Shane looked at the time on his cell. “I’ve got to go.” He leaned over and kissed Belle again. “I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you, too, but you’re leaving me in good hands.”
Corey liked the sound of that, though he could still sense some hesitation in Belle. No wonder, given what he’d learned from Shane. He would make it his job for the rest of the evening to make sure she had a good time.
“Take good care of our girl, bro.”
“You know I will.”
Shane left.
He put down his beer and grabbed her hand. “I want a dance with the most beautiful woman in Destiny.”
Belle smiled and glanced around the room. “Where is she?”
“You know exactly where she is, sweetheart. She’s right in front of me.” He kissed her, relishing the taste of her lips.
Her face was flushed. “I’m not going to argue with you about the most beautiful, but I do suggest you go see an eye doctor.” She laughed and ran to the middle of the dance floor. “What are you waiting for? I’m ready to dance, Mr. Blue.”
Stepping up to her, he wrapped his arms around her. “Let’s show them how it’s done.”
He spun her around the dance floor and loved how good she was on her toes. “You sure know how to move your pretty feet, darlin.’”
“And so do you, marshal.”
They stayed out on the dance floor through a ton of songs, back to back. He hadn’t had that much fun…ever. Belle’s smile thrilled him.
He grabbed her hand. “You’re out of breath. Let’s take a break.”
She nodded, and he led her to some chairs in a far corner.
“Would you like another drink, sweetheart?”
“I’m fine, but I wouldn’t mind taking a drive, Corey. Back up to your parents’ place.”
“To the lookout? I’d be glad to, but why? Aren’t you having a good time?”
“I am. I’m having a wonderful time, but I just would like to see it at night. I’ve got a lot on my mind and Shane told me how being there helped him get perspective over his troubles. Problems don’t seem so big when you’re looking at those mountains surrounding Destiny.”
Problems? Was she still worried about not using protection?
“Sure. Let’s go.”
* * * *
Belle leaned her head against Corey’s shoulder.
The sun had set and the outside temperature was quite chilly. He’d left his truck running and the heat on, so they were nice and toasty.
“I love it here. I can’t imagine how wonderful it must’ve been growing up in Destiny.” She gazed down at the town, which looked like little points of light that were also reflected on the lake’s still surface.
“Shane, Phoebe, and I have wonderful childhood memories. What about you and Amber? You told me and Shane about losing your parents when you were in high school. I can’t even imagine how hard that was. What was your childhood like?”
She loved how sweet Corey was being. “Our mom and dad were very loving. The best.”
He kissed her hair. “I’m sure they would be proud of both their girls.”
“I miss them very much.” She locked her fingers over his hand. “It’s hard for Amber, too. She was only a couple of years younger than me when they passed away. We’ve clung to each other ever since. I try to be there for my sister in every way I can, but it’s not the same as it would’ve been had my parents lived.”