Tutus & Cowboy Boots (Part 2) Read Free Page B

mingle until the place is packed and the
band begins to play. As the first few notes are played, I cringe at
the thought of line dancing and watching other people attempt to
dance. I see the look on Jade’s face and know what is about to
happen. I take a deep breath as she pulls me from Barrick and onto
the dance floor.
    I have no idea what I’m doing, so I watch
for one eight count and join in. It’s ridiculous how simple all of
these dances are, and when I wink at Barrick he’s smiling from ear
to ear. I decide to give him a little bit of a show and sway my
hips seductively when we get to that part. When the next song
plays, I watch the count and join in again. Jade and I are having
an amazing time but after the song ends, we head back to the guys
who are smiling like crazy.
    Barrick
    Damn, I am one lucky guy. Watching Cadence
sway her hips in that short dress is driving me crazy. She sure
knows how to put on a show. After everything that happened
yesterday I wasn’t sure what to expect, but seeing her dance and
laugh with Jade makes me happy. I just hope this isn’t the calm
before another storm.
    I wrap my arms around Cadence’s waist once
she reaches me. “I thought you hated country music,” I whisper to
her.
    She smiles. “I definitely don’t like it, but
with Jade, I couldn’t resist.”
    “Are you sure it was for Jade?” I smirk.
    She just shrugs and we talk until the band
takes a break. When the DJ plays a non-traditional country song,
Cadence gives me a look. “Is this country? It doesn’t sound like
it.”
    “Yeah. Do you like it?” I ask her.
    “It makes me wanna do this,” she says as she
rolls her body in one fluid motion.
    Hot-oh-mighty. Without saying anything, I take her by the hand
and lead her to the dance floor. She shakes her head no, but I
won’t let her escape. I look directly into her eyes and she gives
in. We begin to move together and I realize we are the only ones on
the dance floor. For the first time in my life, I’m thankful Jade
always teaches me the newest dance moves because right now it’s
paying off big time. As the song continues, I’m aware that others
have joined us, but all I see is Cadence. When the song ends, I
pull her in close to me. “You’re amazing,” I say to her as she
tries to avoid looking me in the eyes. I lift her chin so her eyes
meet mine. “You. Are. Amazing,” I say once more and just as I’m
about to kiss her, I hear the downbeat of the drums and she jumps.
“You want to take a break from this for a minute?” I ask, knowing
we have a few minutes before midnight.
    “This” —she gestures between us—“no, this
country music, hell yes!” Without another word, I take her by her
hand and lead her to the side door of The Loft. As I push the door
open, the cool winter air envelops us. We pause at the railing and
I wrap my arms around her to keep her warm as we look up at the
clear night sky.

Chapter 4
    Cadence
    Chills run through me and it’s not just from
the cool air. I’ve gone from despising Barrick to being unable to
breathe when he’s near me. The one thing I’m certain of is that I
don’t want to share him with anyone else.
    As I stand gazing at the stars, wrapped in
his arms, I finally feel at peace. We don’t say a word until we
hear the lead singer announce that it’s five minutes until
midnight.
    “Come on, let’s go back
inside,” he says as I feel my clutch begin to vibrate. I quickly
unfasten the clap and check my text. Dad. I pause to read the message and
Barrick looks at me with confusion.
    Dad: Cade, I hope you made it home okay. I’m
sorry I haven’t called, but I couldn’t let this year end without
telling you how sorry I am for how things ended here but no matter
what happens, I will always love you.
    “It was a text from my dad,” I state while
putting my phone away. I have no intentions of replying.
    “What did he say?” Barrick questions.
    “Just trying to make himself feel better and
wondering if