Page 44 of Owned By The Cowboy

“Maybe he’s just a decent human being.”

“Oh, I’m sure he is. I’m just saying, it’s interesting timing. You come back to town, suddenly single, and Blayne starts playing family man. Makes a person wonder.”

“Wonder what?”

“Whether you two have been… reacquainting yourselves.”

I’ve had enough. I stand up, grabbing my purse.

“I’m going to go dance with my daughter and Blayne. Enjoy your evening, Jennifer.”

I walk away before she can respond, but I can feel her eyes following me. Great. By tomorrow morning, half the town is going to think Blayne and I are secretly dating.

Which we are, but that’s beside the point.

I find them on the dance floor, Annalise standing on Blayne’s feet again while he spins her slowly in circles. She sees me approaching and waves.

“Mom! Come dance with us!”

I smile, relieved.

“Come on,” Blayne says, extending his free hand to me with a wink and one of his devastating grins. “One dance.”

So, that’s how I find myself in the middle of the school gym, slow dancing with Blayne Madison while my daughter stands on his feet between us. It’s ridiculous, and sweet, and absolutely perfect, and when the song ends, I realize this is what I want. This feeling, this sense of family, this man who treats my children like they’re special.

“Okay,” I say, stepping back. “I should head home. Let you two finish your special evening.”

“Do you have to go?” Annalise asks.

“Yes, baby. This is your time with Blayne.”

“But what if I need you?”

“You won’t need me. You’ve got the best dance partner in the room.”

“Promise you’ll be here when we’re done?”

“I promise. I’ll be waiting right outside when the dance is over.”

I give her a quick hug and a kiss, then look at Blayne.

“Take care of my girl.”

“Always,” he responds, his solemn tone making my chest tight.

I leave them to head outside, where the cool night air feels good against my hot skin. I’m supposed to go home and wait, but instead I find myself walking around to the side of the building, where there’s a small garden area with benches.

I sit and try to process what happened in there. The way Blayne looks at Annalise, the way he included me in their dance, the way it felt like we were a real family…

This is dangerous territory. I’m falling for him, and worse, my kid is falling for him too. Annalise obviously adores him, and even Jaylen and Nia have warmed up to him. We’re building something here, something that feels real and lasting.

But what happens when he realizes what he’s signed up for? What happens when the reality of dating a woman with three kids settles? What happens when he decides this is too complicated and walks away?

I’m so lost in my thoughts that I don’t hear footsteps until someone sits down next to me.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

I look up to see Blayne settling onto the bench next to me, his suit jacket slung over his arm and his tie loosened.