Free Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch by Emma Cane

did not.” He tried to frown his disbelief, but he couldn’t help smiling down into her amused face.
    â€œOh, yes, you did. Doing your duty and dancing with girls who needed partners was the only way you could get away from your angry parents.”
    â€œThat’s not the only reason I danced with you,” he said dismissively.
    â€œOf course it was. You’d been back to your regular dating self again by then, so . . .” She trailed off for a moment and her smile faded. “Sorry . . .”
    â€œBrittany. It was a long time ago,” he said softly.
    And then there didn’t seem to be any more to say. He tried to imagine Brittany at his age, thirty-­three. Maybe they’d have gotten married and had kids. Maybe they’d have gone their separate ways. He’d never know. And she’d never gotten the chance to live her life and find out.
    The song ended, and Lyndsay moved out of his arms. He thought she seemed a little unsteady, and he took her elbow. “Lynds?”
    â€œI’m okay.”
    â€œSpeaking of drunk—­”
    â€œI’m not drunk,” she said, waving a hand. But even that made her stagger. “I might have a slight buzz . . .”
    â€œOkay, time for you to head home. If you drove, you know I’m going to take your keys.”
    â€œI didn’t drive. I live too close.”
    â€œThen I’ll walk you home. I’ll wait awhile before driving myself.”
    â€œThat’s okay. Kate will give me a ride.”
    They both looked around and spotted Kate in Tony’s arms, dancing the next slow dance so closely that a molecule couldn’t have gotten between them.
    â€œKate’s busy,” Will said.
    â€œLyndsay, do you need a ride?”
    Will turned to see a guy he didn’t recognize, looking with concern at Lyndsay.
    â€œHi, Sean,” Lyndsay said, then blinked up at Will. “Have you met Sean? New guy in town. He’s a web guy—­designer.”
    â€œWill Sweet.” Will reached out a hand, and Sean took it.
    â€œSean Lighton. Nice to meet you.”
    But he wasn’t looking at Will—­he was all about Lyndsay, eyes full of concern—­and it was annoying.
    â€œLyndsay, you look like you need a ride,” Sean said.
    She opened her mouth, but Will interrupted. “And that’s why I’m escorting her home.”
    â€œOh. Got it.” Sean gave him a lame smile. “Take it easy, Lyndsay.”
    Will turned Lyndsay about before she could respond, then asked, “Did you bring a purse?”
    â€œIt’s behind the bar. But really, I can get home myself.”
    â€œYou’re swaying—­you do realize that.”
    Her lips parted, but she said nothing. So he took her hand and began to lead her through the dancing ­couples and out into the main bar.
    â€œDon’t worry about your reputation,” she called, chuckling.
    When they reached the bar, he stuck his hand underneath, then handed her her purse, eyeing her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    â€œThe fact that you’re holding my hand and leading me out of here. No one will think anything of it, including your current girlfriend. Who is she again?”
    He’d always liked this side of Lyndsay, relaxed and funny. He led her toward the front door, grabbed his jacket off the crowded hooks, then escorted her out into the dark night, where the air chilled right down. The lightest snowflakes were falling. He shrugged on the jacket. “I’m not dating anyone right now.”
    â€œOh. Caught you in between, I see. That’s kinda rare.”
    She rummaged in her purse and held up a Windbreaker in triumph. The gesture almost tipped her backward until he caught her arm. She pulled the jacket on and zipped it up.
    â€œAren’t you worried about your reputation?” he asked. “That dentist you’re dating might get the wrong