Love Again (Cowboys & Angels 4)

Glancing up, I saw Amelia and Corina on the other side of the glass window, wearing huge smiles.

“I guess my little sister knows more about me than I do.”

Frank looked back at Amelia. “Amelia Parker is one amazing young woman. I have to admit, I was a bit sad to hear she was married. I know her through a mutual friend of ours, Lanny Miller. Lanny and I were in the same dance company.”

“I used to babysit Lanny!”

We both laughed.

“Waylynn, you are an incredibly talented dancer. Amelia tells me you were with the New York City ballet.”

“I was.”

“And a Rockette?”

“I danced with the Rockettes for a bit, as well. That was a lot of fun.”

“What made you stop?”

I thought about my answer. “I thought I wanted a different dream with a man I had met. I ended up marrying him, and it turns out he wasn’t a dream at all.”

Frank grinned. “So you’re still in search of your dream man?”

A strange warmth filled my body. Glancing at my feet, everything felt perfectly clear. “No. I believe I’ve found my real dream, at least the beginning of it.”

His brows lifted. “I’m opening a dance studio in Oak Springs, and I’ve met someone who has sparked something new inside of me. I just needed to take the blinders off. Thank you for letting me use your studio and dancing with me. It felt amazing.”

“I’m glad I could be of help.”

I smiled. “You wouldn’t be interested in a teaching job, would you?”

“In small town America? Hell, no!” We both burst out laughing at his honesty.

“Seriously though, thank you so much. I hadn’t realized how long it had been since I strapped on my shoes and let go. I needed it.”

“I may not be interested in teaching, but I’d sure love to be a guest dancer—with you—if you’re open for that.”

“Yes! I’d love that.”

Standing, I shook his hand once more. “I should get going. I bet they’re starving.”

“It was a pleasure, Waylynn. You’re welcome any time.”

“Thanks, Frank.”

I changed out of my shoes and pulled my phone out of my bag. I didn’t want to talk to Jonathon over the phone. I needed to talk to him in person.

Me: I’m in San Antonio with Meli and Corina. Can I call you later?

He didn’t respond right away. As a matter of fact, I didn’t hear from him at all. Not even by the time we had gotten back to Oak Springs and Amelia dropped me at home.

Before I got out of her car, she reached for my arm. “Everyone’s planning on heading to Cord’s Place tonight. You want to go?”

“Everyone?”

“Yeah, Mom and Dad are watching Chloe and Gage. Please come.”

“Let me see what Jonathon is doing and I’ll let you know.”

“I talked to Cord earlier. He said that Jonathon and Dustin were planning on being at the bar later tonight.”

My chest squeezed. “Okay. Well, then, I guess I’ll see him there.”

She nodded. “Have you called him?”

Peering at my phone, I replied, “I sent him a text saying I wanted to talk. He hasn’t answered.” I shrugged. “I think I’ll head to the dance studio and check on the floors.”

Amelia gave me a sympathetic smile. It was my own damn fault. I had pushed Jonathon away…again.

“Talk to ya later. Thanks again, Meli! I had a great afternoon.”

“Bye. Love you, sis!”

As I walked into my house, I tried to push away the dread that was taking root in my chest.

Sitting on the sofa, I closed my eyes. My voice barely above a whisper, I spoke his name, willing him to call me.

“Jonathon.”

The only thing that followed was silence.

Chapter Eighteen

Waylynn

Cord’s Place was packed. Not surprising for a Friday night. The music was playing and there wasn’t an open spot on the dance floor.

“Wow! Why is it so packed in here tonight?” I yelled, following Paxton and Amelia. Corina was pulling up the rear.

“What did you say?” Corina hollered.

Stopping, I faced her. “Why is it so packed tonight?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. Mitchell texted and said they’ll be here in a few minutes. I guess they were plowing one of the pastures.”

Paxton pulled on my shirt. “Cord saved us a table close to the bar!”

I gave her a thumbs up. Perks of knowing the owner.

When we finally got to our table, Cord appeared. “Evening, ladies. What are we drinking?”

“Water for me!” Corina shouted.

“Coke for me,” I added.

“What’s wrong, big sis?” Amelia asked. “You still hungover from last night?”

Rolling my eyes, I replied, “Something like that, smartass.”

Cord pointed to Paxton and Amelia who ordered beers.

Amelia was bouncing in her seat, itching to get out on the dance floor. “Where are the guys? I’m dying to go dance.”

“Want to dance? I’ll dance with you,” Paxton said.

My sister jumped up, grabbed Paxton, and pushed her way through the crowd.

Corina and I both laughed.

“The girl likes her country dancing.”