He had no idea what the hell he was supposed to say to her, far too distracted by her pretty smiling lips.
One eyebrow cocked and Charlie broke the awkward silence. “How’s business?”
Ignoring her question, he took the cigar from his mouth, looking down at the glowing tip before rumbling, “Come walk with me.”
Voice thick as the night before, Charlotte whispered, “Sure.”
Matthew grabbed her cardigan, holding it up for her to slip on, doing all the actions of a proper beau where the whole damn barn could see.
Grousing at nearby gawking Eli, Matthew ordered, “Playtime’s over. Get back to work and help Nathaniel.”
And just like that, Matthew was his domineering old self.
A possessive hand on her lower back, he led Charlie out into the cold night air. Other sweethearts were walking in the moonlight, trying to get lost in the motley
collection of cars and horse drawn buggies where chaperoning old women couldn’t keep too close an eye. Guiding her beyond all the nonsense, Matthew led his lady to the edge of the lot so they might enjoy a silent moment and the view.
Stars were glowing, smeared across the sky, and it was clear Charlie was content to sit and look. “They sure are pretty aren’t they, Matthew?”
Looking right at her, he nodded once. “Sure are.”
“You were glaring at me again.” Impish eyes peeked towards him. “Just like at the last barn dance.”
He felt a new surge of annoyance. “I wasn’t glarin’ at you. I was glarin’ at my brother.”
“After living in Monroe for the last few months, I am quite certain I know your glare down pat.”
Matthew bit the words out around his cigar, “You shouldn’t be dancing with all them men. Sends out the wrong idea.”
The smile fell off her face. “And what idea is that? I’m not the only single woman enjoying herself in there.”
“And just who taught you all those new dances?”
“None of your business, Matthew Emerson.” Charlie squared her shoulders. “I like to dance and I aim to do it. There is nothing improper in my behavior.”
“You came here alone.”
She threw up her hands and felt her temper soar. “I’m escorted!”
Matthew felt as if someone had punched him in the gut. “What man brought you here?”
Rolling her eyes, Charlie lost her cool and poked him right in the chest. “Well, it sure as hell wasn’t you. Somehow, I get the impression you didn’t want me to know about this party.”
Tossing his cigar to the dirt, he took her by the arms and demanded, “Answer the question, Charlotte.”
Hurt rang clear in her voice. “Why didn’t you ask me, Matthew? I ain’t good enough to be seen with?”
“I don’t dance,” he growled.
Charlie waved off his excuse. “I’ve danced with you! You’re a better dancer than half the men who partnered me tonight.”
He pulled her flush, holding tight so she couldn’t keep trying to storm off. “And just which one of those men brought you here?”
As if about ready to strangle him, Charlie snarled, “I am chaperoned by Sheriff Cormac and his daughter!”
Rancor softening at the mention of Eli’s girl, Matthew muttered, “Ain’t no local courtin’ you?”
“Oh for Christ’s sake! I thought you were courtin’ me in your piss poor way.”