Page 33 of Dancing Struggles


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I turn and step away from Leland as Lawson calls for attention.

“Wildcat,” Lawson says loudly, taking Dakota’s hand.

We’ve moved the chairs and tables aside for dancing and mingling. Now, there, right up front, is the big, handsome sheriff, looking at my friend like she’s the goddess she is. Like she’s the love of his life and all I can think is how she deserves this, his love, this man.

I’m not a crier but right now, oh, yeah. My eyes sting and grow hot.

“When you stormed into town and took on everything that came your way, and you looked at me I was lost. I reckon being lost in you is the place to be. Marry me, Dakota, and make me the happiest man ever.”

He gets down on one knee and opens the box in front of her.

Dakota’s hand flies to her mouth and even though she whispers it, her yes is thunder in the room. Her eyes glisten as he slides the ring on; then he gets up and sweeps her into his arms, swinging her around and kissing her.

The room breaks into cheers and whoops and there’s no way I’m losing it in here, in front of my new friends, in my new home.

So, I thread my way through the room and out through the side door for some quiet and air to get myself together.

“Hell of a thing,” says a rich, low voice from the shadows of the side porch.

I go still.

Inside, the music has started again, and there’s loud laughter and chatter. Even above it all I can hear Dakota, full of happiness, and my heart swells.

It has nothing at all to do with the fact Leland had the same idea as me, and as my eyes grow used to the shadows, I can see him, leaning against the railing, looking out to where thebackyard begins, the private area that isn’t for guests. That place he would have kissed me if Dakota hadn’t interrupted.

“The engagement?”

“Yeah. I’ve known Lawson a long ass time and Dakota’s the best thing that’s happened to him.” He turns his head, the moonlight catching his cheekbone, and my heart skips about a thousand beats.

Leland straightens and shrugs off his jacket, coming up and slipping it on my shoulders.

It’s like being engulfed by him. The material is soft and warm from his body. The headiness of his scent curls about me.

“I don’t—”

“Jesus fucking Christ, woman, anyone ever tell you to accept a piece of charity? Not that it’s charity. You just look a little cold and it’s a little chilly tonight.”

Leland is right there, fingers on the lapels, and he tugs the jacket around me a little more firmly.

“Thank you.”

“See? Did that cost you?”

“About one kidney.”

He laughs and drops his forehead to mine. “You’re like no one I’ve met. And there’s something about you.”

My heart starts to hammer as he traces the line of my face with his finger.

“I really want to kiss you, Sarah.”

“Is that the something you’re talking about?”

My words come out almost breathless. A part of me thinks maybe he remembers, but that’s a pipedream, isn’t it? Even if he did, would it change anything?

I raise my face to his and we’re toe to toe. He runs his thumb over my lips.

“Maybe we met in another lifetime.”

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