Finally about rune-thirty he snapped the pool cue “don’t dance? I find that hard to believe: back into its holder and opted out of the next game. He “No, I can dance. But I doxi t think dancing is neccouldn ‘t wait for Dallas to come to him, after all. Par-essary to our conversation: ‘
nell could easily try something tonight, and she needed “It’s the most private place I can think of.” His lips
” to be prepared for it. He’d talk to her, whether she curved. No one can overhear you if you keep movwanted to listen or not. He turned toward the salon anding “
stopped abruptly. She was qvalking in his direction. At
“All right.” Darn her silly heart, beating like crazy last. as he took her hand and led her to the polished wooden floor. His touch was firm, the skin on his fingers slightly chapped. She liked that work roughened feel, had never quite trusted baby-soft hands.
A two-step was in progress, and he whirled her into his arms with practiced ease. His hand against her shoulder blade exerted just enough pressure to guide her into the rhythm. She rested her left hand lightly against his collarbone, keeping several inches between them, although he didn’t try to maneuver her closer. The flannel of his shirt teased her palm with softness as he moved in time with a Clint Black song. As if they’d been partners for years, they danced unerringly around the oval floor, her bare legs brushing the denim of his jeans.
His scent reached her-a woodsy fragrance mingled with the tang of beer. His hand was warm against her back. She leaned back just a little, and he supported her. Safe. That’s what she was feeling, for the first time in days.
Startled by the emotion, she glanced into his face, and the illusion shattered. She wasn’t safe with this man. When she looked into his eyes her pulse leaped and her throat went dry. He’d offered to help protect her from Neal Parnell, but who would protect her from Gabe?
The music ended, but he still held her firmly in his arms. Before she could suggest they leave the floor, a waltz began. Gabe moved into the flowing rhythm as if born to it.
Dallas sighed involuntarily. She’d forgotten how much she loved to waltz. And this man knew how to do it. Long, languorous strides carried her through the dip and flow, lift and whirl. Her cares slid away as he led her smoothly, never miss inga step, never allowing her to falter.
“You wanted to talk?” His breath feathered her ear.
She glanced into his knowing eyes, her lips a fraction away from his. “Not yet.”
A spark kindled in his dark gaze. His grip on her shoulder tightened and his lead became more forceful. On a swell of music they soared-swooping like hawks riding the desert wind. She would give a great deal to have this go on… and on.
But the music ended and she gazed at him with regret Another two-step followed, and with a slow smile he urged her gently backward in the familiar six-count movement.
“I love to waltz; she confessed, keeping her eyes focused on the curve of his shoulder.
“So do I.” His deep voice, so close, drew a tremor of reaction from her.
“I suppose you know Neal followed me to the icecream store today.”
“I know.”
“I’m not admitting he’s anything more than a nuisance “
“That’s your privilege, although you’re wrong.”
She took a steadying breath. “Maybe we shouldn’t have this conversation: She shifted as if to move out of his arms.
“Stay.” His grip tightened slightly, but she could feel the restrained power and knew that if he really wanted to hold her there she’d be unable to get away. “Please.”
She glanced up at him. “What’s your stake in this?”
“I told you. I don’t like to see slime like Parnell get away with intimidating women.” The lines of anger bracketing his mouth made him look capable of avenging all the wrongs of the world.
“Well, Amber told me I should get some help.”
The angry lines softened, and he looked down, deliberately capturing her gaze. “Here I am.”
She had trouble breathing. Here I am. Three simple words. Ah, but how they complicated her life. This rough, tough bounty hunter scared her to death. She , didn’t want to need him, didn’t want to need anyone , but it seemed at the moment she had no choice. “What-” She stumbled over the question, hating to ask it of anyone, least of all this man. “What do you th_ ink I should do?”
“For starters, let me check the security on your trailer.”
“My locks are fine.”
“I’d like to make sure.”
Well, she’d asked for his help, and she wasn’t an expert on locks. In his line of work, he probably had to be. “When?”
“Tonight, if possible: ‘
She hesitated. Maybe Dave liked his handshake and Amber liked his buns, but Dallas didn’t know Gabe well enough to be alone at night in an isolated trailer with him.
As if reading her thoughts, he spoke. “I can give you the numbers of two bail bondsmen I’ve worked for. They’ll vouch for me.”
“Tonight?”
Gabe chuckled. “They call me at all hours. Besides , they’re both night people. They’ll be up.”
“All right. I’ll call.” And if he checked out okay , which she guessed he would, she would be alone tonight with this man who made her skin tingle wherever he touched, who made her completely forget herself as she whirled in his arms on a crowded dance floor. What would happen when they closed the door on the world?
Nothing. This man was too hot to handle. If she ever gave up a small measure of her independence to someone , it wouldn’t be some vigilante type who thrived on drama and danger. She wiped all emotion from her face before she met his eyes again. “I’ll let you know when I’ve contacted your references.” She could tell by the slight falter in his gaze that he’d noticed her subtle rejection His expression closed down.
At that moment Neal tapped on Gabe’s shoulder. “My turn, buddy.”
Gabe glanced over his shoulder and Dallas felt him stiffen, but he didn’t interrupt his rhythm. “No: ‘
Neal shoved a pair of dancers aside and followed. “Hey, I-“
“Sorry.” Gabe ground out his denial as he placed himself between Neal and Dallas. In seconds they’d danced away from where Neal stood, face distorted with fury.
Dallas gratefully accepted the man8e of Gabe’s protection as it settled over her. Like a fool she’d imagined Neal’s obsession with her had ended, but she’d been wrong. Everything Gabe had predicted so far had turned out to be true. And Gabe thought Neal was a rapist. Dallas turned away from the thought. Gabe hadn’t heard the testimony, and he, like most people, was ready to believe the worst of someone like Neal.
Still, she was very glad Gabe hadn’t allowed Neal to cut in. “Thank you; she murmured.
“Anytime.” His tone had become impersonal and instead of holding her gaze, he glanced toward the hair salon. “I doxi t know if you’ve noticed, but Ambeqs up to her eyebrows over there. Two guys are waiting, and a third just walked up.”
Chagrined, Dallas broke away from the circle of his arms. “My God, I never take this long a break: ‘
He caught her arm as she started from the dance floor. “Let me give you those numbers : ‘
“Oh. Of course: With the way he’d championed her on the dance floor she felt less need for references, but checking them would be the prudent thing to do. She waited while he pulled a card and a pencil stub from his back pocket and scribbled on the back before handing it to her.