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“You were adorable with a sweet smile and a head full of blonde ringlets.”

“Yeah, I straighten my hair now. Still my natural color, though.” Lacey’s blue-eyed gaze darted to somewhere behind Violet. “I’d better get back to my friends. Nice to see you again, Miss Violet!”

“You, too!” she said. “I hope you’ll keep listening to KGOLD!” No way Lacey heard that. Why had she taken off so fast? Had she said something wrong?

“Boo!”

Violet whirled around. “Now I know why Lacey took off so fast.”

“Lacey’s the girlfriend of one of my soccer players. I seem to intimidate her for some reason.

She probably has a crush on you.“I used to babysit her. I’m feeling old.”

“If you’re old, I’m right there with you. May I have the honor of this dance? We can hobble onto the dance floor together, hold each other up.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” The song the DJ began playing was a slow ballad. Violet angled her head across the room. “Emory’s here.”

A frown creased Hayden’s face. “So? Emory’s also a coach, and she’s a nice woman, but I’m askingyouto dance.”

Don’t blow this, Violet.The voices in her head came from all sides—Dani, Trent, assorted townspeople, even her mother.

Hayden offered his hand and waggled his brows comically. “Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Miss Simmons. This might be your only chance.”

“An ultimatum?”

He sighed. “Is everything one step forward and three steps back with you?”

Get out there, girl!“Only when I dance.” Violet put her hand in his.

Hayden grinned. “Better.” Closing his warm hand over hers, he led her onto the makeshift dance floor. From their first steps, it was clear they were well-matched as they moved easily together. Violet relaxed in his arms, secure in his confident lead.

“So, what’s it like to dance in your high school again? You’re not allowed to say ‘old.’”

She smiled. “It’s brought back memories, but”—she drew in a breath—“it’s more fun makingnewmemories.”

“Excellentresponse.” Surprising her, Hayden spun her away from him. Bringing her close again, he twirled her beneath his arm then back into his arms. The man was smooth as silk. If he hadn’t told her about his accident, she never would have known. He didn’t miss a step, but she had to wonder if his leg would ache tonight or tomorrow. She didn’t want to be the cause of his pain.

“Would you look at that?”

“Hmm?” She felt lightheaded. Somewhere along the way, she’d moved her hand over his chest. He covered her hand with his.Oh, my.She couldn’t very well withdraw her hand without being obvious. Not that shewantedto break the connection.

Violet felt his heartbeat beneath her hand. The moment was almost . . . intimate. If he started quoting Scripture from Song of Solomon, she might just faint.

“Look up.”

Her gaze followed where he pointed. “What am I looking at?”

“The person who hung the streamers did afantasticjob, didn’t they? Look how perfectly they’re draped. Such attention to detail! The symmetry’s near perfection.”

Violet burst out laughing then quieted down when others looked their way.

“There you go, causing a scene,” he said. “Keep that up, and the other men in the room are going to be tapping on my shoulder to cut in.” Hayden’s smile sobered. “You look beautiful tonight, Violet.”

“Thank you.” Her cheeks warmed, and she dipped her gaze. “I’m sure you say that to all the girls.”

“Nope.” He twirled her away then brought her to him again. “No other girls. Not for a long time. It’s humbling to admithowlong.”

“Because of your leg?” She swallowed. “That was less than tactful.”

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