Dinner was wonderful and Taylor talked to Harley and Brock, Jane and Mitch, aware of Troy’s arm resting lightly along the back of her chair. Now and then his hand would move to her back, and he’d touch her, a soft caress to the middle of her back, a light touch at her nape and she’d tingle and burn.
It didn’t feel like a first date or a Valentine Ball. Being with him was exciting and yet somehow familiar. She was strangely comfortable with him. Had they known each other perhaps in a different life?
Taylor darted a glance at him as Jane and Mitch headed off to the dance floor.
Troy smiled at her. “Yes?”
“Just wondering if you were doing okay.”
The corner of his mouth tugged. “I’m alright. And you?”
“I’m alright, too.”
He lifted her hand, carried it to his mouth and kissed her palm. “Do you want to dance?”
“Not if you don’t.”
“I’m happy being with you. Don’t care if its here, or on the dance floor--” he broke off as Taylor stiffened. “What’s wrong?”
“Judge McCorkle,” she whispered, nodding at the couple approaching. “I don’t like him.”
Troy looked from the judge and his wife to Taylor. “Why not?”
“It’s... personal.”
“Did he say something to you?”
“I’ll tell you later.”
There was no time to say anything else as Judge McCorkle and his wife were upon them. Troy rose, and Taylor more reluctantly. The judge ignored her but greeted Troy effusively.
It was Troy who introduced Taylor to Mrs. McCorkle. “Sarah, I don’t know if you’ve met Taylor Harris.”
“No, I haven’t,” Sarah McCorkle answered. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“She’s the new librarian,” the judge boomed.
“Yes, I know,” his wife answered.
“How is your brother?” the judge asked, fixing his narrowed gaze on Taylor. “Staying out of trouble?”
Taylor squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “How thoughtful of you to remember him.” She smiled at the judge, a wide dazzling smile, thinking she’d kill him with kindness. “I will be sure to let Doug know you asked about him.”
And then Troy saved her, wrapping his arm around her and squeezing her close. “If you’ll excuse us, this is our song. We have to dance.”
“Now?” The Judge said frowning.
“Yeah, now.” Troy kissed the top of Taylor’s head. “You remember how it was when you fell in love. You’d do anything for your girl.” And then Troy took her hand and, with their fingers laced, drew her after him onto the crowded dance floor.
It was a slow song and when Troy found a spot for them he pulled her into his arms. “You don’t like Judge McCorkle,” he said, settling a hand low on her back.
She shivered at the touch, thinking it was delicious to be held so securely. “No,” she said, tipping her head back to better see Troy’s face. “And I appreciate you standing up for me, but you didn’t have to tell him we were in love—”
“I was just speaking for myself.”
Taylor blushed. “We’re not in love.”
“Again, speak for yourself.”
Taylor didn’t know where to look. “You’re not in love with me.”
“No?” He gazed down at her. “What else do you want to tell me?”
“I mean, I appreciate you going to bat for me...” Her voice faded as she got lost in Troy’s blue eyes. “But there’s no way...” She frowned. “Is there?”
His head bent and his lips covered hers. “No,” he murmured against her lips. “No way am I going to let you go...”
Chapter Twelve
A half hour later Troy and Taylor wound their way through the crowded dance floor back to their table.
Taylor was breathless as she sat back down in her seat. Troy had loosened his black tie. His cheekbones had a lovely dusky color. He was so incredible. Handsome, witty, kind, sexy...
He should be out of her league.
He was out of her league.
But she’d stopped caring or trying to prove anything. She just wanted to feel, and feel good, and right now she felt amazing. This entire night was amazing. And maybe Troy was exactly her type. “That was so fun,” she said fanning herself and reaching for her ice water. Her heart was beating fast. “I loved it. What a great DJ. He’s got everyone dancing.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen my brother Brock dance before,” Troy said, signaling the server that they wanted another drink. “It’s great to see him so happy.”