Page 25 of Thaw My Heart

“Forget it. I don’t want to know.”

I laugh, but he totally does. The spark in his eyes and the blush in his cheeks give him away every time.

“You wouldn’t change your mind,” he murmurs after a moment. “Dancing with me,” he clarifies.

“Is that what you’re thinking about?”

“I don’t have to think about it. I know it’s true.”

He’s trying so hard to be gruff and unfazed, but the emotion dancing in his eyes tells me otherwise. “Whatever you say, Cowboy.”

His rough sigh vibrates between us. “You’re really annoying, you know that?”

I throw my hair over my shoulder. “I’m a one of a kind.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

Moments later, his strong body finally relaxes under my hands. The lights around the room seem to dim as I lose myself in the song and the woman’s unique voice floating around the room. I’m going to need to buy all of her albums after this. Everything about the way she sings and plays the guitar speaks to my soul.

His hand around my waist tightens ever so slightly, and I lean in, following his gentle but firm touch. He smells like minty aftershave and something woodsy that warms me to my core. A smell I’d love to bury my face in. His breath staggers, and everything around us disappears.

Just for a moment, I wonder if maybe he doesn’t hate me as much as he lets on. Perhaps this hatred for me is something else entirely—heat. I wonder if his body is burning for me in the same way that mine aches for him...

But, of course, then the song ends.

The singer announces that she’s taking a short break, and everyone on the dance floor starts to disperse. Except Kit doesn’t immediately release me like I thought he would.

Does he realize that the song has ended?

“Thank you… for dancing,” I mumble.

He nods, slowly taking away the warmth of his arms, calloused fingers grazing along my hip. “Anything for some damn peace and quiet,” he smiles, whispering in my ear before he strides away, making quick distance with those long legs of his.

I laugh, biting my lip. Shamelessly watching him, gawking at how good his ass looks in his blue jeans… wait a damn minute. Did he just smile?

Kit smiled!

I replay the image over and over again, smiling at the vision of Kit Harlow’s genuine smile branded in my mind. Still standing on the dance floor like a dazed moron when a woman’s voice chimes from behind me.

“Hey, are you alright?”

I turn, finding the singer from the stage smiling at me. Silver glitter sparkles on her cheekbones, bringing attention to her eyes—the most beautiful shade of seafoam green.

“Yes, I’m good.” Just sexualizing my hard-ass neighbor.

“I’m Averie,” she offers her hand for mine.

“Sadie.” I take her delicate hand, feeling awestruck by this gorgeous woman standing in front of me. “I—I really enjoyed your singing. You have such a beautiful voice. I can’t wait to listen to more of your music.” Do I sound like an idiot? Because I feel like one.

“Aw, thank you. You’re so sweet.” Averie’s voice is soft and high, like a songbird. Shiny light blonde hair cascades down to her pierced belly button, past a tight jean corset paired with a white skirt and thigh-high tan boots. She’s probably the hottest girl I’ve ever met. “I absolutely adore your boots,” she points at my pastel blue boots.

“Oh, thank you.” My cheeks fill with warmth. “They’re my favorite pair.” I point to her stomach. “I like your belly button piercing.”

“Thanks, it’s new,” she shimmies, showing off the sparkly disco ball attached to it. “I haven’t seen you here before. Are you new in town?” Averie asks.

“Yeah, I just moved here. I’m working at Lone Pine.”

“You’re a cowgirl?” she asks. I nod with a smile. She steps closer, bringing her voice to a whisper. “And, how’d you get Kit Harlow to dance with you?”