Sorrow filled him as he muttered, "When are you leaving?"
Her nose wrinkled when she said, "Who said anything about leaving?"
"You."
"Did not." She stared with concern over her friend's mental state.
"You said you need a fresh start." He leaned against the chair, his hands resting on his legs.
Exhaling and looking to the ceiling, Caitlin shook her head as she spoke. "Garrett, if you had let me finish my conversation before jumping to any conclusions, you would have heard me say, I want to do it here." She focused on Garrett as she learned into the table.
"Oh." He scrunched his face making the wrinkles around his eyes more predominant. "Sorry." He now leaned against the table. "What can I do to make you forgive me?"
Caitlin rubbed her chin, while mischief danced in her eyes. She began counting on her fingers as she listed things to do. "The house needs a fresh coat of paint. Misty needs a new barn. The fence needs mending." When his hand went to his heart, she snickered. "May I have a dance?"
"My pleasure." He offered his hand and then escorted her to the dance floor.
In his arms, in this town surrounded by friends and neighbors, Caitlin knew and understood love. Love was not the solution to her dilemma, but it helped ease the burdens surrounding life. Answers still eluded her as to her future, but faith and tenacity would prosper, and in time an answer would show itself. After a few dances Caitlin bowed out for a glass of punch. She got lost in the old-time music until someone bumped her. "Watch it," she said, looking to see if any punch landed on her dress.
"Sorry," the man said. One look left her mesmerized, because she was eye level with his chest. The rippling muscles and rock hard abs showed through his light blue dress shirt. His slim waist showed in the khaki plain front pants. When she mustered the courage to look into his face, she saw a bronzed, chiseled face that was more intriguing than handsome. He held secrets in those features and she wanted to unravel each one, especially the scar under his left eye.
His gaze remained focused on her, never wavering. She wondered if this man ever blinked those hazel eyes spotted with glints of gold. Did those gold specks hold magical powers, because suddenly she had forgotten her name?
"Dance with me," he said. When his hand touched her arm, nervous energy ran through her veins leaving her excited and jittery. He and Garrett were worlds apart. Garrett's touch offered warmth and love. This man left excitement and fear running through her body. She tried to say no, but one look into his eyes and her brain scrambled. He led her onto the dance floor as if he held a string that was attached to her.