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“May I have this dance?” I asked, praying to God she said yes.

Her brown eyes widened, and her perfect lips parted, covered in this shade of plum lipstick that made me think thoughts I should not be having about an employee.

“M-Mr. Griffen?” she asked, her voice barely audible over the twangy music playing through the speakers.

“Tonight, you can call me Gage,” I said, taking her hand and spinning her to the music. Her brunette curls flew around her face, catching all the colors from the DJ’s lights, and when she fell into my arms, her eyes were bright, her cheeks flushed.

The song changed, and while the dancers around us shuffled to find new partners, I led her in a two-step. I was a little rusty, but my muscle memory took over well enough. Her soft body molded against mine, making it hard to keep my mind on the steps, on her eyes, looking up at me.

“I still can’t believe you’re here,” she said, a hint of wonder in her voice.

“I can’t believe I am either,” I admitted.

Her eyes were full of questions, so I spun her, giving her a view of the spot where I left Rhett. “See that guy over there? Brown hair, hazel eyes, kinda looks like he’s in on a fun secret?”

I watched her brown eyes track the people over my shoulder and then steady. “I see him.” Her face fell. “Is that your boyfr—”

“Brother,” I finished. Although she had seemed disappointed for a moment... “I haven’t been out in forever, and he’s practically a professional party boy.”

Her laugh warmed the solid hunk of ice in my chest that had formed watching her dance with that childish asshole. “I haven’t been out dancing since the last time Mia dragged me out. Maybe four years ago when I came to visit for my thirtieth birthday?”

“That long?” I still didn’t understand why the hell her husband hadn’t taken her out and shown her off every goddamned night. Farrah was clearly the most eye-catching woman here. She had curves for days and wore this stunning red shirt that drew the eye. Pair that with her contagious smile and... the woman was a knockout.

“Caleb wasn’t much for dancing.” She frowned. I hated that name on her tongue just as much as I despised her frown. Farrah’s lips were made for smiling, and I shouldn’t think of what else. “But you seem to be a natural, Gage,” she said. “Where did you learn to dance like this?”

My first name sounded so fucking good when she said it. “Lots of practice,” I replied, spinning her away from me and then behind my back and to my chest again.

She giggled as I pulled her back to my chest. “Definitely a natural. And are those cowboy boots I see on your feet? I thought you only owned fancy Italian leather shoes.”

“There’s a lot I don’t show in the office,” I admitted.Like how much I want to test the softness of your pillowy lips. Or that I wonder how much of your breasts would spill over my hands.

I knew the whiskey and the dance floor had helped my thoughts to go astray, but I’ve been so fucking careful in the office. It was like all these thoughts were a raging river against the crumbling dam of my self-control.

“Thank you, by the way,” she said, smiling up at me, and I worried she was about to think I was only dancing with her to make her feel better. Instead, she added, “Levi was over the moon about the head coach of the Ropers and their shortstop coming to his practice.”

I gazed over her shoulder, fighting to keep my face even. “Prove it was me.” I hadn’t done it for recognition, but the way she was smiling at me... next time I’d ask Coach Henson to bring the whole damn team.

“You have at least five books in your office of the team’s history.” Her fingers softly grazed the back of my neck. “And the team randomly decides to use their free time at a fairly privileged suburban high school?”

I stayed silent.

“It really did mean a lot to Levi and me.”

I looked into her eyes, wide and innocent. Like she genuinely believed I was a good guy instead of a demanding boss. How could she live with her heart so open, expecting the best of people? After everything she’d been through? “Levi has a lot of potential. I’d hate to see it go to waste.”

“I know! I keep telling him that, but... Wait. How do you know he has potential?” She studied me. “You’ve never seen him play. He could be awful for all you know.”

I steeled myself, knowing I didn’t want to lie to her. “I got curious and watched the live stream of the game Saturday. Coach is a dumbass to keep him on the bench so much.”

“Exactly!” Farrah agreed emphatically. “How’s he supposed to get better in the games without practice? It’s not the same as after school drills.”

I nodded. “You know, I could...” I shook my head. It wasn’t my place.

“What?” she asked.

I let out a breath, knowing I was dancing on the line I should be avoiding. “I could practice with him on a weekend, if your ex isn’t helping him out.”

She blinked quickly as the music slowed to a close. “Wow, Gage that’s...”