He pulled her in, turned them around then spun her up and under his arm before drawing her back into his chest. Faster and faster, they spun around the floor. The faster the music, the faster Ryder moved. Annabeth was downright breathless by the time the final note played.
“Damn, Princess.” Ryder laughed, breathing hard.
“Not so bad yourself,” she answered, laughing in turn.
“This next one is for Stonewall Crossing’s own newlyweds, Annabeth and Ryder Boone,” the band leader announced. “I, for one, am plum tickled to
hear about this match.”
The bright lights dimmed and the music slowed.
She stepped into Ryder, slipping her arm tight around his waist. From the look on his face, he seemed to approve. He kissed her forehead, took her hand in his and tucked her head against his chin. She rested her head on his chest, wrapped in his scent, the thundering of his heart and overwhelming happiness.
* * *
HE WAS IN LOVE. He always had been—always would be. She was his wife, his Princess.
Holding her close, breathing her in, he knew he was where he needed to be. More important, he was where he wanted to be. He could only wish someday she’d feel the same.
His fingers slid through her long hair, stroking the fine strands between thumb and forefinger. If he angled his head just right, he could bury his nose in her hair and savor the citrus warmth of her scent. So he did, pressing her against him until her heartbeat echoed his.
The last call came two hours later, but they were still wrapped up on the dance floor. Spinning her like crazy, moving slow and holding her close, whatever it took to keep her in his arms. Maybe it was because everyone knew they were newlyweds, or it was clear he wasn’t in the mood to share her, but no one tried to cut in.
“We just wanna thank y’all for a fantastic Saturday night. We’ll be back the end of the month. Hope to see some of you then.” The singer of the band tipped his hat back and took a bow.
“We’ll have to come back,” Annabeth said, clapping. “We could bring Cody. There’s enough kids his age...” But her words cut short and her smile faded away. “Maybe.” He watched her eyes sweep the room, no doubt evaluating the other kids that were there. Were they the kind of kids who would tease Cody? Or would he spend the night running around, having fun, smiling and laughing?
“Bet he’d enjoy it.” Ryder took her hand as he led her off the dance floor. “We could bring Eli with us. The two of them seem to get along real well.”
Annabeth’s hazel gaze found his. “That might work.”
Ryder held her white wool coat out. “I’m not just a pretty face, Princess.”
She rolled her eyes, a bubble of laughter spilling from her full red lips. “Ryder—”
He slid her coat on and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “How are you feeling?”
