Free Christmas at Twin Falls by Tressie Lockwood, Dahlia Rose

others. If Cody wanted to be a bore, he could do it alone. Falling into line with everyone else, she whooped along with them. After that craziness, she didn’t lack for partners, and Cody didn’t return to her side. She caught a glimpse of him cornered by several women and frowned.
    “We can’t have that,” someone said to her left. “A beautiful woman should not frown at a party.”
    She whirled to face the man she’d seen earlier. His blond hair and blue eyes would have been hot even without the broad shoulders, but there was also insincerity in his bearing. Still, she wasn’t there to find a boyfriend, so he might be fun.
    “Are you offering to help me enjoy myself?” Flirting came easy when it meant nothing.
    “I will make it my duty.” He put his hand out, and she took it. They whirled into a dance to the next song, and like she’d done with Cody, this man moved close to her. She retrieved her hand from his grasp and spun around as if it were all a part of her dance. He chuckled, and she knew he wasn’t fooled. “Matt Granger. You are?”
    She missed a step. So this was the guy that made Cody bring her to the party.
    Matt raised his eyebrows. “Did my reputation precede me?”
    “Um, no. I’m Kaleena. Kaleena Morgan. Good to meet you, Matt. Should I be worried about your reputation?”
    He drew her closer with a hand at her waist. “Only if you mind me stealing your heart.”
    Full of ourselves, aren’t we? “Oh, I think I’m good.” She tried getting space between them, but he didn’t allow her to go far. Not that she didn’t enjoy the strong hands and big build of a sexy man, but Matt seemed too confident, like she should fall at his feet and beg him to take her. Not happening, pal.
    At the end of another song, Kaleena fanned herself. “It’s getting pretty hot in here.”
    “Can I get you a beer?”
    “I’m not really a beer person.”
    “Punch then?”
    “Sure, thanks.” She decided to follow him and see if she could get a napkin to wipe down her forehead. Stepping outside might not be a bad idea either. She watched him get her punch and took the offered cup. A sip of the oversweet but ice cold drink helped. Kaleena scanned the room for Cody.
    “If you’re looking for your date, he’s over there.” Matt pointed him out talking to yet another woman. From Kaleena’s angle their bodies looked like they touched, and Cody didn’t appear put off. Bastard.
    “Oh, he’s not my date. Come on. Let’s dance.” She dragged Matt onto the floor again, and he didn’t seem to mind. When he drew her in close until her hips just brushed his upper thighs, she let him. While most people appeared to move in one spot, she and Matt shifted positions. If she didn’t know any better, she would suspect him of dancing her nearer to Cody on purpose. When the cute little pixie hanging on Cody stood on her tiptoes to whisper something in his ear, Kaleena had had enough. “Mind if we get some air?”
    “Sure.” Matt led her through the throng, her hand in his. They found their coats and stepped out into the cold winter night. Kaleena hugged herself and shuffled from one foot to the other to generate some heat. Matt led her to an area at the side of the building where a wall blocked off most of the wind. “Better?” he asked.
    She nodded, grateful to him. “Thanks.”
    He rubbed palms up and down her arms with brisk movements. “Why does that thanks sound like surprise? Did you assume I’m the kind of man who thinks only of myself?”
    “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions. I don’t know you, but I think you know Cody, right?”
    He hesitated, but she held his attention. “Cody and I were rivals in school. Sometimes I got the girl. Sometimes he did. Simple as that.”
    “Hm.”
    “That answer it for you?” He reached up to touch a strand of her hair. She resisted ducking away. His answer explained why Cody didn’t want Matt to take her to the party. Their old competition thing