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Where the heck was Dusty? Sydney walked around looking, purposely avoiding Sam, but her hostess was nowhere to be seen. Crap. She’d have to leave without saying goodbye. She hated to do it, but she had no other choice.
She walked back into the house, through the kitchen bustling with caterers preparing food and drink, through the long hallway to the front door.
She stopped abruptly.
Where the heck did she think she was going? Her father had dropped her off and taken the rental car back to Bakersville. She was supposed to call him later to come get her.
God! What a brain fart. She needed to get a grip.
She pulled out her cell phone. The drive from town was over a half hour. She’d have to hole up here and wait for her dad.
“Leaving so soon?”
She jerked and turned. Sam, gorgeous Sam, was standing in the front doorway. Why hadn’t she walked farther outside?
“Yes, I’m afraid so,” she said, trying to keep her voice from shaking. “I have an early morning.”
“Don’t we all.” He came toward her. “At least have something to eat first. McCray beef can’t be beat.”
He took her arm. She sucked in a breath. The man’s touch could ignite a forest.
“Come on. You can eat with me.”
“But you were talking to Mr. Morgan.”
“I have all night to talk to Thunder. He’s not going anywhere. Right now I’d like to have dinner with you. If you don’t mind, that is.”
Mind? Was he kidding? She’d love to have dinner with him. Love to spend the whole evening with him. But it wasn’t a good idea.
“Well, I—”
“A person’s gotta eat, right?” He smiled.
Lord, he was handsome. She relented. “Okay. Dinner sounds good.”
His smile broadened. The man had perfect teeth.
They each loaded their plates with food and sat down at a table with Dusty, Zach, and Sean.
Conversation centered around the rodeo, for which Sydney was thankful. Rodeo talk was easy, free of conflict. She could talk rodeo all night and never tire of it. She loved the rodeo.
When dinner was over, Sydney stood. “I’m so sorry. I have an early morning tomorrow so I need to get going. Thank you for having me.”
“Can’t you stay a little longer?” Dusty asked. “We have a great dessert spread coming up.”
“I wish I could, but I need to get home.”
Sam stood. “I’ll see you out.”
“Um…okay.” She couldn’t be rude, after all.
They walked through the house and out the front door. “Where’s your car?” Sam asked.
“I…uh…need to call my father. He dropped me off.”
“No problem then. I’ll drive you home.”
A half hour in Sam’s presence? Sounded like heaven, but not a good idea. “Please, you don’t need to.”
