“No, I mean, we’re trying to fool Neal into thinking ” she sounded out of breath and paused to take in air “-that we’re serious about each other: Her face felt hot, and she started rearranging bottles in an already neat supply closet.
“Are you saying that wasn’t real?”
Dallas turned to face her. “Well, I-“
“Dallas Wade, you’ve fallen for the guy. It’s written all over you. Go ahead and blather on if you want, but there’s a look in your eye that definitely wasn’t there yesterday. And from the way he just kissed you, I’d say it’s a mutual attraction.”
Dallas’s shoulders sagged. “I don’t know, Amber. I think I’m in over my head.”
“You?” Amber’s brown eyes sparkled. “Must have been quite a night.”
Dallas felt her flush returning.
“I just knew it!” Amber crowed. “There’s something about the way he carries himself that practically shouts what a good lover he’d be. Have you noticed how he draws women to him? He could have anyone in this place, but you snagged him. Good going, girl.”
Dallas sank back onto the arm of the swivel chair. “I could be making the biggest mistake of my life. He’s a bounty hunter, Amber. A soldier of fortune. He admitted he lives for adventure. He’s probably attracted to me because I have Neal Parnell following me around. Once I’m not in danger, I’ll be dull and boring and he’ll move on. “
Amber gazed at her thoughtfully. “And I take it that would bother you?”
“That’s what’s scaring me. I doxi t want him getting to me like that.”
“I think he already has.”
“Life used to be so simple: Dallas rubbed her forehead’I used to know exactly what I wanted-to own a business, maybe even franchise someday, live in the country and raise purebred dogs. If the right guy came along, he’d be icing on the cake.”
“And not the main ingredient in the batter.”
“Fxactly.” Dallas glanced up at her. “I swore I’d never be that vulnerable. We hear it in country songs all the time-“I’m nothing without you; “I can’t live without you; and on and on. I hate that idea.”
“But love can make you feel that way,” Amber said gently.
Dallas skipped away from the word, but it kept flashing like neon in her mind. “Then who needs it?” she said finally in frustration. “Why trade our independence for an emotion that puts us at the mercy of some guy who will probably run off and leave us?”
Amber put down her manicure tray and sat in a chair opposite Dallas. “This is partly my fault. I told you to ask Gabe about your problem. Sure, I thought you two might get it on, but you always seem to handle things so well. I thought if anything you’d be the one to break his heart. I guess I never imagined you getting hurt. I’m sorry. “
Dallas smile felt forced. “I’m a big girl. I didn’t have to go to bed with him.”
“If I’d been in your shoes, I would have. He’s gorgeous , Dallas. I don’t blame you for flipping out. But what if you’re wrong about him? Maybe he’ll end up making a commitment.
“Amber, he told me he woxi t even keep a dog because of his life-style.”
“Oh.” She frowned. “I see your point: Then she turned and glanced toward the pool tables where Gabe whipped a cue stick forward, scattering balls in a powerful break. His back to Amber and Dallas, he leaned across the table for his next shot. Amber sighed. “Nice buns :
‘
Dallas looked away from the tempting sight of Gabe’s backside. “I’m well aware of that fact.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Cut some hair.” Dallas pushed herself up from the chair. “We have customers approaching.”
THE NqGHT SEEtvqED endless. Thankfully Neal was totally engrossed in Beth, so Dallas didn’t have to deal with him. His preoccupation with the waitress made it seem even less likely that he’d been the prowler who had set Gretchen off the night before.
About ten o’clock the stream of customers had slackened off, and despite all her misgivings about their relationship, Dallas longed to be with Gabe. She glanced out to where he sat at the bar, an untouched mug of beer in front of him. Apparently he’d been watching her, because he raised his glass in salute before taking a sip.
“Take a break and go see him; Amber said.
“Yeah, that will sure help: ‘
“Go see him. People change their minds about things. And whether you want to be or not, you’re hooked, so why not spend time with the guy?” She gave Dallas a little push toward the door. “Go on.”
“I suppose.” Dallas adjusted her hat and walked toward the bar.
Gabe watched her approach, his dark eyes glinting, a small smile on his face.
“You haven’t been out on the floor tonight, she said as she drew near. As busy as she’d been, she’d kept track of him, and although the usual number of women had asked him to dance, he’d turned them all down, to her immense satisfaction.
“I’ve been waiting for you; he said, rising from the stool.
“Oh, well, I didn’t mean that we ” She realized a line dance had begun. “Do you know this?”
“You can teach me.”
When she hesitated, he took her hand and led her to the floor.
Dallas knew the song and the dance, which was why she’d hesitated. The song was about making love, and the dance-the Tush Push-included suggestive hip movements to match the words. But Gabewas already lining up with the other dancers, and she had to coach him or they’d be run over.
“Like this;’ she demonstrated. Gabe stuck his thumbs through his belt loops and followed with the fluid movement that had carried them ttvough the magical waltz. But this dance was a different story. She got him through the kicks and foot stomps. “Now pump your hips like this .”
He iznitated her perfectly, and her mouth went dry at the sight of his lean hips moving in the rhythm that had brought her such pleasure hours before. A dancer bumped into her as she stood staring at him.
She quickly got back in step, and then realized Gabe had slid to the next movement without being told.
“You knew this already!”
He grinned and continued the dance. “I liked the way you demonstrated it;’ he said as they whirled into the next phase.
“That’s unfair!”
“All’s fair in love and war.” He spun away from her.
And which is this? The music pounded at her. Love. Love. Love.
They moved in perfect synchronization. His body lured her with every swing of his hips, and she paid him back in full with suggestive rotations of her own. Each time he caught her glance, his eyes promised that this was only a pqelude to what they’d enjoy later. Her blood pumped in time with the staccato beat of the music as the lyrics asked when they would be making love. Soon, said his eyes. Soon, she silently replied.
She was so involved that she almost missed seeing Neal standing by the rail surrounding the dance floor. But Gabe didn’t miss him. She saw his body stiffen as his gaze locked with Neal’s. Gabe didn’t miss a step, but Dallas could sense the power of that single glance, feel the hate pulsing between the two men. Then Neal turned his head, and his blue eyes blazed as he glared at her.
In an instant the sexy dance took on a sinister tone. The fun of taunting Gabe vanished as she realized Neal had been watching every sensuous move. He gripped the rail, his jaw clenched and his full lips curled in disdain
“I have to get back; Dallas said and left the floor, sick dread curdling in her stomach.
CAUTION AND CONTROL had guided Dallas her entire life, yet she couldn’t grasp the concepts now. When Gabe took the truck keys from her as they walked to the parking lot that night she relinquished them and allowed him to drive home. When his hand reached for , hers across the seat, she slid her fingers unresistingly through his.