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“I’m glad.”

“She’s also pretty sly. Getting us to dance together.”

“Well, you weren’t making the first move.” She batted her eyes at him and he chuckled.

“Miguel’s dad had filled up your dance card.”

“He is pretty light on his feet.”

“And I’m a big oaf?”

“I didn’t say that! You’re doing just fine.”

“Just fine?” Coop got a determined look in his eye and then clutched her tight and twirled her around the dance floor, his steps fluid and graceful and, well, she had no clue he could move like that.

Her head fell back as they swayed and turned to the rhythm, Taylor keeping step with him. It was exhilarating and thrilling, soulful beats living inside her head as she danced. She got lost in the music, in him, and her smile couldn’t spread any wider across her face.

The music ended on a high note, and her head snapped up, coming within an inch of Coop’s face. So close his scent became hers. So close if she’d tugged just a little bit on his neck, their lips would meet. She fell into the blue brilliance of his eyes, so inviting, as if to saycome, stay, be.

If only.

Coop seemed lost too, his breaths ragged, his skin heated. He glanced at her mouth, and she parted her lips. He inhaled deeply and was about to bring his mouth to hers. But then he blinked. And in that blink, she saw his retreat. Saw the way his eyes hardened a bit. He was running. Backing off. She expected it.

And she wasn’t giving up.

“I think I need some air.” She waved her hand, fanning her face. Even though it was spring, she felt the heat down to her toes. “Take a walk with me?”

“Ah…sure. Just let me check on Cassie.”

“Cassie is with your dad.” She gestured to the photo booth. Cassie was wearing a purple feathered boa around her neck and had just wrapped Grandpa Joe up in a red one.

Coop laughed. “Better him than me.”

“Well, we’d better make a run for it, before she nabs you too.”

“Good idea.” Coop placed his hand on her back and led her away from the party.

They walked past peach trees twinkling with starry lights to the orchards beyond, the golden hues of sunset guiding their way.

“I love it here,” she said.

“The orchard is pretty darn beautiful this time of day. And you look just as beautiful, Taylor. I meant to tell you that earlier.”

“But you were too busy avoiding me.”

“I wasn’t avoiding anyone,” he said quietly.

Taylor’s eyes narrowed. He was clueless how obvious he was. “Really? I thought we were friends?”

“We are. We’re more than friends.”

Her eyebrows went up. Was he finally admitting something?

“We’re old friends.”

She slugged him lightly in the arm. “Speak for yourself, old man.”

“Now I’m an old man?”