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ALLISON

“ W ow, you sure pissed in her Cheerios,” Allison comments, once the woman is out of earshot. Russell grins, nodding. Allison angles toward him. “Why did you turn her down? I figured an unattached guy like you would jump on an offer like that.” Russell looks at her, with a stunned expression.

“Another time, I might have taken her up on it,” Russell answers, with surprising honesty, “but I have found something much better to occupy my time.” Russell holds her gaze, conveying so much with his eyes and calm demeanor.Allison stares at him with wide eyes.

“Unless, you’ve changed your mind?” His face falls as if he just considered Allison might not want to continue what they’d started in her room. Her face flushes with the memories of him between her thighs.

“No, I haven’t changed my mind,” Allison whispers softly, leaning closer, so only he can hear her, licking her lips. Russell’s grin widens, lighting up his gorgeous eyes. She shivers from head to toes, an intense wave of desire washing over her. I wonder how soon we could leave without drawing attention to ourselves.

Seeming to have read her mind, Russell stands, holding out his hand to her. Allison’s eyebrows disappear into her hairline at his bold move. She feels as if everyone at the table is watching them. “Um, what are you doing?” she questions. Her wide eyes darting around to see who all has noticed.

“Dance with me?” Russell’s deep voice rolls over her, creating an eruption of goosebumps over her skin. Allison lifts her gaze to his, seeing desire swirling around in them. She places her hand in his, allowing him to assist her to stand. He leads her out onto a small dance floor near their table.

An older country song, Thomas Rhett’s, Get me some of that, begins to play. Russell pulls her into his embrace. Allison’s hands land on Russell’s strong shoulders. His hands on her hips. She grins wondering how her aunts and cousins will react to the song’s lyrics. Russell begins to move her around the dance floor, keeping a respectable distance between them, much to her disappointment.

“I’d love to pull you closer,” Russell murmurs, leaning his upper body closer so she can hear him over the music. “Feel your sweet body rubbing against mine, but I don’t want to cause your aunts to have a coronary.” Allison bursts out a laugh so loud everyone in the vicinity turns to look at them.

“They would likely run out here to pull us apart,” she smirks up at him. “I’m actually surprised they haven’t already intervened.” She looks to see Aunt Jenny watching them closely. Movement in her peripheral catches her attention. Emma and Curtis along with Straw and Abigail are moving onto the dance floor.

Allison steps closer to Russell. He gives her a look of approval, pulling her into him. His breath ghosts her ear when he begins to sing along. She could get lost for hours in his arms while he sings. The song ends much too soon. She expects him to lead her back to the table, but he doesn’t, even though the next song is a more upbeat dancing tune.

“Just one more?” Russell asks with a grin, reminding her of their first kiss.

“Caveman,” Allison coos, smiling so big her cheeks hurt.

They spend the next several songs dancing and laughing. Allison can’t remember when she’s enjoyed herself so much. Eventually, he leads her back to their table. The blonde waitress is glaring at them, but Allison couldn’t care less. Russell doesn’t even notice. He seems to only have eyes for her, which cracks the shell she’s built up around her heart over the years.

“You guys seem to be having a blast,” Emma comments when they’ve reclaimed their seats. “I’m glad you are getting along so well. I wasn’t sure how pairing up complete strangers would work out, but it seems I’m a master at couple matching.” Emma is grinning proudly. Curtis snorts beside her, earning himself a sharp look, but the woman could never really be upset with him or him with her for that matter.

Allison is pleased for Emma. She deserves to have the love of a good man and Curtis seems to be that man. Although Allison hasn’t witnessed it firsthand, from everything she’s heard from Emma, the man dotes on her like she’s a queen.

What would it be like to have someone love her that way? Her gaze drifts to Russell, who is looking thoughtful, himself. She needs to stop allowing her mind wander like this. She doesn’t want to be hurt, again.