Free Second Dance Cowboy (Second Chance) by Rhonda Lee Carver Page A

gave my son life and he gave me a reason to live. He motivates me to be a better person. I just wish his father felt the same way.” Her blood ran cold.
    “What happened? You did marry him, right?” he asked.
    “When I got back from New York, Richie had already left for his tour with the band. I had gone back and forth whether I should tell him about the pregnancy. When Ollie was two months, Richie came back and I couldn’t hide his son. One night over a pizza and sparkling wine, he asked me to marry him. I said yes and the rest is history.”
    “I don’t need to know your ex to nail him as a jackass,” he growled.
    “Why?” she asked.
    “Because he let you go.” Sincerity filled his eyes and her chest tightened.
    Standing up, she went back to the counter. “Why did Cassie come to see you? Or is it any of my business?”
    “She said we needed to speak. She wanted to explain her relationship with Dante.”
    “And did she?” Peyton knew women and one showing up unexpectedly was suspicious.
    “ She wanted to clarify that she never meant to hurt anyone or cause trouble. I didn’t want to hear any of her excuses.” He got up and came to stand next to her at the counter. He leaned on elbows and his arm brushed hers, sending a warm tingle through every muscle. What is happening to me ?
    Dillon was happening.
    “Did Dante send her?” She subtly shifted her body, pulling away from the skin contact. Another touch could make her do something crazy, like rubbing his hand or touching the small white scar above his left eye, smoothing her fingers along the toned muscles hiding underneath the thin shirt. Her pelvic muscles throbbed as her panties moistened. She was in trouble. Beyond any doubt, she wanted him, craved his body naked next to hers, to feel him inside of her.
    “He didn’t know she came.”
    “Huh?” She attempted to stay focused. “Oh, okay, that’s serious. Why wouldn’t she tell him she was coming?”
    “H ell, I don’t know. Once upon a time, I thought I knew her. I’ve realized I never knew her at all.” He looked frustrated. She knew what he needed, and she could give it to him. Over and over again.
    She cleared her throat. The A/C wasn’t working fast enough. “What are your plans, Dillon?”
    “My plans?” One dark brow curved.
    “Are you wanting her back or are you plotting revenge?”
    “She’s with my brother and I’m not a revengeful person,” he said.
    “Sounds a bit like revenge in telling her you’ve found someone else. But it’s okay, as long as you understand what drives you. If it’s to spark the flames, that could be bad. If it’s because you’ve been hurt and you’re moving on, then you’re forgiven.” She remembered how she’d felt when Richie left. She’d wanted him to feel her pain, but a man like her ex didn’t feel emotion unless it evolved around himself. Exes sucked. That was something she had in common with Dillon.
    “So it doesn’t make me a bad guy?”
    “Not at all.”
    “Do you have plans next weekend?” he asked.
    “ Uhh…depends…”
    “Dante and Cassie’s engagement party is Saturday. I don’t want to go, but I figure this is one-step in letting go and moving on. Will you go with me?”
    “ As reinforcement?” Going on a date with Dillon didn’t scream horrible, yet she still wanted to tread carefully.
    “As my date. After all, you and I are dating, right?” He winked.
    He was doing this for an impression. Her excitement faded—some. “I need to check my plans. There’s a possibility I have a hair appointment.”
    “Oh, I see.” The area between his brows creased.
    “I’m kidding, but I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
    “I’ll be a perfect gentleman. Maybe I’ll even get a second dance?” He smiled and her heart ticked faster. Question was, could she trust herself to behave?
    “I’ll think about it.” She didn’t want to appear eager.
    “ I understand. I’ll call you in a few days. Okay?” He headed to