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“Go dancing with me.”
She hesitated. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” he said with conviction in his tone. “Look, Sky, there’s nothing I can do for the horse. This ball’s in Caleb’s court now, because I don’t possess the skills he does. If I hang around, all I’ll do is create more tension.”
She could tell by his edgy tone that he felt powerless in this situation. She hugged him and said, “Caring about him helps, Sam.”
He held her tight for a minute or so, then told her, “I know you understand how I feel.”
“I do.”
Sam released her and escorted her to the truck. He helped her into the cab.
When he slipped into the driver’s seat, she said, “Maybe my good news will cheer you up a little.”
He slid a glance her way. “Just seeing your pretty face cheers me up.”
She leaned over and kissed him. Then she hooked her seatbelt and told him, “I haven’t gotten a single call from the ex in almost two days. He’s been leaving messages nearly a half-dozen times a day for months. But the last thirty-six hours? Nada. That’s a good sign, don’t you think? He’s either found a way to pay off the debt, or he’s given up on me handing over the cash.”
Sam nodded. “That does make me feel better.” He started the truck and they headed off the property. “But don’t let your guard down, darlin’. Not for a while, anyway.”
“I know. Though…it is a nice change of pace to not repeatedly see his number on my cell phone. Kind of a relief, actually.”
Sam reached over and squeezed her hand. “Let’s hope he’s moved on. If not, then I want you to consider a different option.”
“Going to the sheriff.”
He didn’t say anything. Sky stared out the windshield, silently praying she wouldn’t have to resort to that extreme. Or any other one.
When they reached Wade’s Saloon, she turned in her seat and suggested, “How about we forget about exes and horses and just dance the night away?”
“That was my plan all along.”
“Okay.”
She waited for him to open her door, then they entered the lively establishment Jack owned. As they wound their way around tables—the place was packed, it being Friday night and Wade’s Saloon being the only serious watering hole in Wilder, following the morality crusade a while back—people jumped up to greet her. Friends, family members, old high school acquaintances. She introduced Sam to the few who didn’t know him and told everyone about the progress at the Painted Horse Ranch & Inn.
By the time they made it to the bar, she must have sung the praises of the inn to sixty people.
Sam said, “Maybe you ought to consider taking the marketing position.”
Sky laughed. “Not a chance. I’m finally getting comfortable with the dessert station. No need to throw a wrench in the works.”
“You did turn out to be a godsend, darlin’.”
“Says your stomach.”
“Damn right.” He winked.
She didn’t have the chance to come up with another sassy retort because Jess and George Mills descended upon them. Liza was at the bar too. Jack cracked the tap on an amber beer and slid mugs their way.
“These are on me,” he said. “Welcome home, darlin’.”
They all clinked glasses.
The dance floor was full and Sky sipped while watching the couples two-step and country swing. At the end of the song the band performed, the singer—her very own cousin, Gus Travis—tipped his hat her way and announced to the saloon, “We have a celebrity in our midst.”
Sky shook her head in honest modesty as the crowd cheered. But the enthusiastic reception warmed her heart. Especially as several shouted out for her to sing something.
