For just one night.
Grant jogged around to the driver’s seat and started the car. The drive to Miller’s Tavern was a short one. He asked about Ben on the way, and Sara entertained him with a funny story about his kindergarten class. By the time Grant turned into the bar’s parking lot, the conversation was flowing, and they’d shared some laughs. The SUV’s wheels rolled over the gravel and rocks as he searched for a parking spot.
“Who are we going to hang out with tonight?” Grant asked.
“Umm, Hailey Bridges will be there. She owns the salon in town now, along with Kensie. Hailey’s significant other is Rhett Rhodes.”
His brows arched. “The high school bully?”
“Reformed. He’s actually a really nice guy. Works at the high school now.” Sara started ticking people off on her fingers. “Millie from the bakery and her fiancé, Luke St. Clair. I’m not sure if you know the others. Catalina Garcia and Westley York might be there. Maybe Everly King and Austin.”
“No, those names don’t sound familiar.” Not surprising, considering he’d been gone from Hidden Hollows for ten years.
Grant parked and got out. He circled the vehicle and opened Sara’s door. She flashed him a beautiful smile. “I’m getting the full date treatment.”
“Nothing but the best.”
He extended his hand to help her out. She hesitated, then slipped her hand into his. The warmth of her touch arced through him. Sara’s grip tightened a bit as she climbed out of the vehicle.
Grant fully expected her to release his hand once she was on the ground, but Sara didn’t. Instead, she interlocked their fingers. They crossed the parking lot. Loud music spilled out of the tavern. Several people mingled on the front porch. Sara waved to a woman Grant didn’t recognize.
Inside, the place was packed. A mass of people mingled on the dance floor and near the bar. It smelled like peanuts and beer. Sara craned her neck, then pointed to a table. “Oh, there are some of our friends from high school.”
He recognized a few faces. Others he couldn’t place. They joined the group at the table and Sara made the introductions. Everyone greeted him enthusiastically.
Rhett gave him a good-natured grin. “Hey, Grant, I saw the photographs of you on the library website. You look fantastic in a cape.”
The whole group laughed, and Grant mock glared at him. “Don’t make me take you down, Rhodes. Cuz I will. Cape or no cape, I can still kick your behind.”
The group laughed again. Grant pointed a finger at Sara. “Word of warning to all of you, don’t volunteer to help this one out with anything. She’ll make you wear the most absurd things.”
Her mouth dropped open. “That’s not true. You didn’t have to wear a costume on Friday.”
“No, I had to sing some ridiculous song about the planets.” He winced, remembering it. “The poor kids. I can’t carry a tune to save my life.”
She laughed. “They all loved it.”
Everyone at the table ribbed Grant some more. Sara shared about the library party and The Dixie Kings performance. In spite of Grant’s warning, everyone at the table volunteered to set up, break down, or work the event. They were excited to help out.
It was all coming together for Sara. Grant was happy for her and proud to have played a small role in helping to make it happen. She deserved every ounce of joy the world had to offer.
A new song came on, the tune upbeat and catchy. Sara clapped her hands together. “Oh, I love this one.”
He slipped an arm around her waist. “Then let’s go dance.”
The two-step came back to Grant without much effort. He twirled Sara, and her dress flitted around her legs. By the end of the song, her cheeks were pink with exertion. Another song came on, and they kept going. It was too loud to talk, but Grant didn’t care. Being with Sara was effortless. He loved seeing her smile and laugh.
She made him feel good. Grant hadn’t felt good in so long, he’d forgotten what it was like. He found himself imagining a life like this. Staying in Hidden Hollows, fixing cars, and date nights with Sara. Weekends spent cooking at her house and playing games with Ben. Baseball games, school events, bills, and responsibilities. It should’ve made Grant panic, but it didn’t. Probably because a part of him had been longing for it from the first day of his arrival back in town.
They exited the dance floor when the song shifted into a line dance. They slid up to the bar and ordered soft drinks. The time slipped away until it was after eleven. Sara yawned and hid it behind her hand. “Sorry. It’s been a long day. Actually, it’s been a long week.”
“Ready to go home?”
“If you don’t mind.”
He set his coke down on the bar. “Not at all.”
They said goodbye to their friends and then headed into the cool night air. Sara drew closer to him, and Grant took her hand. He liked touching her, liked the way she felt next to him. “Did you have fun?”
“Tons.” She arched a brow. “You’ve been holding out on me, Grant. Where did you learn all those fancy steps?”
He chuckled. “My buddy Boone—that’s the guy whose brother is in the Dixie Kings.” She nodded and he continued, “Boone likes honky tonks. Drags me to one every chance he can. I’ve picked up a step or two along the way.”
She was quiet for a long moment. “I guess the women must love you. Good looks, charm, dancing skills—you probably have to beat them off with a stick.”
There was a tinge of something in her voice he’d never heard before. Was it jealousy? The thought sent a warm rush through him because it meant she cared. But Sara had no reason to be jealous. No woman would ever match up to
