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Chapter Fourteen
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Baylee’s brain spun as Drew held her close and moved them across the dance floor. Smooth as silk, just like when they’d danced at Kate’s wedding. He’d swept her away from the table before she could respond to his comment. Sure, they’d been flirting. She was smart enough to know that. But he’d said his intention was the hold her forever. What did he mean by that? Was it simply a romantic moment they were caught up in, or was he sending her a hint that he wanted forever? With her.
What if it was? What would she say? They’d agreed to try a long distance relationship. She supported his desire to play ball, but… but… So many thoughts swirled through her head. So many questions without answers. Questions that part of her was afraid to find out the answer to.
“You think any harder you’re gonna hurt yourself.”
She blinked and shook her head. “Sorry. I don’t mean to be so distracted.”
“That’s okay. What’s on your mind, beautiful? Are you worried about someone else taking our picture? As much as I love taking your out for an evening, I’m just as happy hanging out at home with you.”
Home. Was Silver Bay home to him? Or was she? Again, so many questions. Ones she wasn’t going to ask now. No. She wanted a fun night out with Drew and that was what they were going to get. Time to shake off the questions.
“I’m fine. Really. And, no, I’m not worried about pictures. You said yourself it’s part of being with you and… well, I want to be with you.”
She hadn’t noticed his body was tense until he relaxed at her words. His arms still held her close though, making her feel protected, wanted.
“I’m sorry, Baylee. I warned you that being with me would be no picnic some of the time.”
“Picnics are highly overrated.” She gave him her best smile and a kiss for good measure.
“Man, you’re easy on me.”
“Well, you’re quite handsome, and a rather good dancer, which is a bonus so…”
He cut off her words as he pulled her in and kissed her neck before he twirled them another direction on the dance floor.
“Baylee.
It was loud in the saloon but she’d know the voice anywhere. All the joy that had flowed through her moments before washed away. Her body tensed and Drew stopped, holding her tight, sensing something was wrong.
She turned but stayed close to Drew. “Erik.”
Her back was against Drew’s chest, his arms still around her. His grip tightened.
Her ex. Was here. In Garrett’s Saloon. In Silver Bay. The words all registered in her head, but she couldn’t seem to grasp them or make them land anywhere that made sense. Wrapped up in Drew and all the wonderful that came with it, she hadn’t noticed Erik standing there. He looked good. Relaxed. His hands were tucked into the pocket of his jeans, his navy t-shirt tight across his chest.
Funny thing. She’d always thought him as a big guy, but tucked up against Drew, Erik didn’t come across that way anymore. Drew was about an inch taller and although not as thick, definitely in better shape.
She blinked, snapping herself out of her mental comparison of the two men. Why was he here?
Drew took a step forward, one hand reached out towards Erik, the other still keeping a firm hold on her. “I’m Drew MacIntire.”
Erik shook his hand. “Oh, I know who you are. I’m a big fan. I’m Erik. Baylee’s ex.”
Drew nodded then stepped back again, both arms around Baylee’s waist.
“I’m so sorry.” Grateful she found her voice, she smiled at Erik. “I should’ve introduced you two. You just… caught me off guard.”
Erik nodded. “I know. I’m sorry. I just wanted to talk to you and thought it would be better to do in person.”
Surprise turned to concern. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. Everything is great, actually. I just wanted to talk.”
“Um. Here? Now?” Baylee looked around the bar.
