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The gravel outside crunched with the arrival of a truck. No sleek sedan for me tonight. I peeked through the curtains and watched Jacob step out of his company truck, one long leg at a time. My heart almost stopped. He was a stunning man, so much more than the boy I’d loved.
He reached back into the truck and grabbed a Stetson off the dashboard. Holding the brim, he put it on his head, tilting it roguishly over his eyes. Sensing that I was watching, he looked up at me with a mischievous grin. My smile grew. Tonight, he did look all cowboy.
His boots clomped on the outside steps.
I opened the door before he had a chance to knock. A slow smile spread across his face. His eyes crinkled as if he knew I wanted him as desperately as he wanted me.
“You’ve rendered me speechless.” His voice was low.
I smiled and twirled around for him, allowing him to take in my carefully chosen outfit.
He reached out for me, pulling me toward him. His palm flattened against my back. “Snaps?” I nodded. He released me and stepped back to get a better look. His knuckles grazed my cheek, gently caressing me. “I think you’ve ruined me.”
I stepped away and grabbed my faux-fur shrug from the hook next to the door. “Oh, goodness. I hope not. I have big plans for you.”
A laugh erupted from him. “Thank God!”
He went down the stairs first. I was careful not to trip in my snakeskin boots.
When I reached the bottom step, he grabbed me and carried me to the truck, my feet dangling, my arms wrapped around his neck. I snuggled in and kissed him just below his ear.
“Don’t start that darlin’ or I’ll be taking you right back up those stairs and we won’t come out for days.”
I whispered in his ear. “Promises, promises.”
His chest rumbled against mine.
He held my hand as we drove into town. Simple and sweet, and full of anticipation.
The bar was already filling up by the time we arrived. After leaving our coats in the coat check, Jacob grabbed my hand, pulling me through the crowd.
He bounced to the beat of the music as he maneuvered us to the bar. Friends greeted us, slapping him on the back, and leaning in to hug me. I was seeing Jackson with a whole new lens—a carefree, laid-back, no-stress lifestyle accented with friendly smiles and happy people.
Jacob leaned against the bar, ordering two club sodas and lime. “I don’t want you taking advantage of me later,” he said, as the bartender turned to make our drinks.
“Cheeky, cheeky. Who are you?” I shook my head.
He smiled with teeth and didn’t answer me. This relaxed Jacob was even more endearing than the focused, determined football player of our youth.
The live band finished a song, and the smiling, happy people on the dance floor, clad in jeans and western shirts, clapped enthusiastically. The band quickly broke out into a line dance number.
Tapping my foot, I gazed at the group of people doing a combination of turns and boot kicks. I glanced up at Jacob. He raised his eyebrows, and jerked his head toward the dance floor. He shouted over the music, “Ready?” Not waiting for an answer, he dragged me through the crowd.
We were caught up in the energy of the room. Twirling and laughing, I tapped my heel with my hand and then turned in the other direction. Once, I pivoted in the wrong direction and bumped up against Jacob mid-stride. Capturing me in a hug, he held on to me, carrying me through the dance while I grinned with happiness.
Hours passed, chatting with friends, dancing, a tequila shot every now and then. My hair was sticking to the back of my neck, wet tendrils curling on my bare shoulders. Jacob and I separated less and less frequently, holding on to each other, even during the fast songs.
When the band covered Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl,” I pulled away from his embrace. Jacob sang along to the lyrics while I teased and shimmied in front of him.
Reaching out his arm, he pulled me up against him, hard. In my ear, he growled, “Let’s go.”
My skin flushed. “I need to use the ladies room. I’ll meet you at the bar.”
In the bathroom, I put a cool towel on my face and looked at my reflection in the mirror. Sparkling eyes stared back at me. My face was flushed. I giggled and washed my hands before returning to the bar.
With one hip cocked out, Jacob was leaning into a girl on a stool next to him. His hand was on her hip.
A flash of jealousy and panic rushed through me.
