Page 72 of Seaside Cowboy's Marriage of Convenience

“But you’re still a mystery,” she added, attempting to regain her balance. “Besides this charity ball you organize every year, you’re rarely seen in public. You’ve dated several celebrities in the past, but the relationships didn’t last. Are you married to your job?”

His lips curved up. “I’m only engaged to it, and now I’m considering breaking that engagement.”

At that moment, the music stopped, and a sharp stab of disappointment surprised her. She lingered in his arms longer than she should have. Then she forced herself to step away, pleased disappointment reflected in his eyes, as well.

“May I have the next dance, please?” He seemed reluctant to let her go. “I won’t ask you for your name. Unless it’s Cindy Ella.”

Her mouth curved up. So he’d caught her hint. Then she reminded herself to dim her smile. “I need to step out to make a call. Remember, you stopped me from doing so before?” She didn’t need to make a call, but she needed to move the cheese from his grasp while he was still hungry.

Hmm, she was going to have cheesecake tonight. Her mouth watered.

He led her across the dance hall back to where they’d started. “Then I’ll be waiting.”

She lingered for a few moments, watching him. He didn’t invite anyone else to dance but chatted to a white-haired lady who looked about eighty and her stooped, balding, but smiling partner.

Not just one but three men asked Rachel to dance now. Her rating had gone up once people had seen her dancing with Tex Lawrence.

She declined, then walked outside the room and, several minutes later, outside the building. The dress felt suffocating, so fresh air wouldn’t hurt. And she needed Tex to be missing her.

Apparently, she wasn’t the only one who needed some fresh air. A woman in a golden lamé dress and matching shoes was scrolling on her phone. Maybe this spot had better Wi-Fi? Rachel stepped into the shadows to give the woman privacy.

Then a man in a gray suit with a silver mask walked to the exit. After he’d passed the woman, her diamond necklace no longer shimmered on her neck.

Rachel’s eyes widened. “Stop! Right now!” Now shereallywished she had her gun!

The woman looked up, her expression puzzled, but the man took off running. So did Rachel.

“Don’t leave yet!” Tex’s voice hit her in the back somewhere from the balcony.

She cringed, though a part of her went excited. Such not great timing! She pumped her legs. She was a good runner due to daily runs, but if high-heeled shoes were designed for legs to look great in, they weren’t designed for running. Tex might have teased her as a thief, but now, a real thief was going to get away!

Well, not on my watch.

She squeezed her teeth.

“Cinderella at least left her shoe!” Tex shouted behind her. He didn’t catch up with her. Clearly, he was no stranger to the gym, but he must pump iron and not exert his legs on a treadmill. Plus, she was already much ahead of him.

She kicked off her shoes to run faster, snatched one, but didn’t have time to pick up the other because the man had already disappeared around the corner. She didn’t consider leaving her shoe hygienic, romantic, or even safe, but she didn’t have a choice.

Breathing fast, she rounded the corner.

And was met with gunfire.

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THE END