Page 34 of Chasing the Dream

“We’re gonna play some country tunes if y’all don’t mind,” the band member said.

The applause was even louder that time, and someone nearby gave an ear-piercing whistle.

Gabe sat with his arms crossed over his chest, wearing an unreadable expression. No doubt, he was still contemplating what she’d said about working with him. It had been a major slip-up on her part, but she’d said it to get him off her back about Bryan and because it was true. Not that she’d wanted Gabe to know that.

She thought he might be flattered by the compliment, but instead, he looked ornery and confused. Maybe he was still bitter that she’d known what brand of jeans Bryan was wearing.

“You might recognize a few of these songs, so feel free to sing along. If you get the urge to dance, grab a partner and head on out to the dance floor,” the musician said.

There was a brief pause while they picked up their instruments, and Morgan leaned across the table and said, “Levi’s 501s.”

Gabe’s brows furrowed before his mouth split into a wide grin, her favorite kind, the “flirty” kind.

“You noticed?”

She shrugged. “You’ve worn them before.”

“I’ve always worn them.”

“They look good on you.”

“Thanks.”

Satisfied, she sat back and waited for the music to begin, feeling his gaze upon her. She was pushing the envelope tonight, but she’d wanted to set his mind at ease. Yes, she found Bryan attractive. In fact, if the situation were different, she would have been interested in learning more about him. It didn’t matter whether or not he was their client, though, because she couldn’t see past Gabe.

The band started playing an upbeat country tune that she recognized, and she tapped her feet in time to the rhythm. After a few minutes, some brave souls stepped onto the dance floor, and she was watching them when Gabe tapped her on the shoulder.

She was afraid he was going to ask her to dance, but instead, he said, “Be right back,” and motioned to the sign for the restrooms.

She nodded, and after he’d gone, she let out a heavy sigh. She was thinking they should probably leave when someone tapped her on the shoulder again. Turning around, she was surprised to see Bryan standing there.

He leaned in close, presumably so she could hear him over the music. “Having fun?”

“Yes.”

“How was the food?”

“Delicious.”

“Did Gabe leave?”

“No. He’ll be right back.”

She thought he looked disappointed, but then she decided it was Gabe’s fault for planting crazy ideas in her head.

“Are you and he—”

She could tell where he was headed and quickly interrupted. “No. Not at all.”

“Oh, because for a second there, I thought—”

“No,” she repeated.

Just then, she spotted Gabe returning and felt relieved. “Here he comes, if you want to speak to him,” she said in a rush.

“That’s okay. You told me everything I wanted to know.” He gave her a brief smile and then turned and walked away in the opposite direction of Gabe.

“What did he want?” Gabe asked as he slid into his chair.